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 and Napoleon's Reforms
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.
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.
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