Napoleon Bonaparte
Also called: Napoleon · Topic: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe · NCERT: Class 10, Ch 1 "The Rise of Nationalism in Europe"
Meaning
Napoleon Bonaparte was a French general who became Emperor of France in 1804. His rule was full of contradiction. He destroyed democracy in France, but he ran the government on rational principles taken from the Revolution. He spread these reforms across the lands he conquered in Europe. He was finally defeated at Waterloo in 1815.
Example
His Civil Code of 1804, called the Napoleonic Code, ended privileges that came from birth. It gave equality before the law and protected the right to property. In conquered regions he abolished feudalism, serfdom and manorial dues (payments owed to the lord). He also removed guild restrictions, which were rules that controlled trades. At first people in Holland, Switzerland, Brussels, Mainz, Milan and Warsaw welcomed the French. Later they turned against them because of heavy taxes, censorship and forced conscription (being made to join the army).
Don't confuse with
- Napoleon III: Napoleon Bonaparte's nephew, who ruled France much later, in the mid-19th century.