Napoleon Bonaparte's - Essay Example

Napoleon Bonaparte Introduction Napoleon became the Emperor of the French in 1804, and he remained in power till 1815. The Napoleonic Code was his legal reform which had a huge influence on the civil law jurisdictions of many states globally. The main points covered in the civil code were that the privileges given based on birth were forbidden, everyone was given the freedom to practice their religion and that the jobs of the government were to be handed over to those who were the most qualified.

This code was accepted by most of the countries which were occupied by the French throughout what is called the Napoleonic Wars. The code was influential and formed the private law basis in countries such as Italy, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal and Poland. These countries adopted this code especially those aspects related to family laws which were discriminatory against the married women. The codes were adopted mostly under the European Court on Human Rights’ pressure1. However, Napoleon is remembered best for his role in the Napoleonic Wars which were those wars which were led against the French by series of coalitions.

He established a state which dominated over many parts of the continental Europe and spread across the ideas for the French Revolution while he consolidated an imperial monarchy. He gained success in these wars and proved to be one of the greatest military commanders of all time. He is still remembered for his warfare and innovations that led the success and despite having many enemies who were superior; he managed to successfully run his campaigns. Today, examples of his campaigns are taught at the military academics globally.

In the beginning of the nineteenth century there was much disturbance and disarray in the French Empire until Napoleon was engaged in the series of conflicts that tackled with every major power in the Europe. However, these conflicts resulted in a series of victories and France was able to secure a dominating position in the continental Europe under Napoleon’s military. Napoleon also managed to maintain the influence of the French Empire on the European countries by forming alliances and appointing family and friends to rule these European countries as being the client states of the French (Landau 55).

When it is about the impact on the events, Napoleon’s personality is what took the power. He had the skill and expertise which allowed him to take many correct decisions as he chose the best generals for the armies and stood by them till the end. He reorganized many of the things which allowed France to supply the money power and manpower itself which was needed for the wars. He was present with his men in the battlefield and his presence supported, motivated and inspired his army. He faced the difficulties alongside his men and so they gained confidence that with the support and charge of Napoleon they would surely win.

His personality was powerful and forceful which inspired many of the later leaders that came to France and strengthened its political side as well (Landau 67). Because of his great skills with the warfare and his methods to conduct the warfare, the political impact of the war on the French had greatly increased. Thus, the greatest impact of the Napoleon rule was because of the Napoleonic Code, the development of the continental system, the strong army which led to the conquering of most of the Europe and his work towards the peace of the Church and the clergy.

This meant that his influence was widespread from France to worldwide and from military or warfare to religion. References Landau Elaine. Napoleon Bonaparte. USA: Twenty-First Century Books, 2006.