Final answer:
Napoleon manipulated his public image to gain support, using art and reforms. However, his hypocrisy and harsh actions led to a loss of support and the rise of nationalism, contributing to the fall of the French Empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The animals believe that Napoleon is dying because he has ingested alcohol and thus exhibits what they interpret as symptoms of a serious ailment. As a result of this scare, Napoleon decrees that the consumption of alcohol is to be punishable by death. He changes his mind after he recovers and no longer feels the immediate threat to his health, indicating the decree was driven by personal fear rather than overall concern for animal welfare on the farm.
What did Napoleon do to gain the support of the French people? Napoleon adeptly manipulated his public image, including using art to convey power and sound judgment, as seen in his instructions for an equestrian portrait by David that depicted controlled power. Also, the Napoleonic Code and centralized government reforms provided a more egalitarian social system, which gained him support.
How did Napoleon lose the support of the French people and the French empire? The hypocrisy of his 'egalitarian' empire became evident, especially in the looting of occupied territories. Furthermore, his harsh methods, including the execution of prisoners and the poisoning of his troops, tarnished his image. These actions, combined with the growing sense of nationalism that his occupation stimulated, undermined support for his regime.
Nationalism began during the French Empire as people in occupied territories embraced their unique identities, rejecting Napoleon's French-centric universalism. This shift in self-perception among conquered peoples helped contribute to the dissolution of the Napoleonic Empire.