In the ten years since the French Revolution began, the people suffered

tremendously. Their government, which had been a monarchy for almost a thousand
years, had changed hands and forms three times in a decade, and in that time the
financial problems, high unemployment and food shortages, had only worsened. The
violence and chaos of the Reign of Terror had left the people weary and searching for
stability. When the Reign of Terror finally came to an end, the National Convention
wanted to set France on a more moderate course. The new constitution formed a two-
house legislature in which only propertied men could participate. The legislature then
picked five men to serve as Directors to lead the country. The new Directory, as it
was called, still did little to solve the problems France faced.
Meanwhile, Napoleon Bonaparte, born in Corsica, Italy, shortly before it was taken
over by France, had joined a military school and through his talent and ambition had
become a general at the young age of twenty-four. The young Napoleon fought in the
French armies during the Revolution, earning the respect of both the soldiers under
his command and his superiors. He was given command of the French armies in
Austria in 1796, and, in little more than a year, achieved victory there. But then he
and his armies failed in an attempt to take control of Egypt and India from Great
Britain. Instead, the superior British fleet sank France’s ships in the Battle of the Nile.
France’s enemies, Austria and Russia, sensing weakness, formed an alliance with
Great Britain to once again invade France.
The weak Directory seemed incapable of dealing with these threats, so Napoleon
and some supporters devised a plot to take over France. He staged a coup d’etat,
forcing the legislators to abolish the Directory, and set up his own government.
Napoleon then oversaw the writing of a new constitution outlining a government led
by three consuls (officials). Napoleon was named “First Consul” for a 10-year term,
but all appearances of sharing power were dropped in 1802 when he had the
legislature appoint him First Consul for life. In 1804, Napoleon became the emperor
of France. At the coronation ceremony, he took the crown from the pope and placed it
on his own head.This sent a message to the people that he, not the leader of the
Catholic Church, was the more powerful figure in France.
SO, how did a poor, young, and fairly inexperienced Italian become the Emperor of
France, especially given the fact that France had already been ruled by a divine right
monarchy for a thousand years!?

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 “My fellow Frenchmen, I am here
with you today to tell you of all the
victories that our brave French forces
have achieved! I am blessed with
thousands of courageous and loyal
soldiers who have helped make all of
these glorious events possible. My
armies have come far since I took the
lead of them. As I told them months
ago, ‘You are naked, ill fed! The
government owes you much; it can
give you nothing! Your patience, the
courage you display in the midst of these rocks, are admirable; but they bring you
no glory, no fame. I seek to lead you into the most fertile plains in the world. Rich
provinces, great cities will be in your power. There you will find honor, glory, and
riches.’
And these soldiers have indeed followed me bravely into battle in Austria and
beyond. They were surprised to see a general personally lead them onto the
battlefield, rather than most who remain miles from the battle and simply give
orders. I asked for their patriotism, their loyalty, and their lives for France. In
return I gave them uniforms, good meals, and executed brilliant battle plans to
bring them victory. For the first time, leadership in the military is now granted to
those who show talent rather than by birthright. I need an army of qualified
soldiers, not a court of nobles.
My Napoleonic Code of Laws has done much also, addressing the concerns of
all here. I have done away with the privileges of birth and title; now all men are
equal under the law. Those of you who wish to choose your own professions may
now do so regardless of the circumstances of your birth. My laws are fair and
very clear. There can be no question of whom they protect; what is legal or illegal.
In addition to the rule of law, I have made other reforms as well, including a
new tax system which is fair and equitable for all. No longer will peasants carry
the burden of debt for the lavish lifestyles of the rich and powerful. Feudal debts
have been erased and peasants are no longer tied to the land. I have balanced
France’s budget; we will now be able to repay government debts that have
saddled the nation for years. In short, we can enjoy the riches our empire brings!
I have made peace with the Roman Catholic Church by returning the power to
appoint its own officials and showing the Church the respect many of you feel it is
due. However, be it known that those who are not Catholic may now worship
freely in my empire. I guarantee you the right to religious freedom as long as you
remain faithful to France and your Emperor.
My fellow French, the revolution in our country is over. There is now only one
party in France and never shall the newspapers or anyone say anything against
the party and the interests of its leader. Power is at its best when it brings glory to
the people. The presence of a general is necessary; he is the head, the leader of
all. I am your general, your emperor, and the leader of your party; and I will lead
you to glory once again!” (cheers and applause)

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If you were a typical French person listening to Napoleon, how would you have
felt about his speech and why?

How did Napoleon help the country?

What changes did he make that would affect you if you were a peasant?

Had you been a noble, how would you have felt about him?

Who, if anyone, do you think would have objected to his words? Why?

What do you think Napoleon had in his plans for France? How do you know?

What do you predict happens next in France under Napoleon’s rule?

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