Napoleon Bonaparte: Crash Course European History #22

Summary

This script from Crash Course European History explores Napoleon Bonaparte's rise and impact on Europe. From his humble beginnings in Corsica to becoming Emperor, Napoleon's military genius and legal reforms, such as the Napoleonic Code, contributed to modernization but also imposed a strict order that curtailed women's rights. His conquests sparked nationalism and resistance, culminating in his ultimate defeat and exile. The script highlights the complex legacy of Napoleon, who shaped European history and inspired global imitation of French institutions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The term 'revolution' in history implies a radical change and a stark departure from the past, often leading to a new world, as exemplified by the French Revolution.
• 🏰 Despite the French Revolution starting and ending with an absolutist government, the changes it brought about were real, lasting, and led to a shift in societal structure from subjects to citizens.
• 🌟 Napoleon Bonaparte rose from humble beginnings to become a significant figure in French history, demonstrating that lineage was not the only path to power in France.
• 📚 Napoleon's early life was marked by a love for reading, which helped him secure a scholarship to a military academy and eventually rise through the military ranks during the French Revolution.
• 🎖️ His military campaigns, including the invasion of Egypt, showcased Napoleon's strategic acumen and his penchant for bringing scholars to advance knowledge, despite the cultural clashes that ensued.
• 🤝 The Concordat of 1801 was a significant political move by Napoleon to gain the support of the Catholic Church, recognizing Catholicism as the primary religion in France and validating the sale of Church lands.
• 🗳️ Napoleon's popularity stemmed from offering stability and economic solutions to a France that had been in turmoil for decades, securing majorities in votes and plebiscites.
• 👑 His self-declaration as Emperor in 1804 and the adoption of Roman imagery in his rule was a strategic move to justify his dictatorial government and appeal to the public's nostalgia for ancient Rome.
• 📖 The Napoleonic Code, completed in 1804, was a significant legal reform that standardized laws across France, facilitating modern economic development but also severely limiting women's rights.
• 🏛️ Napoleon's influence extended to education, with the establishment of higher education institutions and lycées, which influenced educational systems across Europe and the world.
• 🌍 His military campaigns across Europe led to the spread of French culture and institutions, but also sparked nationalism and resistance among the conquered peoples, ultimately contributing to his downfall.

Q & A

What does the term 'revolution' literally mean and how does it contrast with its historical context?

Literally, 'revolution' means a full turn of 360 degrees, implying a return to the starting point. However, in historical context, it refers to radical change and a stark departure from the past, often leading to a new and different world, as exemplified by the French Revolution.

How did Napoleon Bonaparte's early life and background influence his rise to power?

Napoleon grew up poor in Corsica, spoke Corsican and Italian, and began learning French at the age of ten. Despite being bullied for his accent and size, he secured a scholarship to a military academy due to his love for reading. His early life experiences, including his rise through the ranks during the French Revolution, shaped his determination and strategic abilities, which contributed to his eventual rise to power.

What was the significance of the Concordat of 1801 in Napoleon's rule?

The Concordat of 1801 was an agreement between Napoleon and the Catholic Church that recognized Catholicism as the primary religion in France. It also validated the sale of Church lands and the state's payment of clergymen's salaries, ensuring Napoleon the support of one of France's most important institutions.

How did Napoleon's invasion of Egypt reflect his approach to conquest and knowledge?

Napoleon's invasion of Egypt in 1798 was not only a military campaign but also an intellectual endeavor. He brought scientists, linguists, and scholars with him to advance knowledge and acquire Egyptian riches. This approach demonstrated his interest in both military dominance and the expansion of knowledge.

What were the key components of the Napoleonic Code and its impact on French society?

The Napoleonic Code, completed in 1804, standardized laws related to citizenship, family, and property. It facilitated modern economic development by creating legal standards for financial transactions and property rights. However, it also significantly limited the rights of women, such as their rights to own property or serve as witnesses in court.

How did Napoleon's educational reforms contribute to the modernization of France?

Napoleon established individual schools for higher education in fields like engineering, science, and technology, and developed a cadre of advanced teachers. He also sponsored the creation of lycées or high schools. These reforms helped to create more potential innovators and educated professionals, contributing to the modernization of France.

What was the impact of Napoleon's conquests on the rise of nationalism in Europe?

Napoleon's conquests and the imposition of his rule and systems in various European territories led to a rise in nationalism among the conquered peoples. They opposed his dictatorial regimes, especially when run by his brothers, and began to identify more strongly with their own national identities rather than as French.

