Everett from The Age of Napoleon and Arjun from Deep into History join Breht to discuss the new Napoleon film, the actual history involved, Napoleon's personality, his treatment of Haiti, exile, and death, and how the socialist left today should view Napoleon. They critique Ridley Scott's film, explore the importance of the French Revolution, and discuss the reaction to Napoleon from the rest of Europe. They also delve into the complex legacy of Napoleon, his relationship with Haiti, and the comparison between Napoleon and Stalin. The chapter concludes with a discussion on power, influence, and the impact of societal and historical contexts.
Napoleon's legacy includes both the betrayal and preservation of the French Revolution's ideals.
Napoleon's reign carried forward the principles of meritocracy, administrative reforms, and political stability.
The French Revolution was not solely about the people revolting against the king, but a complex series of events caused by the collapse of the monarchy and government incompetence.
Deep dives
Napoleon's Relationship with the French Revolution
Napoleon's relationship with the French Revolution is complex. While he is often seen as a betrayer or a counterrevolutionary figure, he also carried forward many of the modernizing aspects of the revolution. He may have restored the aristocracy and made peace with the Vatican, but his administrative reforms and philosophy of government were progressive for the time. He spread the ideals of the revolution throughout Europe and was an agent of modernization. His coronation as Emperor of France and his rejection of being subordinate to the Pope demonstrated his desire for power and authority independent of traditional institutions. Overall, Napoleon's legacy includes both the betrayal and the preservation of the French Revolution's ideals.
Controversy in British-French Relations
Napoleon still generates debate and fascination in British-French relations. Some British people continue to see him as a figure of disdain, while others recognize that he brought stability after a period of French turmoil. The deep-rooted rivalry between the two countries, historical battles, and propaganda have perpetuated these sentiments. However, it is important to separate the historical figure from these nationalistic interpretations and analyze his impact on the shaping of Europe and the spread of revolutionary ideals.
Crowning Himself Emperor
When Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of France, it was a deliberate move to assert his power and signify his independence from traditional institutions. He refused to allow anyone else to put the crown on his head, as he had studied the history of Charlemagne's coronation and wanted to distance himself from past monarchs reliant on the Church. By crowning himself, Napoleon symbolically represented the completion of the revolution and the establishment of a reformed French monarchy that embraced modernizing aspects of the revolution. While he may have seemed like a counterrevolutionary figure, his reign also carried forward the revolutionary ideals and spread them throughout Europe.
Napoleon's Legacy and Connection to the French Revolution
Napoleon's connection to the French Revolution is multifaceted. Although he is often seen as a betrayer, he played a crucial role in spreading revolutionary ideals and modernizing Europe. While his coronation as Emperor may seem counterrevolutionary, it symbolized the completion of the revolution and the establishment of a reformed French monarchy. Napoleon's reign carried forward the principles of meritocracy, administrative reforms, and political stability. He may represent both the destroyer and the global bringer of revolution, and his relationship with the French Revolution is a complex legacy that has shaped European history.
Complexities of the French Revolution
The podcast episode discusses the ideological transformation and class dynamics underlying the French Revolution. Contrary to popular depictions, the revolution was not solely about the people revolting against the king, but rather a complex series of events caused by the collapse of the monarchy and the incompetence of the government. The revolutionaries stepped into the void left by the weak government, gradually replacing it over time. This perspective challenges the simplistic portrayal of the revolution as a struggle between the people and the monarchy.
Napoleon's Controversial Actions
The podcast delves into the controversy surrounding Napoleon's actions, particularly his reintroduction of slavery in the French colonies. Although he had previously held abolitionist beliefs, Napoleon made the political calculation to reinstate slavery, viewing it as a concession to the conservative forces and a way to stabilize his rule. This decision had devastating consequences, with the French army in Haiti engaging in brutal and borderline genocidal actions. It reveals the chilling aspect of Napoleon's character, where he was willing to make morally reprehensible choices for the sake of political expediency and maintaining power.
Everett from The Age of Napoleon and Arjun from Deep into History join Breht to discuss Napoleon Bonaparte. Together they explore and reflect on the new film by Ridley Scott, the actual history involved and what the film got wrong, Napoleon's real personality, the importance of the French Revolution in Napoleon's rise, the reaction to the French Revolution and Napoleon from the rest of Europe, Napoleon's treatment of Haiti, Napoleon's exile and death, and then they grapple with the question of how the socialist left today should view and understand Napoleon.
