Title: Napolean Bonaparte

Essay by khajaHigh School, 10th gradeA+, June 2004

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Napoleon Bonaparte was forced to choose between following the principles of the 1789 revolution, or to part from these principles and revert to a political system similar to that of the old Bourbon monarchy. As Napoleon's power in France and then Europe increased, Napoleon began to depart from revolutionary ideals and created organization similar to those the revolutionaries had attempted to destroy. It was seen as time for a new style of government. The Coup D'Etat took place in 1799, and executive powers were given to Napoleon, Sieyes and Roger-Ducos. Napoleon wanted to create a strong republic to avoid the problems that had damaged the standing of the previous post-revolution governments, this actually resulted in more power being placed in Napoleon's hands.

Napoleon was divided between traditional and revolutionary principles, as he had to make cooperation between the two in order to keep a strong government over France. Napoleon applied the Civil Code that combined the gains of the revolution while also using their principles.

Napoleon combined the gains of the revolution in ways of releasing property from feudal burdens and introducing divorce. By creating grand nobility in 1808 Napoleon rejected one of the first principles of the revolution, equality. Napoleon had only expanded this. Law codes strongly look like those of the monarchy.

The Continental System failed. Great Britain was able to produce goods cheaper and better than any country. The ban on British goods only resulted in economic instability in Europe. Napoleon blamed Russia and raised an army of 600,000 men to attack.

Napoleon marched into Moscow and watched it burn. After awhile, Napoleon decided to run away from Russia.

The run away was upsetting. The Cossacks reduced Napoleon's army of 600,000 men to only 30,000. Napoleon deserted his army to come back and raise another one.