How did Napoleon's military strategies and tactics influence future warfare?

Napoleon's military strategies, such as the creation of a citizens' army and his lightning attacks, were innovative and influential. They served as models for future military innovators and contributed to the evolution of warfare tactics.

What were the consequences of Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812?

Napoleon's invasion of Russia was a disastrous campaign that resulted in the loss of a large portion of his army due to exhaustion, scorched earth tactics by the Russians, and the harsh Russian winter. This weakened his military power significantly and contributed to the formation of a coalition against him.

Why was Napoleon's body re-entombed with such grandeur after his death?

Napoleon's body was re-entombed with grandeur in recognition of his achievements in education, science, standardization, economic and administrative modernization, and cultural revival. Despite his dictatorial rule, his influence on French and world history was significant and enduring.

What was the ultimate fate of Napoleon after his final defeat at Waterloo?

After his defeat at Waterloo in 1815, Napoleon was exiled to the distant island of St. Helena, where he died on May 5, 1821. His remains were later returned to France and interred with great ceremony, reflecting the enduring impact of his life and rule.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Introduction to Napoleon and the French Revolution

The script opens with an introduction to the concept of revolution, highlighting its dual nature of returning to the starting point yet bringing about radical change. It introduces Napoleon Bonaparte, who rose from humble beginnings to become a significant figure in French history. Napoleon's early life, military career, and his role in the French Revolution are discussed, including his command in Egypt and his eventual return to France to seize power. The paragraph also touches on his efforts to stabilize France and gain support from the Catholic Church through the Concordat of 1801.

05:00

🎓 Napoleon's Impact on Education and Law

This paragraph delves into Napoleon's influence on the French legal system and education. The Napoleonic Code, completed in 1804, is highlighted for its standardization of laws across France, which facilitated economic development but also imposed strict limitations on women's rights. Napoleon's establishment of schools and educational institutions for higher learning is noted, emphasizing the long-term impact on modernization and the spread of innovation. The paragraph also discusses the cultural shifts influenced by Napoleon, including changes in fashion and the emulation of Roman styles.

10:03

🏰 Napoleon's Conquests and the Rise of Nationalism

The third paragraph examines Napoleon's military conquests across Europe and the subsequent rise of nationalism among the conquered peoples. Napoleon's tactics, including drafting young men into his army and incorporating conquered territories into his forces, are detailed. His defeat of the Holy Roman Empire, the establishment of the Confederation of the Rhine, and the imposition of the Napoleonic Code and the metric system are covered. The paragraph also discusses the cultural resistance to Napoleon's rule, as illustrated by the contrasting art of Jacques-Louis David and Francisco Goya.

15:07

❄️ The Downfall of Napoleon and His Legacy

The final paragraph recounts Napoleon's disastrous Russian campaign, the formation of a coalition against him, and his eventual abdication and exile. It describes the Battle of Leipzig, Napoleon's return from Elba, and his final defeat at Waterloo. The paragraph concludes with a reflection on Napoleon's legacy, including his contributions to education, science, and the economy, as well as the cultural and military innovations inspired by his rule. The enduring impact of the Napoleonic Code and the global imitation of French institutions are noted, emphasizing the complex and lasting influence of Napoleon on world history.

Keywords

💡Revolution

The term 'revolution' originally refers to a full turn of 360 degrees, symbolizing a return to the starting point. In the context of history, it denotes a significant and radical change, often involving a stark departure from the past and the establishment of a new order. The script uses the French Revolution as an example, highlighting its dual nature as both a political turnover and a social upheaval that led to lasting changes in the perception of citizenship and governance.

💡Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte is a central figure in the script, representing a military and political leader who rose from humble beginnings to become the Emperor of France. His life and actions are integral to the video's theme of radical change and the establishment of new political orders. Napoleon's influence extended beyond France, impacting European politics and inspiring nationalism among the conquered peoples.

💡Concordat of 1801

The Concordat of 1801 was an agreement between Napoleon and the Catholic Church, which recognized Catholicism as the primary religion in France and validated the sale of Church lands. This concept is crucial to understanding Napoleon's strategy of gaining support from France's most important institutions, illustrating his political acumen and the complex relationship between church and state during his reign.

