Napoleon: Leader, General, Tyrant, Reformer

[Perry pp. 122-126]

Drawing upon his military experience, Napoleon (upon gaining control of France) concentrated power in his own hands in an effort to consolidate the gains of the Revolution and spread liberal, Enlightenment philosophy across Europe.

Phase 1: Napoleon the General
1796- given control of French army in Italy
Full of inspirational rhetoric about "crushing tyrants" and being "liberators of the people"
Displayed concern for his "naked, ill fed" men
Understood the value of endearing himself to his followers (in this instance, soldiers)
Already interested in micromanagement: "There is nothing in the military profession I cannot do myself...The presence of a general is necessary"
A politique understanding of religion: "If I ruled a people of Jews, I would rebuild the temple of Solomon!"

Phase 2: Napoleon the Despot

Emperor takes on almost Divine qualities to reinforce his authority

Monitoring the press necessary for stability

All channels of power must run through Napoleon: it is the only way to achieve the desired result, on the battlefield or on the throne

Phase 3: Napoleon the Visionary

Believed in a united, Enlightened Europe

Liberating the people with new reforms

Napoleonic intervention key to ensuring that the reforms actually take place (for instance, he mails a Constitution to his brother Jerome to enact in Westphalia)

Always the practical one, he emphasizes that it would be "good policy for one in your position [i.e., King of Westphalia]....the backing of public opinion gives you a natural advantage over....your neighbors