Napoleons Domestic Policy Legacy While some people remember

Napoleon’s Domestic Policy

Legacy • While some people remember Napoleon for his conquests, many regard his domestic policy as his greatest legacy to France. • Still in France today, institutions reflect the influence of Napoleon. • His rule provided the stability in France needed to consolidate the ideas of the revolution that began in 1789.

The Bank of France • Following the French Revolution, economic crises continued to exist in France. The country had a debt of 474 million francs. • Napoleon recognized that economic reform was essential to help increase employment and restore confidence in the government’s ability to foster economic growth. • Due to this, he created the Bank of France in January of 1800.

What was it? ? ? What did it do? ? ? • To strengthen the economy, Napoleon enforced a law requiring all citizens to pay taxes. The Bank of France provided a place where all tax money could be deposited. • It issued government securities and conducted private business. • The bank extended low interest loans to promote industry.

Bank of France Cont’d… • At this time, the Franc became the most stable currency in Europe. • The Bank of France proved to be a significant factor in the stabilization of the French economy. • It remains as the central financial institution of France today.

Tax Reform • Unlike during the Revolution, tax collectors under Napoleon were now professional, government employees. • Direct taxes on land, business licenses, personal property, and servants were maintained at a steady level as established under the Directory. • There were NO tax exemptions based on class under Napoleon’s new system.

The Concordat • During the Revolution, the French gov’t created a conflict with the Catholic Church, when they confiscated its land assumed the right to regulate church affairs. • All of the above took place when the French gov’t implemented the Civil Constitution of the Clergy. • As First Consul, Napoleon desired to reconciliate with the Church.

What happened? ? ? • On July 15, 1801, Napoleon signed an agreement (Concordat) with Pope Pius VII. • With this agreement, Napoleon ended the election of bishops. • Under the agreement, the French gov’t appointed Catholic bishops and paid the clergy, but the pope had authority over them. • It also stated that the Catholic Church would not demand the return of church property seized during the revolution. • Through this, Napoleon did not lose support of any people who acquired church lands.

The Napoleonic Code • The systematic codification of French law. • Seen as Napoleon’s greatest achievement in government and has influenced French law until present day. • It brought together many reforms of the revolution into a SINGLE, UNIFIED LEGAL SYSTEM.

Napoleonic Code cont’d… • It recognized that ALL MEN WERE EQUAL BEFORE THE LAW. • It GUARANTEED FREEDOM OF RELIGION. • It provided a person with the RIGHT TO WORK IN ANY OCCUPATION. • The state had to be protected from the criminal actions of individuals, thus these INDIVIDUALS WERE REQUIRED TO PROVE THEIR INNOCENCE.

Bad Points of the Napoleonic Code • It put the INTERESTS OF THE STATE ABOVE THOSE OF INDIVIDUAL CITIZENS. • It also DROPPED LAWS PASSED DURING THE REVOLUTION THAT PROTECTED THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN & CHILDREN. Women were relegated to the status of second-class citizens under this code. Not until 1945 that they were given equal rights in France and could vote. • It reflected ancient Roman law and made the man, absolute head of the household with control over all family property.

Education • Napoleon claimed, “Equality must be the first element in education. ” His reforms in this area were DESIGNED TO PRODUCE A SKILLED BUREAUCRACY TO DO THE WORK OF THE STATE. • LYCEES were set up by Napoleon. These were GOVERNMENT RUN SCHOOLS.

Lycees • Encouraged extreme patriotism. • Were run on rigid discipline and military training in order to produce future civil servants and officers. • The same courses were taught at every school. • Only children of wealthy parents attended due to tuition costs.

Lycees cont’d… • Represented a ‘first step’ toward a system of public education. • Catholic Church was responsible for primary education. • Similar forms of schooling still exist in France today.

The Legion of Honour • In 1802, Napoleon established a way which he could reward exceptional service to the Republic. • Through this, he was able to harness the loyalty of a talented elite. • Napoleon insisted the award must be available to citizens who contributed their talents through military or civil achievement. • It consisted of a medal and a monetary reward (between 250 to 5000 francs per year). • Remains today a symbol of public service and is still awarded to deserving French citizens. (Similar to Order of Canada)

Public Works • Napoleon improved transportation and communication by initiating the construction of canals, the development of ports and the construction of roads. • Paris benefited from many of Napoleon’s public works projects. Roads were paved, new bridges built, and the sewer system was rebuilt. • A number of monuments were built, most notably the Arc de Triomphe.

Arc de Triomphe

What we have learned • Many of Napoleon’s Domestic Policies of his time still exist today, indicating just how brilliant he was and why he is still regarded highly. • Not all of Napoleon’s Domestic Policies benefited all individuals. For example the Napoleonic Code valued interests of the state higher than that of individuals and women were regarded as second-class citizens.