Based on the description of feudalism given in the lesson, analyze how Napoleon’s new ruling class resembled feudalistic relationships of Louis XVI’s time.(1 point)
Responses
Napoleon implemented a system in which he granted titles and land to people who would support him financially.
Napoleon implemented a system in which he granted titles and land to people who would support him financially.
Napoleon created the Council of the Ancients and the Council of 500, with himself at the top as consul.
Napoleon created the Council of the Ancients and the Council of 500, with himself at the top as consul.
Napoleon divided people between the Legion of Honor and taxpayers, similar to the Estates-General.
Napoleon divided people between the Legion of Honor and taxpayers, similar to the Estates-General.
Napoleon brought back the old ruling class that Louis XVI had used.
Napoleon's new ruling class resembled feudalistic relationships of Louis XVI's time in several ways. Firstly, like Louis XVI, Napoleon granted titles and land to individuals who supported him financially. This system of rewarding loyalty and financial support with prestigious titles and land is characteristic of feudalism, where vassals were granted land in exchange for their military service and loyalty to a lord.
Additionally, Napoleon created a system of councils, with himself at the top as consul. This hierarchical structure is reminiscent of the feudal system, where the king held ultimate power and authority over his vassals. By positioning himself as consul and establishing councils beneath him, Napoleon was able to maintain control over his ruling class in a manner similar to how Louis XVI held power over the nobility.
Furthermore, Napoleon divided people into different groups, such as the Legion of Honor and taxpayers. This division resembles the Estates-General of Louis XVI's time, where individuals were grouped into different estates based on their social and economic status. Similarly, Napoleon categorized individuals based on their contributions or loyalty to the state, creating a hierarchy within his ruling class.
Lastly, Napoleon's reintroduction of the old ruling class used by Louis XVI further demonstrates the resemblance to feudalistic relationships. By bringing back and relying on the established nobility and aristocracy, Napoleon aligned himself with the hierarchical social structure that characterized feudalism.
Overall, through his granting of titles and land, creation of councils, division of people into different groups, and utilization of the old ruling class, Napoleon's new ruling class closely resembled the feudalistic relationships of Louis XVI's time.