Question 15 Marks
"Napoleon had destroyed democracy in France but in the administrative field he had incorporated revolutionary principles in order to make the whole system more rational and efficient". Analyse the statement with arguments.
Answer
View full question & answer→Napoleon became the ruler of France on $2^{\text {nd }}$ December 1804. He established a monarchical political system. He was worried by the democratic forces unleashed by the revolution. But at the same time, he did not want to ignore them entirely. So he introduced some reform in the administrative system. He tried to make the whole system more rational and efficient. To achieve this goal, he took some important steps.
These were as follows :
i. The Civil Code of 1804, also known as Napoleonic Code, abolished all the privileges based on birth, established equality before the law and gave the right to property.
ii. The code which was introduced in the regions under French control, like Italy, Germany, Switzerland, simplified administrative divisions, abolished the feudal system and freed peasants from serfdom and manorial dues
iii. Uniform weights and measures were adopted. A common national currency helped in the movement of goods and capital from one region to another.
iv. Moreover, guild restrictions were removed, transport and communications systems were improved. By these new policies peasants, artisans, workers and new businessmen were benefitted and started to enjoy new-found freedom. Thus, it can be concluded that Napoleon had destroyed democracy in France but in the administrative field he had incorporated revolutionary principles.
These were as follows :
i. The Civil Code of 1804, also known as Napoleonic Code, abolished all the privileges based on birth, established equality before the law and gave the right to property.
ii. The code which was introduced in the regions under French control, like Italy, Germany, Switzerland, simplified administrative divisions, abolished the feudal system and freed peasants from serfdom and manorial dues
iii. Uniform weights and measures were adopted. A common national currency helped in the movement of goods and capital from one region to another.
iv. Moreover, guild restrictions were removed, transport and communications systems were improved. By these new policies peasants, artisans, workers and new businessmen were benefitted and started to enjoy new-found freedom. Thus, it can be concluded that Napoleon had destroyed democracy in France but in the administrative field he had incorporated revolutionary principles.