Napoleon Bonaparte's internal reforms. / Code Napoleon.
Napoleon Bonaparte's internal reforms.
Code Napoleon.
Napoleon as a reformer.
Introduction: - After being appointed as a consul, Napoleon concentrated on internal reforms. The main aim of his reforms was to establish a strong political base in France by introducing a centralized system of government. Napoleon is regarded as one of the greatest benevolent rulers of the eighteenth century. His reforms had a profound effect on later France and the whole of Europe. David Thomson says - "His overall purpose was a systematic reconstruction of the legal, financial and administrative institutions of France".
1. Administrative Reforms: - Napoleon took some measures to build a strong centralized system of government. The measures are -
(i) It is customary to appoint provincial administrators and district officers directly by the Consul.
(ii) Before the Revolution, France was divided into 83 departments or provinces. This arrangement is maintained.
(iii) Arrangements were made by the Consul to appoint all the employees of the various governors of the districts and provinces - prefect, sub-prefect, mayor.
(iv) Councils, though in force, are turned into advisory bodies.
(v) By reducing the power of the provinces and municipalities, the free power of the emperor is established there.
(vi) Law, foreign policy, defense - in all cases the monopoly of the emperor is established.
2. Introduction of the Concordat: - The Napoleonic Code introduced the Concordat to resolve disputes between states and the Pope. This new religion reform law is called Concordat.
(i) France was divided into 50 priestly groups, with all previous arrangements broken, and the power of this group transferred to 10 archbishops.
(ii) The Bishop's authority over the clergy was established.
(iii) The Roman Catholic Church and religion are recognized by the state.
(iv) The church and its property are nationalized.
(v) The custom of appointing clergies by consul is prevalent.
(vi) Although Catholicism is recognized as the main religion, other religions are also recognized.
3. Introduction of Civil Code: Introduction of Law and Judiciary: - Introduction of Civil Code was one of the most significant of Napoleon's internal reforms. The Code was composed by four eminent lawyers and contained about 287 sections. Its various aspects were -
(i) The supreme right of the father is recognized in the family and the property of the family.
(ii) Husband's right to life and property of wife is recognized.
(iii) Divorce is recognized.
(iv) Penalties and rules of law are specified.
(v) Mobile courts are created to supplement the basic justice system.
(vi) Jury system is maintained in the judiciary.
(vii) Property rights are legalized.
4. Various reforms in the field of education: - Napoleon's various reforms in the field of education were -
(i) Many primary and secondary schools were established.
(ii) One primary school is established in each commune.
(iii) Many technical schools are established.
(iv) 29 schools were established for military education.
(v) Normal school for teacher education is established.
(vi) 6 medical schools are established.
(vii) Multiple measures were taken to enrich the French language.
(viii) The University of France was established in 1608 AD for the expansion of higher education.
5. Economic Reforms: - The various economic reforms adopted by Napoleon were -
(i) The Bank of France was established for the purpose of centralizing the economic system.
(ii) All rights to print notes are vested in the Bank of France.
(iii) All rules of tax collection are centralized.
(iv) Arrangements are made for disbursement of loans from banks.
(v) Monetary policy is reformed.
(vi) The French treasury was enriched by collecting large sums of money from the conquered countries for compensation.
(vii) Arrangements were made for rehabilitation of the unemployed.
(viii) The Chamber of Commerce was reorganized in 1602 AD.
(ix) Trade expansion in North America.
(x) Assignment note was canceled.
(xi) Gold and silver coins were reintroduced.
(xii) Stock exchanges were formed and ports were reformed.
In conclusion, Napoleon's reforms, based on the basic tenets of Roman law, were adopted in France as well as in other European countries. The main purpose of the laws that Napoleon wrote as a politician was to improve the moral character and standard of living of the people and to establish a successful centralized administration. As a result, the common people, the middle class and the peasants became pro-Napoleon.
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