Nationalism Vs Napoleon

Nationalism, the vast encompassing term used to link such concepts as cultural identity, patriotism, national identity, loyalty and sharing of land. Nationalism can also include the civic aspects of a nation such as the consensus among a group to follow common laws and the agreement to perform certain duties so the said nation can function (i.e. vote, become educated, pay taxes, provide defense in tumultuous times). To provide better insight into such a complex topic, Nationalism can also be contrasted to the principles of religion as both share many similar characteristics. For example both ideologies involve the gathering of followers through belief in higher power, whether that be a god or a political system. The institutionalization of those followers, in religion these are the holy principles and rules that disciples must obey, in nationalism these are the laws and societal dues a citizen must pay tribute to. Lastly the sense of identity that accompanies both systems and pride in the following of either. In fact one could argue that religion is a precursor to nationalism, since before Napoleon,
patriotism in Europe was in its very early stages. The contemporary societal structures that existed were designed to benefit the rich and powerful, not the common man, and the only thing uniting said classes was the influence of the church. However after the french revolution and banishment of the church, France was in chaos.
There was no longer a higher power to fear and attackers were threatening from every front. Then came Napoleon, his grand armee and the concept of nationalism. Without Napoleon I believe nationalism wouldn't have made the leaps it did in such a small amount of time and revolution wouldn’t have swept across across europe after his defeat. That being said Napoleon was a manipulative tyrant whose liberal speeches and ideals didn't equate to his increasingly authoritarian and colonial actions. Although his policies brought order and stability, it came at the cost of essential freedoms and forced many to give up their way of life. I would say nationalism is the child of both Napoleon and the revolutionaries who fought against him. Napoleon planted the seed and the people helped it
grow.
To elaborate upon this figure of speech, Napoleon was the creator of the civic aspects of nationalism. He brought order with the Napoleonic Code, he established an educational system(at least in france) and and completely rewrote the tax code, making it equal for everyone. He even contributed to infrastructure by ordering the construction of roads, sewers and public art projects. However Napoleon’s arrogance and strong military background prevented him from seeing that order and stability do not equal complete suppression of any culture not resembling the french and that the belittlement of your foreign subjects won't please them. He also failed to account for the fact that even if you own a land through conquest its people aren't going to want to fight in your army, especially if said army is also occupying their country.
Here’s where the people's influence begins and Napoleon's tapers. Because Napoleon was such a strong supporter of french culture and spread said culture and ideals around europe the masses were introduced to the concepts of national pride and patriotism, but not pride in their own culture. This, combined with occupation drove the people to lash out against their French conquerors and not only rebel against them but to do so while promoting their own national identity.
All this being said, again, Napoleon only planted the seeds of revolution. The expansion of the concept of patriotism, the fall of classism and the betterment of the common man didn't take off until hundreds of years after his death. However all of these things are essential for nationalism to work. The average joe isn't going to feel pride in his country or want to support it if his nation only takes his hard earned money and gives nothing in return. Said average joe also isn't going to support his nation if his quality of life is poor and shows no signs of improving. In order for someone to believe in their government and feel proud of their state, the government must both support that someone as well as strive to better the state in which that someone dwells. In conclusion Napoleon was the creator of the concept of nationalism, he gave people a reason to feel proud of their country and promoted the betterment of society. Through his personality and actions he was able to unite the people of France and accomplish many things in a short time. Although he can be credited with many key contributions to the idea of patriotism he isn't the sole patron. If it weren't for the people that battled against him taking his good ideas and building upon them the world would not be the way it is today.