Question

What impact did the rise of napoleon have on the success of the French Revolution

Answer 1

Explanation :

The rise of Napoleon Bonaparte had a significant impact on the success of the French Revolution. Here are some key ways in which Napoleon influenced the revolution:

1. Consolidation of Power: Napoleon's rise to power marked the end of the French Revolution's chaotic period. He established a strong central government in France, which brought stability and order after years of political turmoil. This allowed for the implementation of reforms and the solidification of revolutionary principles.

2. Codification of Laws: Napoleon introduced widespread legal reforms, most notably the Napoleonic Code, also known as the Civil Code of 1804. This unified and modernized the legal system in France, providing citizens with a comprehensive set of laws that promoted equality before the law and individual rights. The Code continues to have a significant influence on legal systems around the world today.

3. Expansion of Revolutionary Ideas: Through his military conquests and the establishment of the Napoleonic Empire, Napoleon spread revolutionary ideas across Europe. The French Revolutionary ideals of equality, nationalism, and liberal reforms were exported to the regions under French control, leading to the weakening of monarchies and the emergence of nationalist movements.

4. Reversal of Some Revolutionary Ideals: While Napoleon implemented aspects of the revolution, such as meritocracy and legal equality, he also centralized power in himself and his family, crowning himself Emperor in 1804. This marked a departure from the principles of popular sovereignty and democratic governance that were initially central to the revolution.

5. Reestablishment of Stability: The French Revolution had brought about significant political, social, and economic change. However, it also led to internal divisions, violence, and economic instability. Napoleon's leadership helped stabilize the nation, restore order, and provide a sense of direction. This stability allowed the revolution's accomplishments to continue and prevented its complete reversal.

In summary, the rise of Napoleon had both positive and negative effects on the success of the French Revolution. While he consolidated power and brought stability, he also deviated from some of the revolution's original ideals. Overall, his impact on French society and Europe was profound and continues to be studied and debated by historians.

Answer 2

When the French Revolution came, Napoleon was ready. He got as much military leave time as he could get, and he plunged into revolutionary politics in Corsica…Young Napoleon: The Corsican Experience

Bonaparte was optimistic about bringing French revolutionary politics to Corsica. We see him there handing out cockades, and he helped found a political club. As mentioned in the first article in this series, the Bonapartes worked as a family, so he supported his older brother Joseph for political office. His family bought nationalized church lands. By 1792, Napoleon got himself elected as the lieutenant colonel of the National Guard.

But there was a problem. Napoleon and the Bonaparte family clashed with Pasquale Paoli, the leading Corsican politician. Paoli had led independent Corsica back in the day, from 1755 to 1769. Now he had returned from exile and won back his old power and prestige on the island, but he didn’t get along with the Bonapartes. They were more tightly allied with the pro-French factions, and Paoli increasingly resented and mistrusted France. The politics were extremely messy, but a couple of points stand out.