Napoleon and the transformation of Europe

Napoleon and the Transformation of Europe

Alexander Grab's book "Napoleon and the Transformation of Europe" focuses on the episodes having happened in Napoleon's Great Empire and on the progress experienced by the ten states composing it. The author discusses the French leader's reform strategies and how these improvements were successfully applied on the European continent. Grab focuses on each of the ten countries during Napoleon's reign and on the ruler's personality.

Napoleon Bonaparte stands as one of the most controversial individuals in all of history, taking into consideration his military tactics and the fact that he was considered by many to be insane. European politics all across the nineteenth century were largely shaped by his actions, during his rule as Emperor of the French (May 18, 1804-April 11, 1814; March 20, 1815 -- June 22, 1815). Given the French leaders innovative military campaigns, a large number of individuals have concentrated primarily on the military aspects of his life. There are apparently over 220.000 publications relating to Napoleon Bonaparte.

Napoleon was interested in conquering all European powers, with the purpose of strengthening the authority of his Empire. Another reason for which he chose to conquer parts of Europe was his determination to prevent foreign powers from intervening and restoring the Bourbon dynasty. Napoleon was well aware that he would have to install people close to him in the leadership of particular states within his empire. Thus, he hoped that his empire would be bonded through the relationship between him and the people he put in charge of states in the community.

Grab focused on using secondary sources in his book, turning it into a collection of information gathered from historic materials produced consequent to Napoleon I. The ten states comprising the Empire are paid special attention to. Belgium, France, Germany, the Illyrian provinces, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland are presented separately and as they relate to France at the time of the Revolution and during Napoleon's rule. The French Emperor's influence in most of these territories was felt through the fact that they adopted a series of reform policies set by Napoleon.

Although Napoleon was also interested in installing his reforms outside of France, his main interest in regard to the rest of the Empire was to exploit these territories, rather than to modernize them. Some of the areas within the Empire could barely feel Napoleon's set of restructuring. Portugal and the Illyrian provinces are a good example of such an occurrence, considering that the two states had little to do with Napoleon's plans. Even with the fact that it was part of the Grand Empire, there were little interactions between Portugal and the French.

The Illyrian provinces were even more disadvantaged because of their connection to France. This area had little to win out of the fact that it had become part of the Grand Empire. However, the taxation system imposed by the French was unbearable. Napoleon's influence in certain countries was not directly proportional with the reputation he had in these respective countries. In spite of the fact that Poland was not necessarily advantaged because of its connection to the French leader, it stood by his side until his last days. One could say that Napoleon awakened a spirit of nationalism in Polish people.

Napoleon is responsible for the fact that the feudal system slowly but surely started to lose authority across Europe. His reforms came in disagreement with the policies supported by most countries and emphasized Civil Rights, making it less possible for the state to control individuals.

Jeremy D. Popkin's book "A history of modern France" goes at analyzing France from the French Revolution and until the present. Through studying this manuscript, one can understand more about the influence Napoleon has had on the country. The book puts across an objective standpoint, emphasizing both the advantages and disadvantages of Napoleon's Empire.