💡Napoleonic Code

The Napoleonic Code, or Code Napoléon, was a set of laws established by Napoleon to standardize legal practices in France. It is a key concept in the video as it represents a significant step towards modernization and the rationalization of laws concerning citizenship, family, and property. The Code also had profound implications for women's rights, as it imposed strict limitations on their legal status and autonomy.

💡Modernization

Modernization in the script refers to the process of transforming traditional societies into industrialized, economically developed ones. Napoleon's reforms, including the establishment of the Napoleonic Code and the metric system, are highlighted as catalysts for modernization. They facilitated economic development and standardized various aspects of French society, influencing other nations to adopt similar measures.

💡Nationalism

Nationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes the importance of a shared national identity. In the script, Napoleon's conquests inadvertently fostered nationalism among the people he conquered, as they resisted his rule and sought to assert their own identities separate from French domination. This resistance played a significant role in the eventual decline of his empire.

💡Continental System

The Continental System was an economic blockade implemented by Napoleon to weaken Britain by cutting off its trade with the European continent. It is a key economic strategy discussed in the script, illustrating Napoleon's attempts to exert control over Europe and the economic consequences of his policies.

💡Waterloo

Waterloo refers to the Battle of Waterloo, where Napoleon was defeated by the allied forces led by the Duke of Wellington. This battle is a pivotal moment in the script, marking the end of Napoleon's military career and his ultimate downfall as a political leader.

💡Excommunication

Excommunication is the act of expelling a person from the Christian community, in this case, the Catholic Church. Napoleon was excommunicated for annexing Papal lands, which underscores the tension between religious and political authority during his reign and the script's exploration of his complex relationship with the Church.

💡Educational Reform

Educational reform in the script refers to the establishment of new schools and institutions for higher learning by Napoleon, aimed at advancing knowledge in fields like engineering, science, and technology. These reforms are highlighted as a means of cultivating a knowledgeable and skilled populace, contributing to France's modernization and global influence.

💡Dictatorship

Dictatorship is a form of government where absolute power is concentrated in the hands of a single ruler. The script discusses Napoleon's rule as a type of dictatorship, emphasizing his authoritarian control over France and the measures he took to consolidate power, such as creating a police state and restoring monarchical hierarchies.

Highlights

The term 'revolution' in history signifies a radical change and a departure from the past, often leading to a new societal order.

The French Revolution led to a shift in perception, with people seeing themselves as citizens rather than subjects of a king.

Napoleon Bonaparte rose to power not through royal lineage but through military prowess and political acumen.

Napoleon's early life was marked by poverty, but his love for reading and a scholarship to a military academy set him on a path to greatness.

Despite initial language barriers and bullying, Napoleon's height was average for the 18th century, debunking the 'Napoleon Complex' myth.

Napoleon's military career began in 1785, and he quickly ascended the ranks during the French Revolution, becoming a brigadier general by 1793.

Napoleon's invasion of Egypt aimed to disrupt British trade routes and brought with him scholars to advance knowledge.

Napoleon's actions in Egypt, including the plundering of artifacts, reflected both his scholarly interests and his disregard for local culture.

His return to France in 1799 coincided with political and economic turmoil, providing an opportunity for him to seize power.

Napoleon's rise to 'First Consul' and later Emperor was marked by his ability to garner public support and manipulate the political landscape.

The Concordat of 1801 with the Catholic Church was a strategic move to gain the support of a powerful institution.

Napoleon's popularity stemmed from his promise of stability and economic recovery, which resonated with the French people.

The Napoleonic Code, completed in 1804, standardized legal systems across France, facilitating economic development and modernization.

The Code also had significant social implications, particularly for women, restricting their rights and reinforcing patriarchal norms.

Napoleon's educational reforms, including the establishment of lycées and higher education institutions, had a lasting impact on European education systems.

Napoleon's military campaigns across Europe led to the spread of French influence and the imposition of the Napoleonic Code and metric system.

His European ambitions also sparked nationalism among conquered peoples, who resisted French rule and sought to assert their own identities.

Napoleon's disastrous Russian campaign in 1812 marked a turning point in his fortunes, leading to significant military losses and the beginning of his decline.

The formation of a coalition against Napoleon, including Russia, Austria, Prussia, and Sweden, culminated in his defeat at Leipzig in 1813.

Napoleon's eventual abdication, exile, and final defeat at Waterloo in 1815 marked the end of his reign and influence.

Despite his downfall, Napoleon's legacy in terms of legal, educational, and cultural reforms left a lasting impact on France and the world.

