Napoleon
Bonaparte is a name that has been talked about all around the world for
hundreds of years. We know of Napoleon today because he has left a lasting
impact on the world. This one man is still discussed and studied today because
of his bold accomplishments that benefitted Europe. During his time
Napoleon had a lot of power, and controlled a large portion of Europe along with some land in the
Americas and Africa. Overall Napoleon Bonaparte benefitted Europe in its
economic, social and political systems, and a lot of his ideas influence Europe
even today.
Napoleon achieved many things in his lifetime that helped the economic system
in Europe. He restored economic prosperity when he controlled prices,
encouraged new industry, and helped to build new roads and canals. Napoleon
also managed to establish the Bank of France which balanced the budget and
undertook big public works programs. These changes made by Napoleon effected
a lot of Europe and the changes were beneficial to the European economy.
Not only did Napoleon change the economic system in Europe but he influenced
the social system in Europe. Under his rule French armies eliminated serfdom,
got rid of titles of nobility, ended privileges from the church, took away trade barriers,
and stimulated the industry. Napoleon stole important artwork and great amounts
of money from Italy during the French revolution, which may have sparked new
inspiration for art in France. Napoleon also established the Institute of
Egypt, which led to studies of ancient Egypt while he invaded Egypt. During his
invasion of Egypt Napoleon also reorganized the government. In a primary
source from Madame de Stael, a woman who was exiled from the country under
Napoleons rule, she describes Napoleons government "What particularly
characterizes Bonaparte's government is his profound contempt for all the
intellectual riches of human nature: virtue, dignity, religion, enthusiasm; in
his eyes they are the eternal enemies of the
continent.'" She describes how she dislikes Napoleons system of
government but his government actually showed Europe that intellectual riches
aren't everything, this affected the whole social system in Europe, and we
still remember this today, not only in Europe but all over the world. The
Headley brothers observed that most of France accepted Napoleon and his ideas
because he was "as a friend of human liberty, and eager to promote
the advancement of the race, by opening the field to talent and genius, however
low their birth, he was infinitely superior to all sovereign's who endeavored
to crush him." Many Europeans agreed with Napoleon because this idea gave
skilled people an opportunity to be successful, instead of high class people. This
shows why so many Europeans accepted Napoleons ideas and why he was so successful.
Along with economic and social systems in Europe Napoleon also influenced the
political systems of Europe. He was able to double the size of the nation when
he sold the Louisiana territory to the United States and this led to the
American expansion. Under Napoleon more citizens had access to education and
rights to property than before. He also created a meritocracy which benefitted
skilled people instead of those who had high social standing. A French soldier,
under Napoleons command named Marshal Michel Ney describes his respect, and love
for Napoleon and the changes he had made. The soldier says "The times are
gone when the people were governed by suppressing their rights. Liberty triumphs
in the end, and Napoleon our august emperor." This shows how Napoleons
changes to the government were mostly beneficial to his people, apart from for
a few exceptions.
Napoleon
was very successful across Europe and his ideas left a positive impact on the
continent. He used his power for mostly good reasons that benefitted Europe in
their political, economic, and social systems, and therefore left a positive impact.
Picture Citation:
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-v2FGiGIpAIe5zjo7wbe6HEVqUSxk1Yd7-lLK-rfLYdkToo0CX58WyCz01hT0lVpK9La6Pi_JwjbhsB1WX5fVPqDDpl_2rHtUmiCdUesyR6fK372ozQ4K-InjHUPcq1Q2DHT4NHipC9I/s1600/659642-napoleon_bonaparte_1_large.jpg
No comments:
Post a Comment