Last week, I wrote about the French Revolution, because it’s Regency and because tyrants never really change - and left you hanging as Napoleon began his rise to power.
Napoleon Bonaparte remains one of history's most debated figures, celebrated for his military prowess and criticised for his autocratic rule. While his achievements brought modernisation to France and reshaped Europe, his actions revealed a tyrannical streak that contradicted the ideals of liberty and equality he claimed to celebrate when he persuaded the French army to follow his lead.
Where did he lead them? Into a coup d'état. There's absolutely a reason we use these French words as shorthand for a brutal, bloody seizure of power (or a refusal to cede power, as the case may be).
From Corsican to French General:
Born in Corsica in 1769, Napoleon's early life was marked by a tension between his Corsican identity and French rule. Despite his initial nationalist sentiments, he moved to France at the age of nine to pursue his education. Excelling in mathematics and military sciences, he became a lieutenant in the French artillery by age sixteen. When the French Revolution erupted in 1789, Napoleon's military career took off. His successful defence against a British invasion at Toulon showcased his tactical brilliance, earning him rapid promotions. By age twenty-four, he was a general.
Rise to power & the Consulate:
Napoleon's decisive action against royalist forces in 1795 made him a national hero, leading to his command of French forces in Italy. His campaigns against the Austrian Empire were marked by significant victories. His popularity soared as his troops plundered and sent wealth back to France.
In 1798, he led an ambitious campaign in Egypt, but with his forces stranded by the British, he returned to France. In 1799, leveraging his popularity, Napoleon executed a coup, establishing the Consulate and positioning himself as the leading power in France. He wrote a new constitution that, while allowing for elections, concentrated power in his hands. Project 1804, if you like.
Emperor Napoleon:
With his power secure, Napoleon declared himself Emperor in 1804, marking the end of the fledgling French Republic. His military campaigns continued, solidifying his dominance over Europe.
A stable genius:
These 'genius leaders' are more common that we realise - as are megalomaniacs and Napoleon is believed to have been one.
Napoleon's brilliance as a military strategist is undisputed. His victory at the Battle of Austerlitz and other campaigns showcased his ability to achieve stunning victories. These military successes cemented his reputation as a tactical genius, with his methods still studied in military academies today.
However, Napoleon's ambition for power grew alongside his accomplishments. His desire to dominate Europe (not to mention his crowning himself Emperor), signalled a shift away from the democratic ideals that propelled him forwards in the first place.
Sound familiar yet?
The (autocratic) Napoleonic Code:
Napoleon introduced significant reforms that left a lasting impact on France and beyond. He centralised the government and introduced the Napoleonic Code, a legal framework that promoted equality before the law.
However, these reforms also exposed his authoritarian side. While progressive in general democratic aspects, the Napoleonic Code reinforced the subordination of women, binding them legally to their husbands and curtailing their rights. This stark contrast with the revolutionary ideals of liberty and equality underscored Napoleon's patriarchal and authoritarian inclinations. Prior to the Napoleonic Code for example, women had been permitted to enter schools and universities as students. This access was far more restricted under the new emperor than it had even been under the previous monarchy.
Democracy, it seems, was made for men, not women - and colonists, not the colonised. Napoleon also brought back slavery.
The return of slavery in 1802:
Perhaps the most condemned aspect of Napoleon's rule was his decision to re-establish slavery in French colonies, reversing the abolition made during the French Revolution in 1794.
This act was primarily driven by economic interests and demonstrated Napoleon's willingness to compromise human rights for imperial ambition. The reinstatement of slavery remains a significant blemish on his legacy, highlighting the extent to which he was prepared to sacrifice revolutionary principles for personal gain.
It should be noted that slavery had not been considered 'positively legal' (i.e. there was no law that absolutely permitted slavery, nor forbade it), in England since 1772, though the slave trade was only outlawed in 1807 and officially abolished in 1833. In this sense the 'modernised' France was considered regressive.
Defeat & exile:
Not all Napoleon's campaigns were successful. His attempts to conquer Spain were met with relentless guerilla warfare, and his ill-fated invasion of Russia in 1812 resulted in catastrophic losses. The French army was decimated by harsh weather and logistical failures, forcing a devastating retreat.
These defeats eventually led to Napoleon's downfall. In 1814, he was exiled to the island of Elba, and the French monarchy was restored.
Briefly.
Briefly?
Yes, briefly. You'll notice I pause this lengthy post in 1814 - but our anti-hero's story is not yet over. You know what they say about autocrats: If at first you don't succeed...
...yes, this is a warning.
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