Napoleon's remains were later returned to France with great pomp, symbolizing the enduring reverence for his contributions to the country.

Transcripts

Hi I’m John Green and this is Crash Course European History.

So, the word revolution is a funny one, because it literally means a full turn of 360 degrees.

Like, you end a revolution where you started out.

But in history, revolution means radical change, stark departures from the world that was,

and the messy, often violent embrace of a new world.

The French Revolution was in different ways both kinds of Revolution--in the end, an absolutist

government was replaced by an absolutist government.

But the change that emerged from the Revolution was real and lasting.

It helped usher in a world where people saw themselves as citizens of a community rather

than subjects of a king.

And eventually, a rising military star named Napoleon Bonaparte would prove that having

your dad be king of France was not the only way to become ruler of France.

[Intro] Napoleon grew up poor in Corsica, but he loved

reading and managed to secure a scholarship to a military academy.

As a kid, he spoke Corsican and Italian and didn’t start learning French until he was

ten.

And he was bullied for his accented French and for his overall tininess--although despite

what you may have heard about Napoleon Complexes, Bonaparte would eventually end up being around

five feet seven inches tall, about average for an 18th century man.

He entered the army as a second lieutenant in 1785 and began to rise through the ranks

throughout the tumultuous years of the French Revolution.

By the time he was 24, in 1793, he was a brigadier general working under the Committee for Public

Safety, which as you’ll recall killed a lot of the public in the name of public safety.

And then in 1798, Napoleon crossed into Egypt with an entire army at his command, aiming

to disrupt Britain’s access to India.

In addition to lots of soldiers, Napoleon brought with him scientists, linguists, and

other scholars to advance knowledge and also carry off more Egyptian riches.

The Egyptians were impressed by the openness of these scholars, but in general the French

completely appalled the local people with their crude ways and drunkenness.

And even as Napoleon flattered the Egyptians by declaring himself a worshiper of Islam,

he ultimately stole and desecrated many Egyptian artefacts--although later he also stole and

desecrated lots of artefacts from around Europe.

He loved a plundered artefact!

At any rate, Napoleon ultimately had to return to France in 1799, as his army and navy were

defeated by the British and the Egyptians.

And that timing turned out to be perfect: The Directory, which you’ll recall, was

a five-person committee governing France after the collapse of Robespierre’s Committee

for Public Safety, was overseeing a still-floundering economy and fighting wars on many fronts.

Napoleon helped overthrow the directorate in 1799, and quickly became “First Consul,”

and then took as his first task mending fences with the Catholic Church.

He agreed to the Concordat of 1801, which recognized Catholicism as the primary French

religion.

It also validated the sale of Church lands and the state’s payment of clergymen’s

salaries if they swore to uphold the French government.

And that was important because it ensured him the support one of France’s most important

institutions, and you’ll recall our discussions about how even dictators need support from

within their holdings.

But it’s also telling that Napoleon would eventually be excommunicated by the Catholic

Church for annexing Papal lands for France.

Napoleon was also popular with the people: He offered a solution to decades of instability

and economic decline.

He won majorities when he had his candidacy for office and other decisions approved by

a plebiscite or vote, cast by men over the age of 21.

In 1802 he had himself declared Consul for Life and in 1804 Emperor.

Did the center of the world just open up?

Is there a bust of somebody who actually believes himself to be the center of the world in there?

It is!

It’s Napoleon himself.

Stan got this in Paris.

I can tell, because it says, “Souvenier de Paris.”

So this bust of Napoleon complete with its armlessness and being cut off at the torso

and everything is extremely Roman-ish.

And this was part of how Napoleon justified his dictatorial form of government.

He said “no, we’re just going back to the Roman Empire...to the good old days of

ancient Rome.”

And dictators do this a lot.

From the Russian word Tsar, which comes from the word Caesar, to 20th century dictators,

when your leaders start talking about reviving the glory of the Roman Empire, get nervous.

Oh look, its half-French, half-Roman Napoleon.

So, during the French Revolution, leaders promoted the ancient Roman idea of virtu—that

is, the sacrifice of personal interest for the good of the republic, the whole.

Napoleon continued all that Roman imagery but switched it from the Roman Republic to

the Roman Empire.

you can even see this in his journey from being a Consul to being an Emperor.

He was portrayed in lavish costume and crowned with the laurel leaves of a conquering hero.

“Empire” style in furniture arose and women donned slim white dresses, free from

corsets and voluminous petticoats, in imitation of Roman statuary.

