Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader. Napoleon was one of the most brilliant military strategists of all time. During the 1800's Napoleon controlled parts of Europe and impacted much of the the European systems. Napoleon impacted the social, economic, and political systems of Europe. A social system is defined as the patterned series of interrelationships existing between individuals, groups, and institutions and forming a coherent whole. Napoleon also affected the economic system, a system of production and exchange of goods and services as well as allocation of resources within a society. Lastly, Napoleon impacted the political system of Europe, a system of politics and government.
Napoleon has been considered to be one of the most brilliant leaders of his time. He conquered much of Europe in the early 19th century. Napoleon had a great impact on the the face of Europe. History has shown that Napoleon was an effective and charismatic leader. Napoleon was admired by many because of his many conquests and huge armies that he gathered. He was able to convince thousands of people to repeatedly go into battle. Although Napoleon was often admired, he was also considered dangerous and was regarded as tyrannical by many. Napoleon was often regarded as dangerous because he had so much wealth and success, yet he felt the need to continue conquering. His actions represented greed because of his continuous crave for more power and success. Also, Napoleon was often criticized for his approach as a leader. Napoleon was a hero to some, but a tyrant to others. One who bitterly opposed him was Madame de Stael. Madame de Stael believed that Napoleon forced others into battle, indulged to men's interests , corrupted public opinion, and waged constant war. Madame de Staele stated, "He would like to persuade men by force and by cunning, and he considers all else to be stupidity or folly..." Madame de Staele looked down upon Napoleon and the approaches he took to rule. In contrast, Marshal Michael Ney admired Napoleon as one of his trusted commanders. Marshal Michael Ney stated, "Liberty triumphs in the end, and Napoleon, our august emperor, comes to confirm it. Soldiers, I have often led you to victory. Now, I would escort you to join this immortal legion which the Emperor Napoleon conducts to Paris, and in a few days will reach the capitol." Marshal Michael Ney admired Napoleon more for his military strategies and less for his approaches to rule. Marshal Michael Ney allied with Napoleon and believed that victory would be achieved. Another who admired Napoleon is Boston's John C. Ropes. Ropes stated in his 1885 book, "While we recognize these defects and faults, let us be equally frank in acknowledging his great qualities, -- his untiring industry, his devotion to the public service, his enlightened views of government and legislation, his humanity." Ropes acknowledges both Napoleons faults and strengths. Ropes lists his failures: "....reckless course in 1813 and 1814, of his obstinate adherence to a military solution of the difficulties which encompassed his Empire, of his indifference as a soldier to the evils of war, of his forgetfulness as soldier of his duties as a sovereign.", yet Ropes also acknowledges his successes and presents two perspectives of Napoleon. Ropes has justified that one's perception of Napoleon depends on whether his faults or strengths are valued.
Although opinions of Napoleon May vary, he did impact the social, economic, and political systems of Europe. Napoleon impacted the social systems of Europe by allowing more citizens to more property and access to an education. Napoleon also redrew the map of Europe until only Britain remained outside his empire. This expanded view of the map of Europe depicted how much he had expanded France. Napoleon impacted economic systems in Europe by restoring economic prosperity. Napoleon achieved this through controlled prices, encouraging new industry, and building roads and canals. The creation of these roads and canals allowed for new industry and increased trade between countries. Also of importance, Napoleon sold the Louisiana Territory in 1803 to the United States.This doubled the size of America and influenced American expansion. Lastly, Napoleon directed French armies to abolish titles of nobility and serfdom, ended Church privileges, removed trade barriers, and stimulated industry throughout Europe. Napoleon impacted political systems of Europe by overthrowing the French Directory. The French Directory planned on using Napoleon for their own achievements. However, after hearing Napoleons plan to overthrow the Directory, five members resigned. Napoleon impacted political systems in Europe by creating a meritocracy. This meritocracy gave power to people selected for their ability, rather than their social class.
Although some may believe that Napoleon was a tyrant, he impacted Europe in many positive ways. Napoleon proved to be a brilliant military leader, conquering numerous countries and recruiting thousands of men to fight for him. Napoleon changed the face of Europe, providing citizens with more rights, increasing industry, and influencing American expansion. Although some criticize Napoleon’s approach as a leader, most would agree that these social, economic, and political changes offered Europe a change for the better.
Unit 3A Activity 1 Review Of Napoleon.notebook, and October 0. Unit 3a Activity 1 Review of Napoleon.notebook (n.d.): n. pag. Mrs. Gallagher. Web. 16 Oct. 2014. <http://www.edline.net/files/_5HGn0_/5651effb1c9e29e53745a49013852ec4/Unit_3_Activity_1_Lesson_Notes.pdf>.
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