Final answer:
Napoleon was enlightened in the sense that he adopted Enlightenment principles such as legal equality with the Napoleonic Code and religious tolerance with the Concordat of 1801. However, his authoritarian rule, censorship, and manipulation of elections also reflected non-Enlightened, dictatorial tendencies, aligning less with democratic ideals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question 'How was Napoleon enlightened?' refers to the period during which Napoleon came to power and the influence of Enlightenment principles on his actions. With the backdrop of the French Revolution, Napoleon distinguished himself both as an adherent to some Enlightenment ideals and as an authoritarian ruler.
Napoleon and the French Revolution
Napoleon rose to fame during the aftermath of the French Revolution, a period that introduced radical changes in the French society and governance, reflecting Enlightenment ideas. As a military leader, he benefited from the revolutionary changes, such as the end of the traditional noble hierarchy and the rise of merit-based appointments.
Reforms and Enlightened Principles
Napoleon's introduction of the Napoleonic Code reflected Enlightenment principles, promoting legal equality and rational laws. His Concordat with the Pope in 1801 reinforced religious freedom, aligning with Enlightenment ideals of toleration for religious minorities. Moreover, the establishment of lycées and the secular curriculum also reflected Enlightenment thinking with its emphasis on reason and education.
Autoritarian Tendencies
However, Napoleon's rule also had a darker side. He eventually crowned himself Emperor and exerted control over a vast empire, exhibiting signs of megalomania. Many of his actions, such as imposing strict censorship and manipulating elections, were far from the democratic ideals of the Enlightenment. Thus, while he did carry forward some Enlightened policies, he was also an authoritarian dictator.