Was a Napoleon a dictator?

Was a Napoleon a dictator?

1. In Consolidating His Power

   • Yes
     • After hearing of a plot involving Bourbon the duc d'Enghien, Generals Pichegru and Moreau and Chouan leader Cadoudal, Napoleon had them brought to Paris; the duc and Cadoudal were tried and executed, Pichegru 'committed suicide' in his cell and Moreau was banished
     • Napoleon used 24 December 1800 assassination attempt to deport 129 Jacobin leaders and arrest many more, neutralising the threat from extreme republicans
     • Prefects were used as Napoleon's 'little emperors' to spy on France and report back to him as well as oversee nearly every civil aspect of life
       • Those suspected of subversion could be placed under house arrest, tried before special courts, imprisoned or sent to penal colonies
         • Critics of the regime e.g Madame de Stael and her lover Benjamin Constant were exiled
     • Propaganda i.e Le Moniteur was widely circulated and the press controlled - "If the press is not controlled, I shall not remain three days in power"
   • No
     • Rewards such as concessions on religion, amnesty to rebels who laid down their arms and an end to laws attacking emigres kept the public conforming
     • Napoleon portrayed himself as willing to accept those who would accept his regime, irrespective of their background in his 'Ralliement Policy'
       • Napoleon allowed mixed political backgrounds into his inner circle of authority e.g ex Ancien regime servant Lebrun

2. In Ruling The French Empire

   • Yes
     • Napoleon wanted to establish a dynasty to improve relationships with the Royal Houses of Europe
       • 1806-1810 Louis Bonaparte is King of Holland until Holland is made apart of Joseph's kingdom
       • 1808 Joseph Bonaparte is King of Spain
       • 1808 Elise Bonaparte is Queen of Etruria
       • 1805 Although Napoleon is King, stepson Eugene de Beauharnais governs Italy
       • 1808 Marshall Murat, husband of Caroline Bonaparte, is King of Naples
     • Satellite States provided 1/3 of strength of Grand Armee and had to provide Tribute Monies to the Treasury
       • Italy's economy collapsed after £1.5 million was taken in tribute monies and 55,000 were forced to fight
       • Duchy of Warsaw was bankrupted from financial, land and gift commands from France
     • Satellite States were forced to trade with France at low prices, sell raw materials and buy back the finished product and accept tariffs on French exports
     • Napoleon stationed over 1 million troops in Allied States to make them responsible for the enormous upkeep of the troops
     • Allied States such as Denmark, Sweden, Austria and Prussia had to pay subsidies and provide troops for France
     • Napoleon ignored the wishes of those he ruled in the Nation States and promises of independence encouraged subjects to conjure up massive military effort
       • Poles in Duchy of Warsaw never experience independence despite their military efforts
   • No
     • Annexed States were brought under complete French control
       • They enjoyed civil liberties such as the Napoleonic Code, Imperial University and the Concordat
         • Areas such as Piedmont resented the conscription and taxation demands
     • France's territories benefited from feudalism being abolished
     • More neighbouring states were being absorbed into France, perhaps to create a European superstate
     • Napoleon claimed he sought to Promote Nation States such as Germany, Italy and Poland