Napoleon’s domestic policies had a significant impact on
French society. To what extent do you agree?
Intro:
Define impact – change to pre-existing systems/ long term effects
Paragraph 1: Impact on Social Structure: NOT SIGNIFICANT
Only interested in civilians of education and wealth who could
serve his empire
o Limit to how much those in the lower ranks of society could
advance themselves – system of meritocracy did not really
manifest
Founded the ‘Imperial Nobility’ – titles often accompanied by gifts
of estates and pensions CHANGE
o Was only 1/7th of size of nobility in 1789
Devised a new ‘enlightened’ education system secular state
schools
o Virtues of obedience to the state had to be instilled in
pupils
Lycees were run with military discipline and taught a curriculum
that was ‘modern’
Believed that women were destined for marriage and that
marriage was for acquiring and transmitting property and
conceiving children
o Deemed primary school education for girls sufficient
o Did little to fulfil revolutionary ideas of liberty and equality
Civil Code of 1804 aimed at providing a uniform set of laws for
all citizens
o women granted marginally over control of their own
property when they married
o Married women unable to accept an inheritance without
authority of husband
o Divorce law remained unfair, but Napoleon introduced
divorce by mutual consent – major step forward
1802 – Concordat reintegrated the Roman Catholic Church into
French society and ended the persecution that had begun in
1792
o Recognised Catholicism as the ‘preferred religion’ of France
o 1806 – Gregorian calendar introduced
In summary, Napoleon's domestic policies significantly impacted French
society by consolidating and adapting revolutionary principles, introducing
legal and social reforms, and fostering a sense of order and stability. While
he retained certain elements of the old order, such as the creation of a
new nobility, the overall effect was a transformation of the social
structure, emphasizing meritocracy, legal equality, and centralized
, authority. These changes had a lasting influence on the development of
modern French society.
Counter: Did not have significant impact on social structure
Despite Napoleon's revolutionary rhetoric, he ultimately reinforced
elements of the old social order The creation of a new nobility,
albeit based on merit, still allowed for the concentration of power
and influence in the hands of an elite. This continuity suggests that
the social structure remained hierarchical, with a privileged class
enjoying special privileges
While Napoleon promoted the idea of meritocracy, some argue that
actual social mobility was limited The opportunities for
advancement might have been available, but the majority of the
population remained in their social strata.
The Napoleonic Code, while ground-breaking in many ways, still
reflected patriarchal social norms It subordinated the legal status
of women to that of their fathers or husbands, perpetuating
traditional gender roles
Napoleon's centralized and authoritarian control over political and
social life stifled genuine societal transformation Censorship and
restrictions on freedom of expression limited the emergence of
diverse opinions and hindered the organic evolution of social
structures.
o In this view, any apparent changes were orchestrated from the
top down rather than being the result of societal consensus.
Paragraph 2: Impact on the Economy: SIGNIFICANT
Maintained a high level of taxation because of the costs of war
o Other direct taxes continued eg. Customs duties and fees
for services
1807 – new land register and only completed by 1815
o To make tax fairer and ensure that farmers who had
increased the value of their land paid more tax
1807 – Cour des Comples central bureau for handling and
auditing the state’s finances
Central Economy created
o 1800 – Bank of France created to provide credit for
government and entrepreneurs
Promoted industrialisation by investing in infrastructure projects,
such as roads and canals, to facilitate transportation and trade
o Helped create a more integrated national economy
Supported technological advancements and innovations,
particularly in industries related to military needs
French society. To what extent do you agree?
Intro:
Define impact – change to pre-existing systems/ long term effects
Paragraph 1: Impact on Social Structure: NOT SIGNIFICANT
Only interested in civilians of education and wealth who could
serve his empire
o Limit to how much those in the lower ranks of society could
advance themselves – system of meritocracy did not really
manifest
Founded the ‘Imperial Nobility’ – titles often accompanied by gifts
of estates and pensions CHANGE
o Was only 1/7th of size of nobility in 1789
Devised a new ‘enlightened’ education system secular state
schools
o Virtues of obedience to the state had to be instilled in
pupils
Lycees were run with military discipline and taught a curriculum
that was ‘modern’
Believed that women were destined for marriage and that
marriage was for acquiring and transmitting property and
conceiving children
o Deemed primary school education for girls sufficient
o Did little to fulfil revolutionary ideas of liberty and equality
Civil Code of 1804 aimed at providing a uniform set of laws for
all citizens
o women granted marginally over control of their own
property when they married
o Married women unable to accept an inheritance without
authority of husband
o Divorce law remained unfair, but Napoleon introduced
divorce by mutual consent – major step forward
1802 – Concordat reintegrated the Roman Catholic Church into
French society and ended the persecution that had begun in
1792
o Recognised Catholicism as the ‘preferred religion’ of France
o 1806 – Gregorian calendar introduced
In summary, Napoleon's domestic policies significantly impacted French
society by consolidating and adapting revolutionary principles, introducing
legal and social reforms, and fostering a sense of order and stability. While
he retained certain elements of the old order, such as the creation of a
new nobility, the overall effect was a transformation of the social
structure, emphasizing meritocracy, legal equality, and centralized
, authority. These changes had a lasting influence on the development of
modern French society.
Counter: Did not have significant impact on social structure
Despite Napoleon's revolutionary rhetoric, he ultimately reinforced
elements of the old social order The creation of a new nobility,
albeit based on merit, still allowed for the concentration of power
and influence in the hands of an elite. This continuity suggests that
the social structure remained hierarchical, with a privileged class
enjoying special privileges
While Napoleon promoted the idea of meritocracy, some argue that
actual social mobility was limited The opportunities for
advancement might have been available, but the majority of the
population remained in their social strata.
The Napoleonic Code, while ground-breaking in many ways, still
reflected patriarchal social norms It subordinated the legal status
of women to that of their fathers or husbands, perpetuating
traditional gender roles
Napoleon's centralized and authoritarian control over political and
social life stifled genuine societal transformation Censorship and
restrictions on freedom of expression limited the emergence of
diverse opinions and hindered the organic evolution of social
structures.
o In this view, any apparent changes were orchestrated from the
top down rather than being the result of societal consensus.
Paragraph 2: Impact on the Economy: SIGNIFICANT
Maintained a high level of taxation because of the costs of war
o Other direct taxes continued eg. Customs duties and fees
for services
1807 – new land register and only completed by 1815
o To make tax fairer and ensure that farmers who had
increased the value of their land paid more tax
1807 – Cour des Comples central bureau for handling and
auditing the state’s finances
Central Economy created
o 1800 – Bank of France created to provide credit for
government and entrepreneurs
Promoted industrialisation by investing in infrastructure projects,
such as roads and canals, to facilitate transportation and trade
o Helped create a more integrated national economy
Supported technological advancements and innovations,
particularly in industries related to military needs
