Napoleon’s Domestic Policy

Legacy While some people remember Napoleon for his conquests, many regard his domestic policy as his greatest legacy to France. Still in France today, institutions reflect the influence of Napoleon. His rule provided the stability in France needed to consolidate the ideas of the revolution that began in 1789.

The Bank of France Following the French Revolution, economic crises continued to exist in France. The country had a debt of 474 million francs. Napoleon recognized that economic reform was essential to help increase employment and restore confidence in the government’s ability to foster economic growth. Due to this, he created the Bank of France in January of 1800.

What was it??? What did it do??? To strengthen the economy, Napoleon enforced a law requiring all citizens to pay taxes. The Bank of France provided a place where all tax money could be deposited. It issued government securities and conducted private business. The bank extended low interest loans to promote industry.

Bank of France Cont’d… At this time, the Franc became the most stable currency in Europe. The Bank of France proved to be a significant factor in the stabilization of the French economy. It remains as the central financial institution of France today.

Tax Reform Unlike during the Revolution, tax collectors under Napoleon were now professional, government employees. Direct taxes on land, business licenses, personal property, and servants were maintained at a steady level as established under the Directory. There were NO tax exemptions based on class under Napoleon’s new system.

The Concordat During the Revolution, the French gov’t created a conflict with the Catholic Church, when they confiscated its land and assumed the right to regulate church affairs. All of the above took place when the French gov’t implemented the Civil Constitution of the Clergy. As First Consul, Napoleon desired to reconciliate with the Church.

What happened??? On July 15, 1801, Napoleon signed an agreement (Concordat) with Pope Pius VII. With this agreement, Napoleon ended the election of bishops. Under the agreement, the French gov’t appointed Catholic bishops and paid the clergy, but the pope had authority over them. It also stated that the Catholic Church would not demand the return of church property seized during the revolution. Through this, Napoleon did not lose support of any people who acquired church lands.

The Napoleonic Code The systematic codification of French law. Seen as Napoleon’s greatest achievement in government and has influenced French law until present day. It brought together many reforms of the revolution into a SINGLE, UNIFIED LEGAL SYSTEM.

Napoleonic Code cont’d… It recognized that ALL MEN WERE EQUAL BEFORE THE LAW. It GUARANTEED FREEDOM OF RELIGION. It provided a person with the RIGHT TO WORK IN ANY OCCUPATION. The state had to be protected from the criminal actions of individuals, thus these INDIVIDUALS WERE REQUIRED TO PROVE THEIR INNOCENCE.

Bad Points of the Napoleonic Code It put the INTERESTS OF THE STATE ABOVE THOSE OF INDIVIDUAL CITIZENS. It also DROPPED LAWS PASSED DURING THE REVOLUTION THAT PROTECTED THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN & CHILDREN. Women were relegated to the status of second-class citizens under this code. Not until 1945 that they were given equal rights in France and could vote. It reflected ancient Roman law and made the man, absolute head of the household with control over all family property.

Education Napoleon claimed, “Equality must be the first element in education.” His reforms in this area were DESIGNED TO PRODUCE A SKILLED BUREAUCRACY TO DO THE WORK OF THE STATE. LYCEES were set up by Napoleon. These were GOVERNMENT RUN SCHOOLS.

Lycees Encouraged extreme patriotism. Were run on rigid discipline and military training in order to produce future civil servants and officers. The same courses were taught at every school. Only children of wealthy parents attended due to tuition costs.

Lycees cont’d… Represented a ‘first step’ toward a system of public education. Catholic Church was responsible for primary education. Similar forms of schooling still exist in France today.

The Legion of Honour In 1802, Napoleon established a way which he could reward exceptional service to the Republic. Through this, he was able to harness the loyalty of a talented elite. Napoleon insisted the award must be available to citizens who contributed their talents through military or civil achievement. It consisted of a medal and a monetary reward (between 250 to 5000 francs per year). Remains today a symbol of public service and is still awarded to deserving French citizens. (Similar to Order of Canada)

Public Works Napoleon improved transportation and communication by initiating the construction of canals, the development of ports and the construction of roads. Paris benefited from many of Napoleon’s public works projects. Roads were paved, new bridges built, and the sewer system was rebuilt. A number of monuments were built, most notably the Arc de Triomphe.

Arc de Triomphe

What we have learned Many of Napoleon’s Domestic Policies of his time still exist today, indicating just how brilliant he was and why he is still regarded highly. Not all of Napoleon’s Domestic Policies benefited all individuals. For example the Napoleonic Code valued interests of the state higher than that of individuals and women were regarded as second-class citizens.