Napoleon Bonaparte has been called the last of the enlightened despots. Discuss how his policies and practices resemble those of the enlightened monarchs of the old regime. In what important respects did they differ?
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what enlightened monarchs of the old regime should I compare to......the philosophers of the enlightenment?
The monarchs were the kings and queens -- not the philosophers.
To discuss how the policies and practices of Napoleon Bonaparte resemble those of the enlightened monarchs of the old regime and how they differ in important respects, let's first understand who the enlightened monarchs were and the principles they followed.
Enlightened monarchs, also known as enlightened despots, were rulers in the 18th century who embraced the principles of the Enlightenment, a cultural and intellectual movement that emphasized reason, science, and progress. These monarchs sought to implement Enlightenment ideas and reforms to modernize their countries while maintaining their absolute power.
One important similarity between Napoleon and the enlightened monarchs was their belief in centralized power and their willingness to engage in bold reforms for the greater good of their nations. Both Napoleon and the enlightened monarchs aimed to centralize state control, increase efficiency, and promote economic development. They believed in a strong state apparatus and the importance of rational governance.
Like the enlightened monarchs, Napoleon implemented a series of reforms known as the Napoleonic Code, which provided a comprehensive legal system based on the principles of equality before the law, property rights, religious freedom, and the abolition of feudalism. This code influenced legal systems in many other countries and reflected the ideals of the Enlightenment.
Further, Napoleon introduced widespread educational reforms, including the establishment of secondary schools and universities, to promote knowledge and expertise. The enlightened monarchs also emphasized education as a means of societal progress and sought to establish state-controlled educational institutions.
However, there were significant differences between Napoleon and the enlightened monarchs. One crucial distinction lies in their rise to power. The enlightened monarchs inherited their positions through dynastic succession, while Napoleon came to power through a military coup. This meant that Napoleon's legitimacy was based more on his personal ambitions and military success rather than a claim to royal heritage.
Additionally, the enlightened monarchs generally aimed to reduce social inequalities and maintain the existing social hierarchy, promoting reforms that would benefit the nobility, clergy, and middle classes. In contrast, Napoleon's policies focused more on consolidating power and expanding his empire. While he did implement some social reforms, such as the merit-based promotion in government and military, his reign was marked by a greater centralization of power and concentration of wealth.
Moreover, the enlightened monarchs generally respected certain limits of power and were open to the advice of intellectuals and philosophers. Napoleon, in contrast, concentrated power in himself and maintained tight control over decision-making, limiting the influence of intellectuals and suppressing dissent.
In summary, while Napoleon Bonaparte, as the last of the enlightened despots, shared some similarities with the enlightened monarchs of the old regime, such as a belief in centralization and the implementation of reforms, there were also important differences between them. These differences primarily revolve around his rise to power, the scope of his reforms, and the consolidation of his personal authority.