We discussed how there is a lot of controversy as to whether the violence used during the Reign of Terror was necessary/ justifiable. If that violence puts a blemish in the National Convention, why is Napoleon viewed as a hero when he was very violent as well?
Napolean was viewed as a hero because he conquered more territory than any Frenchman had previously conquered. Although he was violent, the French viewed him as a hero immediately solely because of his accomplishments. While we, not being French, try to decide if his violence was justifiable, the French don't consider the fact that he was violent enough of a bad thing to counter his accomplishment of greatly increasing French territory.
ReplyDeleteI think Napoleon was viewed as a hero because he brought stability to France. During the Reign of Terror, the government was not stable: Robespierre was removed from power by execution! After that, during the Directory, there was widespread famine and France still was not stable. Napoleon changed all of this. Once he came to power, he improved and rebuilt France, the general populace was well fed, and for a few short years, there was stability in the government.
ReplyDeleteNapoleon although violent was tolerant. He took charge and used the ideas of a tolerant absolutist and excelled. Through had hard work and devotion he happened to use violence to help him, but people today see all what he did and not focus on the people that suffered. Yes that is sad but at least many more benefited from his actions.
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