From the Thermidorian Reaction to Napoleon as Emperor: Domestic Policies

Thermidorian Reaction, 1794 Robespierre Arrested

Thermidorian Reaction, 1794 Robespierre Executed

Thermidorian Reaction, 1794 Price controls removed Government put down working class rebellions Catholic Church reappeared Upper middle class asserting its right to rule

The Directory ( ) New Constitution applied to France and the Netherlands The five member Directory was unpopular –suppressed opposition –took bribes –extended the war against Austria (until1797) and Britain –nullified election of 1797

Brumiere Coup, 1799 Bonaparte takes power militarily, is named First Counsel The populace sees Bonaparte as confident, decisive and intelligent Napoleon engineered public support with an “election” which overwhelmingly approved his constitution and his 1 st consul position.

Napoleonic Style Hostile to vestiges of feudalism (seigneurialism) Bourbon absolutism, and aristocratic privilege Committed to equality of opportunity Believed in political centralization and authoritarian control Over time more focused on war than preserving liberties

Napoleon’s Political Organization Creation of unchecked executive power Allowed most émigrés back into France if they swore an oath of loyalty Suppressed independent political parties and the free press –Opponents sent to prison or mental institutions –Only newspapers were government propaganda

Napoleonic Government Government was carried out by paid state employees rewarded for their service and loyalty (a meritocracy) No purchasing of government or army offices No distinct legal classes or estates Attempted to tax everyone fairly – wealthier paid more in taxes Bank of France established to create a sound currency and monetary policy Secondary and higher school systems were reorganized and improved

Napoleonic or Civil Code – part 1 Uniform legal system that assured legal equality of all men Protected ownership of private property Assured freedom of religion

Napoleonic or Civil Code – part 2 Intellectual life regulated and censored, monitored by secret police Banned strikes and labor unions Gave the government an advantage in legal prosecutions Husband had power over wife –No legal rights for women –Women cannot own property

Napoleon’s Religious Settlements - Concordat of 1801 with the Vatican Willing to allow the Catholic Church to operate as long as it was under the control of the state. Seminaries permitted Seized church lands were NOT returned All religions tolerated French state paid the salaries of both Catholic priests and Protestant ministers