Learn about the Napoleonic Civil Code's principles, its effects on family law, and how Napoleon's domestic and military reforms shaped Europe.

The Civil Code

• • Napoleonic Code: Early version of the Code Civil des Français (“Civil Code of the French”), dated 1803, promulgated in 1804.
  • Key Principles:
    • Civil equality and equality before the law
    • Abolition of feudalism in favor of modern contractual property
    • Secularization of civil relations
  • Impact on Family Relations: The code was a reaction against Revolutionary gains, emphasizing patriarchal authority.
  • Wife’s Role Under the Code:
    • Wives owed obedience to their husbands
    • Wives were barred from signing contracts without their husband's consent
    • Wife’s property fell under husband's control during his lifetime
  • Inheritance Laws: The code curbed equal inheritance rights, particularly for illegitimate children.
  • Divorce Laws: The code limited divorce to cases of extreme cruelty or adultery, and only allowed wives to seek divorce if their husbands brought a concubine into the household.
• Napoleon’s Domestic Innovations
  • Prefectorial system, centralizing administrative authority
  • Creation of the university, scrutinizing teachers
  • Concordat with the Vatican, reversing secularization
  • Legion of Honour, rewarding service to the state
  • Enduring influence on modern French society
• Campaigns and Conquests (1797–1807)
  • Conquest of Northern Italy: Napoleon’s victory in 1797 and dissolution of the first coalition.
  • Campaigns in Egypt: Napoleon’s failed expedition to Egypt, ultimately returned as a hero.
  • Battle of Marengo: 1800, Napoleon’s victory that secured peace with Austria.
  • Treaty of Amiens: Peace between France and Britain in 1802.
  • Battle of Trafalgar: 1805, British victory over the French-Spanish fleets.
  • Battle of Austerlitz: 1805, Napoleon's brilliant defeat of Austria.
  • Prussian Defeats: Battle of Jena and Auerstädt, leading to the occupation of Berlin.
  • Battle of Friedland: 1807, leading to the Treaty of Tilsit and Russian peace.
• The Grand Empire
  • Satellite Kingdoms: Napoleon’s relatives installed on thrones across Europe (e.g., Kingdom of Holland, Italy, Spain, and Westphalia).
  • Reorganization of Europe: The Confederation of the Rhine and influence over Austria.
  • Marriage to Marie-Louise: In 1810, to secure an heir to the throne.
• The Continental System
  • Objective: Napoleon aimed to choke off British commerce by closing Europe to British goods.
  • Berlin Decree: 1806, prohibiting British trade in French-controlled territories.
  • British Retaliation: Naval blockade of neutral ships, escalating the conflict.
  • Impact on Europe: While France made some economic progress, the Continental System hurt France and its allies due to shortages and smuggling.
  • Withdrawal of Russia: Tsar Alexander I abandoned the system in 1811.
• Napoleon’s Invasion of Russia (1812)
  • Grand Army: Napoleon's 600,000-strong army invaded Russia in 1812.
  • Advance to Moscow: Napoleon reached Moscow but did not achieve a decisive victory.
  • Retreat and Disaster: Due to cold, hunger, and disease, two-thirds of Napoleon’s army was lost in the harsh Russian winter.
  • Continued Ambition: Despite the defeat, Napoleon believed in his ability to rebuild and defend his empire.