Napoleon’s Empire: Political Achievements and Consequences
The Napoleonic Empire
In 1804, Napoleon declared himself Emperor of France (Napoleon I). His rise to power was made possible by his military victories. In Europe, he was indispensable to France.
Napoleon’s Main Political Achievements
- Domestic Policy: He established the Civil Code, a set of laws that applied equality to all citizens. He introduced new legal concepts such as civil marriage, divorce, adoption, and public education.
- Foreign Policy: His victories over Austria, Russia, and Prussia transformed France into an empire.
Napoleon defeated all of the countries that were allied against France, except Great Britain. He ended absolute monarchy in many European countries. However, from 1812 onwards, his power began to decline as a result of his failed invasion of Russia. In 1813, his army was defeated at the Battle of Leipzig by a coalition army that included Sweden, Austria, Russia, and Prussia.
Napoleon was finally defeated in 1815 at the Battle of Waterloo. The victorious powers re-established the ancien régime, and Napoleon was exiled to the island of St Helena, where he died in 1821.
Important Dates
- 1812: Napoleon’s military power began to decline as a result of his failed invasion of Russia.
- 1813: His army was defeated at the Battle of Leipzig by a coalition that included Sweden, Austria, Prussia, and Russia.
- 1815: He was finally defeated at the Battle of Waterloo.
- 1821: He was exiled to the island of St Helena, where he died.
Consequences of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Empire
The main consequence of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Empire was the crisis and subsequent fall of the ancien régime.
Most Important Changes
Political Changes:
- The end of absolute monarchy and the establishment of new forms of government, such as constitutional monarchy and republics.
- New constitutions were based on popular sovereignty and the separation of powers. They established limited male suffrage and civil rights.
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
Rights:
- To life
- To assembly
- To vote
- Of association
- Of conscience
- Of opinion
Economic Changes:
- All citizens now had to pay taxes.
- New laws guaranteed private property rights and free trade.
Social Changes:
- The estates system ceased to exist; the bourgeoisie could now participate in politics.
- Nobility and clergy no longer had privileges. Everyone was equal before the law.
Countries of Napoleon
- France, Papal States, and Illyrian Provinces.
- Dependent: Spain, Naples, Italy, Swiss Confederation, Confederation of the Rhine, Westphalia, Holland, and Grand Duchy of Warsaw.
In the countries which depended on France, Napoleon put a member of his family on the throne, for example, Joseph Bonaparte in Spain.