Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the French Revolution ignited new ideas regarding equality, justice, freedom and the very nature of social interaction; but, ironically, it was a dictator, Napoleon, who perpetuated and spread many of these ideas. The paper points out that the Napoleonic Code, the introduction of liberal ideas to Egypt, and the beginning of the drive for the unification of Italy were all things that resulted from ideas derived from the French Revolution that spread because of Napoleon and his rule. The author believes that the impact of the French Revolution and Napoleon's dissemination of its ideas can be demonstrated by the fact that even after the defeat of Napoleon, none of the old European monarchies or regimes ever enjoyed the absolute power that they once held.

Table of Contents
Introduction
The French Revolution
Napoleon Early in the Revolution
Quest for Power
Napoleon as a Ruler and Conqueror
The Tragedy of Napoleon's Life
The Legacy of Napoleon and the French Revolution
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Napoleon is a tragic figure in that few have had so much and lost it all. From being the world's most powerful man to becoming a lonely exile must have been a bitter pill to swallow. Napoleon's life is also tragic in that so many people were fanatically loyal to him, yet his first love Josephine, was unfaithful to him and never provided the male heir that he so desperately wanted. But, the greater tragedy is the waste of Napoleon's talents. True, he achieved monumental military accomplishments, but his conquests were ephemeral; they did not last. Universally recognized as one of the great military minds, Napoleon was equally talented as an administrator. If he had turned his attention to these pursuits, he could have done so much lasting good. He was also a man of contradictions. Vain, arrogant, and ambitious, he loved himself, but he was not afraid to recognize and praise ability in others. He was ruthless when necessary, but he does not seem to have been driven by hate as some later dictators were. All in all, he still fascinates us today."

Visitors who viewed this Essay also liked these:

• Essay # 41741 : "Bonaparte and The French Revolution"
• Analytical Essay # 3033 : "Napoleon and the French Revolution"
• Essay # 4552 : "Nietzsche, Morality, and the French Revolution"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: