Napoleon Bonaparte and the Legacy of the French Empire

The Napoleonic Empire

In 1804, Napoleon declared himself Emperor of France.

Domestic Policy

• He consolidated the changes made during the revolution.
• He established the Civil Code, a set of laws that applied equality to all citizens and introduced new concepts such as civil marriage, divorce, adoption, state-controlled education, and the protection of private property.

Foreign Policy

• Napoleon transformed France into an empire following his victories over Austria, Prussia, and Russia.
• Great Britain remained undefeated despite the Continental Blockade (Bloqueo Continental) he established. No country allied with or occupied by France was permitted to import British goods.
• He spread the revolutionary principles of liberty and equality across Europe.
• His rule led to the introduction of new constitutions that ended absolute monarchy in many European countries.

Napoleon’s greatest desire was to create a united Europe composed of kingdoms that were dependent on France and its Emperor. However, French domination was not accepted in many countries, and strong nationalist movements grew.

The Fall of Napoleon

After the failure of the Great Army in Russia (1812) and the defeat in Spain (1814), a coalition formed by the United Kingdom, Austria, Prussia, and Russia entered Paris. Napoleon was exiled to the island of Elba, and the French monarchy was restored under Louis XVIII.

The following year, Napoleon escaped from the island and reclaimed power for the Hundred Days. However, he was defeated for the last time by the allies at Waterloo (1815) and was exiled to Saint Helena, where he died in 1821.

Consequences of the Revolution and the Empire

Political Changes

• New political forms of government were established in Europe, such as the constitutional monarchy and the republic.
• Constitutions based on popular sovereignty (soberanía popular) were adopted; these included limited male suffrage, the separation of powers, and the protection of civil rights.
• Political parties emerged to represent the citizens’ interests and compete in elections.
• The Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen established equal rights, though only for men.

Economic Changes

• The nobility and the clergy lost the privilege of tax exemption; thus, all citizens had to pay and contribute toward the state’s expenses.
• The law guaranteed free trade and respect for private property, both of which primarily benefited the bourgeoisie.

Social Changes

• The estates system disappeared because the nobility and the clergy no longer held special privileges.
• Everybody became equal before the law.
• As a result of the introduction of limited male suffrage, the bourgeoisie could finally participate in politics.