The Age of Napoleon Podcast Episode 67: Resistance is Pointless
9 snips
May 6, 2020 Explore Napoleon's rise to power and controversy surrounding France's crown jewels. Learn about the writing and dissent behind the Napoleonic Code, as well as how Napoleon handled his critics and opponents. Discover the immediate political impact of the code and its impact on women's rights. Finally, delve into how the code angered conservatives and its potential for social change.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Regent Diamond and The Crown Jewels
- Napoleon recovered and repurposed parts of the French Crown Jewels for his personal and state image.
- The Regent Diamond appeared on his ceremonial sword and caused public outrage that eventually subsided.
Law-Making: Boring Rooms, Monumental Results
- The Napoleonic Code was created by a committee of lawyers meeting often with Napoleon deeply involved in sessions he chaired.
- The Code took years, 107 meetings, and became law in March 1804 after initial legislative pushback.
Tribunate's Rebellion And Purge
- The tribunate initially rejected the civil code and became a center of dissent against Napoleon's methods.
- Napoleon purged critical members like Benjamin Constant and Pierre Daunou and later abolished the tribunate in 1807.