What Was Napoleon A Tyrant
The actions and decisions Napoleon made during his rule over France give evidence that he was a tyrant. A tyrant is defined as a ruler who uses power unjustly or oppressively. Napoleon used his power in both of those ways. He not only limited who had power in society, but also controlled the church. By trying to monopolize all of Europe, it is shown how harsh Napoleon's rule was and how tyrannical he really was.
Napoleon limited who had power and rights in society in a few ways. Napoleon created the Napoleonic Code, which guaranteed everyone equal rights except for women and black people. Because of the code, it was controlled who had rights. Also, Napoleon created schools for boys ages ten to sixteen, called lycees. While many people saw
this as a good thing, the schools were only for boys. Girls did not receive an education, and were not educated because Napoleon thought they were not meant to be active citizens in society.
In 1801 Napoleon reestablished the church after it was put under state control by the National Assembly. While most people were grateful to have the church back under its own control, Napoleon had his own set of rules the church had to follow. The government was to select the Bishops, and the Pope approved of them. Also, bishops were only allowed to approve priests if the government approved them too. All the land that the church had lost to the National Assembly was not returned to the church, a decision made by Napoleon.
Napoleon's goal was to gain control of all continental Europe, as well as Britain. He was successful at gaining control of all continental Europe. In a plan to conquer Britain Napoleon established the Continental System. The purpose of the Continental System was to cut Britain off from all trade. Napoleon failed at conquering Britain, but he used harsh tactics in his attempt. Another harsh action made by Napoleon was he killed anyone who seemed to be a threat to his power.
While on the surface Napoleon did good things for France, if you look into the issues you will see how tyrannical he really was. Between all of the laws and harsh tactics he used, it is clear how much Napoleon abused his power. He took over any land he could, enforced strict laws on the church, and did not grant girls an education. All of these things do not make Napoleon up to be a Hero. They simply make him a tyrant.
Napoleon limited who had power and rights in society in a few ways. Napoleon created the Napoleonic Code, which guaranteed everyone equal rights except for women and black people. Because of the code, it was controlled who had rights. Also, Napoleon created schools for boys ages ten to sixteen, called lycees. While many people saw
this as a good thing, the schools were only for boys. Girls did not receive an education, and were not educated because Napoleon thought they were not meant to be active citizens in society.
In 1801 Napoleon reestablished the church after it was put under state control by the National Assembly. While most people were grateful to have the church back under its own control, Napoleon had his own set of rules the church had to follow. The government was to select the Bishops, and the Pope approved of them. Also, bishops were only allowed to approve priests if the government approved them too. All the land that the church had lost to the National Assembly was not returned to the church, a decision made by Napoleon.
Napoleon's goal was to gain control of all continental Europe, as well as Britain. He was successful at gaining control of all continental Europe. In a plan to conquer Britain Napoleon established the Continental System. The purpose of the Continental System was to cut Britain off from all trade. Napoleon failed at conquering Britain, but he used harsh tactics in his attempt. Another harsh action made by Napoleon was he killed anyone who seemed to be a threat to his power.
While on the surface Napoleon did good things for France, if you look into the issues you will see how tyrannical he really was. Between all of the laws and harsh tactics he used, it is clear how much Napoleon abused his power. He took over any land he could, enforced strict laws on the church, and did not grant girls an education. All of these things do not make Napoleon up to be a Hero. They simply make him a tyrant.