And Napoleon saw himself as a modern Justinian--the famed ancient lawgiver.

So to that end, he set out to have the most celebrated jurists under his guidance produce

a rational code of laws.

Completed in 1804, the Code Napoléon (aka the Napoleonic Code) standardized the laws

of citizenship, family, and property.

The Code made rules for financial transfers and mortgages and for other legal transactions

concerning property standards across France instead of differing from province to province.

And legal standardization facilitated modern economic development.

But the other two sections on family and citizenship stunned many for the way they impoverished

and curtailed most of the rights of women.

Under the Napoleonic Code, women had no right to their own property once they were married--not

even the wages they earned themselves.

They could not serve as witnesses in court nor have control over or guardianship of their

own children.

They had to live where their husband directed them to live.

If they committed adultery, they were sent to jail.

But men, in contrast, would only be charged with a crime if they brought a sexual partner

into the family home.

I’m not making this up.

Lest you think that history is simply a march toward more people having more rights….not

always.

But by creating laws that specifically targeted the economy, the empire was seen as paving

the way for modernization.

And other institutions followed: individual schools were founded for higher education

in engineering, science and technology, and for developing a cadre of advanced teachers.

Napoleon also sponsored the creation of lycées, or high schools.

Countries in Europe and across the globe imitated the French legal and educational systems as

they too strove to become modern as well.

This may not seem like a huge deal, but consider how different the world becomes as more people

have access to more education: There are more potential innovators to solve

big problems, and more people who can use the tool of writing to share their perspectives

with wide audiences, and more teachers to train and educate future generations of professionals

and experts.

On the other hand, it’s worth remembering that half of the population--women--were denied

not just most of the new opportunities in France but also many of the rights they’d

previously had.

So, Napoleon initially succeeded in France because he quelled the political chaos by

making himself an emblem of authority and order.

Right out of the dictator playbook.

He also created a police state with strict censorship and spies operating in everyday

life.

And he restored the monarchical system of aristocratic titles and hierarchies, even

giving back titles to some of the old aristocracy who could help revive the appearance of ceremonial

grandeur.

And so in all those ways, Napoleon was returning to Louis XIV’s absolutism, so the revolution

did turn all the way around, ending where it started, in that sense.

While members of Napoleon’s family often became wealthy and titled, his enemies were

frequently exiled from France.

The most famous of his exiled enemies was Germaine de Staël, the wealthiest woman in

Europe and one of the most accomplished.

De Staël never stopped criticizing the dictator, although at first she found him fascinating

and even thought she might become his companion.Early on, she probed him for an expression of admiration

of her talents by asking what kind of woman he valued most.

He responded, “the one with the most children” and pointedly gazed at her chest.

After that, she denounced his brutal nature to whoever would listen, rallying opponents

around her.

But Napoleon had as many plans for Europe as he had for France and he set out to conquer

and colonize all of Europe and the British Isles.

He amassed a huge army by drafting young men between the ages of 20 and 24, then he earned

their complete devotion by fighting alongside them in at least sixty battles.

As he conquered German and Austrian territory, he brought men from those areas into his armies

too.

And by 1806, he had ended the Holy Roman Empire after defeating Austria in several battles,

most thoroughly at the battle of Austerlitz in 1805.

Then he went on to defeat Prussia in 1806 and Russia in 1807 after they declared war

on France in succession.

Napoleon then forced or inspired reforms such as the end of serfdom, legislating religious

toleration, and creating schools to advance scientific and technological study.

And he unified German states excluding Austria in the Confederation of the Rhine.

His imposition of the Napoleonic Code, the metric system, and other institutions for

standardization helped to unify Europe.

What is the metric system? Stan says it’s something that Europeans

do, like soccer and ensuring that all citizens have health care.

One of the big effects of Napoleon’s European ambitions was that it inspired a lot of nationalism

among his new subjects, who mostly opposed his dictatorial regimes, in places where one

of his brothers usually.

I mean, for one thing, most of these newly conquered lands were run by one of Napoleon’s

brothers, who’d serve as surrogate monarch, and if you’re gonna live in a dictatorship,

you wanna at least be dictated by the dictator himself.

Not some brother.

It’s like going to see the matinee of a big Broadway show, and instead of getting

the big star, you get some understudy. at any rate, this is important because people

began to think of themselves as, for instance, German in part because they didn’t want

to think of themselves as French.

