Question

Absolutism and Revolution Assignment

Objectives
Describe characteristics of government and the rights of citizens under Napoleon’s rule in France.
Compare and contrast the causes and effects of the American Revolution and the French Revolution.
For this activity, answer the following questions.

What did the Napoleonic Code have in common with the principles of the Enlightenment?
Write a paragraph comparing the changes in government after the American and French revolutions. Include information on each country's constitution and government role.

Answer 1

1. The Napoleonic Code, also known as the French Civil Code, was a comprehensive set of laws that consolidated and simplified the legal system in France. It had several similarities with the principles of the Enlightenment, including the emphasis on rationality and equality. The code abolished feudalism, established legal equality among citizens, and protected individual property rights. It also recognized the importance of merit over birthright, which aligned with the Enlightenment idea of social mobility. The code emphasized individual rights, such as freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and the right to a fair trial, all of which were also central principles of the Enlightenment.

2. The American and French revolutions resulted in significant changes in government, but there were key differences between the two. The American Revolution aimed to establish a government based on the principles of democracy and individual liberty. After the war, the US Constitution was created, which established a federal system of government with checks and balances, and protected individual rights through the Bill of Rights. The Constitution created a system of government with three branches - legislative, executive, and judicial - and limited the power of the federal government to prevent tyranny.

In contrast, the French Revolution aimed to abolish the old order and establish a republic based on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The French government underwent several changes during this period, including the establishment of a constitutional monarchy and the reign of terror under Robespierre. However, after Napoleon came to power, he established an authoritarian regime with himself as emperor. He centralized power and limited individual rights, although he did implement several legal reforms, including the Napoleonic Code.

Overall, while both revolutions resulted in significant changes to their respective governments, the American Revolution established a more democratic system of government, while the French Revolution resulted in a more authoritarian one.

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