The Legacy of Napoleon











The Code Napoleon – the world’s first written
system of civil law
Centralized Banking, Standardized coinage
The Concordat
Napoleons wars - totals deaths: 2.5 million soldiers,
1 million civilians
Replaced Democracy with Autocracy
Nepotistic – installed family members as kings of
conquered Nations
Meritocracy – gave rank and privileges in society
based on talent and personal achievement
Nationalism - developed in France during the initial
stages of the French revolution. Napoleon was a
firm believer that people who have similar
culture, language and religion should be
politically unified. This would be a path to lasting
peace. Spread this idea as he conquered
territory. Reorganized Germany and Italy and
tried to re-create Poland. Major political force of
the 19th century.
 Liberalism – a belief in the maximization of
personal freedom, one
of the most powerful
concepts of the French
Revolution. Napoleon spread this concept as he
moved throughout Europe. He demanded that the
new leaders he installed gave constitutions, the
Napoleonic code and rights/freedoms to the people.
Rolled back many rights won by women during the
revolution
Massive ego and motivated by personal glory
Create a more efficient and modern Europe – Massive
changes in Military and governmental organization all
over Europe. Napoleon made the countries he conquered more free and
efficient. Even Napoleon’s enemies copied many of his ideas because they had
to keep up with the progress of France if they hoped to survive.
So who was Napoleon Bonaparte?
Was he a hero or a villain?
Was he the liberator of Europe or the Anti-Christ?
Was he the destroyer of the French Revolution or its savior?