Napoleon Bonaparte Despot Analysis

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Napoleon Bonaparte should be considered a “benevolent despot” to a near-full extent because while some may argue that Napoleon’s political actions were solely based on self-empowerment due to him limiting the voice of the people, it is important to note that Napoleon’s regime was designed for the purpose of benefiting French society as a whole by implementing various French Revolutionary ideals such as the promise of equal rights amongst all citizens. Hence, through incorporating such ideals, Napoleon was able to gain the support of his subjects, and therefore was able to further expand his empire. Lyons, Martin. Napoleon Bonaparte and the Legacy of the French Revolution. London: Macmillen, 1994. Print. Women and the Napoleonic code written …show more content…

Changing Lives: Women in European History Since 1700. Lexington, M.A: D.C. Heath, 1989. Print. Napoleon Bonaparte and the Legacy of the French Revolution written by Martyn Lyons in the year 1989. Lyons purpose for writing this article was to inform the audience of the significance of Napoleon’s rule. The article argues that Napoleon’s regime was the fulfillment of the “bourgeois” of the French Revolution. This source supports the argument of my big thesis because it depicts Napoleon as upholding the French Revolutionary ideals of the “bourgeoise”. Such ideals included the abolition of aristocratic privilege, which subsequently aided in providing equality amongst all citizens of France. The article also goes on to illustrate Napoleon’s strict codes against corruption and favouritism within the French Government. In addition, it is also stated in the article that Napoleon’s policies placed great importance of public affairs being dealt through strict regulations, as opposed to being at the mercy of a Monarch's whim. Therefore, this reflects the French Revolutionary ideal of Liberty as the French citizens were no longer under the clemency of the Monarch. Thus, this supports the argument of my big thesis by showing the French Revolutionary of liberty and equality being incorporated within Napoleon’s …show more content…

The articles goes to express the importance of civil rights for every Frenchman, regardless of their social status of condition. Napoleon’s installments of these articles also incorporates the virtues of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, which places public equality as an utmost necessity. Thus, Napoleon’s action of preserving the French revolutionary ideal of equality through the Napoleonic code, supports the argument of my big thesis. Bonaparte, Napoleon. Soldiers of My Old Guard. Fontainebleau: Napoleon Bonaparte, 1814. Speech. Soldiers of My Old Guard was a speech given delivered by Napoleon in the year 1814. The speech which was directed to the soldiers of Napoleons guard, in order to thank them for their devotion and services which started from the very moment he stepped into power, and ended with his exile. This source supports the argument of my big thesis by revealing the compassionate side of Napoleon. Moreover, the document also glorifies napoleons reign as the Emperor of france, by indicating his various victories, which helped expand the French Empire. The speech reveals the joyous emotions of Napoleon as he reflects upon his time as emperor. Thus, through the portrayal of Napoleon as being a compassionate leader, my argument of Napoleon being a Benevolent leader is further

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