| Though
the French Revolution was a failure in France, thanks to
Napoleon its ideals spread throughout Europe. As his soldiers
marched they carried with them ideas of equality. Later monarchs
found the seeds of liberalism planted by the French were
impossible to eradicate.
The
French also awakened nationalism in 19th century Europe.
They were a vivid example of what nationalism meant and
they inspired nationalism in defeated nations as the hated
conquerors and oppressors. Europe would never be the same.
He
brought an end to the violence of the French Revolution
while preserving many of its core ideals. He was
extraordinarily popular with the French people, a figure
larger than life who made the common man proud to be French.
However, during his reign as Emperor, individual rights
were suspended. There was little freedom in France.
He
became the model of the autocratic, popular leader who
takes absolute power with the will of the people. Hitler,
Mussolini, Franco, Pinochet and others consciously followed
his path.
Tyrant
or Hero? Perhaps a bit of both.
|