Napoleon’s goal was to colonize the entire continent, and he mostly succeeded, but Spain

was still unconquered and thwarting his Continental system when in 1807 Napoleon struck with an

army of some 100,000 men.

Spanish and Portuguese royals both left their capitals.

Napoleon installed yet another brother (Joseph) as king and resistance swelled—with help

from the British and Arthur Wellesley, who would later become the Duke of Wellington.

And you can see the effects in art.

Jacques-Louis David painted triumphant moments in Napoleon’s career, including his self-coronation

as emperor.

But Spanish painter Francisco Goya depicted Napoleonic rule as a reign of terror.

His “Third of May 1808” shows a French firing squad mowing down peasants and clergy

alike.

Goya remained a chronicler of Spanish resistance and French barbarism, as tens of thousands

of French troops had to occupy the conquered kingdom because of Spanish hatred of the conquerors.

Let’s go to the Thought Bubble.

1.

Despite ongoing problems, Napoleon became determined to conquer and absorb all of Russia,

2.

especially since it had opted out of his Continental System.

3.

He built an army of some 600,000 to 700,000 men from across his lands

4. and began his invasion in June of 1812.

5.

Having trudged hundreds of miles, troops were exhausted and overcome by the heat,

6. and the Rusians refused to engage in battle.

7.

Instead, they retreated, practicing so-called “scorched earth tactics” by burning and

destroying any resource

8.

including food and livestock that could be of use to the invaders.

9.

Finally at Borodino, the two sides engaged in what was ultimately a costly victory for

the French,

10. who lost 30,000 men, while the Russians lost 45,000.

11.

But the French were thousands of miles from home territory, and so reinforcing and resupplying

their army proved difficult.

12.

Foreign recruits, who were not as loyal to Napoleon, began melting away as winter approached

and conditions worsened.

13.

The remaining 100,000ish invaders marched on from Borodino, some 70 miles from Moscow,

14.

but on reaching their destination, they found the city consumed by fire

15.

—shelter and other necessities were once again in short supply.

16.

Still Napoleon waited for Tsar Alexander I to surrender and agree to terms.

17.

But when the surrender failed to materialize,

18.

Napoleon led his depleted, starving, and frostbitten army westward to Poland.

19.

Many had died; many other soldiers had deserted, and more French troops would be killed by

the Cossacks as they retreated.

20.

Only 40,000 of Napoleon’s soldiers reached Poland alive in 1813.

Thanks Thought Bubble.

So, the European powers took note of the Emperor’s bedraggled forces and formed a coalition that

included Russia, Austria, Prussia, and Sweden.

In 1813, their armies, backed by British financing, defeated French forces at Leipzig.

This battle was waged because Napoleon refused to accept the allies’ terms, which initially

allowed him to continue to rule France.

In early 1814 he abdicated and headed for exile on Elba, an island in the Mediterranean.

A year later, he escaped, returned to France, gathered an army, and confronted the powers

once more, finally surrendering on July 15, 1815 after being defeated at Waterloo.

Napoleon was living in exile on the distant island of St. Helena when he died on May 5,

1821--thirty two years to the day after the meeting of the Estates-General that set the

French Revolution into motion.

Consider all that had happened in those 32 years, and you’ll understand why this period

of French history is seen as so important to world history.

Decades after his death, Napoleon’s remains were lavishly returned to France, placed in

the Church of the Dome in the heart of Paris, and eventually re-encased in a grander sarcophagus

under the church’s golden dome itself.

Why?

Remember that under him, French achievements were massive in terms of education, commitment

to science, standardization, modernization of the economy and administration, and opening

the door to opportunity for ordinary people.

Well, ordinary men.

French museums were packed with loot from across Europe and Egypt plundered by Napoleon’s

armies.

In fact, those museums are still packed with that loot.

And there were also the unforgettable early military victories and the revival of French

cultural glory that led to the imitation of French things throughout the world.

Muhammad Ali, ruler of Egypt, who had been part of the effort to drive Napoleon and his

forces from the country, would begin programs in direct imitation of Napoleon’s.

And t he creation of a truly citizens army, entranced by the heroism of its leader, also

endured, while his lightning attacks remained a model to future military innovators.

The Napoleonic Code was imitated worldwide.

As Napoleon’s body was re-entombed in splendor and pomp, one worker expressed France’s

general worship of the dictator: “I’ve got the emperor in my guts.”

For better and for worse, we still have Napoleon in our guts.

Thanks for watching.

I’ll see you next time.