Prefects acted as trained spies,
censors, propagandists and
searched for draft dodgers.
Assisted by gendarmes (18,000
by 1810) - each department had
a prefect, and sub-prefect - all
local officials were nominated
by the prefect, mirrored
intendants under Louis' regime.
Little serious opposition vs. the
regime - nobody able to mount
effective challenge.
1810 - Arbitrary Imprisonment
introduced, but rarely used.
(Like Lettres de Cachet)
PATRONAGE
Legion of Honour (from 1802) -
38,000 awards made (4,000 to
civilians, most to military)
1804 - 1808: new titles created
for imperial court officials -
some titles bought about large
estates.
1808: new imperial
nobility (e.g.
princes, counts,
barons, chevaliers)
3,500 titles granted
between 1808 -
1814.
Senatories - grants of large country estates to
members of the senate and those with
income exceeding 25,000 francs and
appointment as prefects.
Personal gifts given - e.g. often 5,000 francs,
enough for a Parisian home.
PRESS
(PROPAGANDA)
Napoleon devised highly
centralised system of
propaganda.
So nothing reflected badly on
him, particularly historical
events.
1800 - Paris political journals reduced from
73 to 9. The remaining 9 journals relied on
news published from Le Moniteur for
stories, however, this was written by
Napoleon and his ministers; no news was
often outdated and bias.
1809 - Censors were
appointed to each
paper. 1810 - One
paper, per department.
Up to 1810 - reports on all books,
plays, lectures, posters in Paris
were sent to Napoleon. Two copies
of each book were sent to the police
before publication.
Number of Parisian
papers was reduced
to 4, under police
supervision.
1810 (Onwards) - regular systems of
censorship setup: a) 1/2 the presses in
Paris closed. b) Publishers forced to buy
license and swear oath of loyalty. c)
Booksellers controlled and punished. d)
Sculptors and artists used as propaganda
(e.g. David)
DOMESTIC
POLICIES
(REFORM)
LAW AND ORDER
Judges (elected under the Directory) were
appointed by government for life and were
kept loyal by close supervision, purges and
patronage.
Arbitrary Imprisonment (like lettres
de cachet) introduced, rarely used.
House arrest more common.
EDUCATION
AIMS: a) Create and elite military and civilian
leadership who were loyal to the regime. b) Bind the
nation under central control
Most children only
received perfunctory
education that was
provided by church
or community.
1802 - Secondary Education was placed
under government control - 'eccles
centrale' were replaced about lycées (45
eventually) - instructors (teachers) in these
were chosen by Napoleon.
Highly centralised
curriculum.
6,400 scholarships (2,400 sones of
military.gov officials; 4,000 sons of
notables)
Pupils spoke an oath of daily catechism in
praise of Napoleon, swore an oath every
morning.
RELIGION
Napoleon not religious - referred not religions as 'the
mystery of the social order'.
Concordat, signed in 1801, separation of church / state
ended. Church became subservient to the state. Tolerations
of other faiths remained.
CONSTITUTION OF THE YEAR
VIII
Napoleon
claimed to be
establishing a
representative
democracy
based on
popular
sovereignty.
Universal male suffrage was merely a
token gesture; there were no free
and fair elections.
First Consul had the
power to appoint and
remove ministers;
initiate all legislation
and make war/peace.
Principle of 'senatus-consultum' (Jan
1801) meant that legislative bodies did
not need to be listened to.
Senate was appointed by Napoleon.
Tribunate (indirectly) elected - couldn't
vote on legislation. Legislature very
indirectly elected but full of Napoleon's
supporters.
Reforms included: 1. Clearer division of
roles - Minister of Finance in charge of
tax collections. 2. Reorganisation of
indirect/direct tax collection. 3. Bank of
France (1900)
PROBLEMS: a) Increased
military spending; 700
million Francs in 1806 to
1000 million Francs in 1813.
b) Government deficit made up of forcing
defeated countries to pay reparation - the
military defeats of 1813/14 led to poorer
finances and renewed instability.
Assessment and collection of
indirect taxation moved from
local authorities (centralised)
More efficient land register / land tax introduced -
became main source of government revenue.
Indirect taxation increased
(including tobacco, alcohol,
gold/silver) - crated a central exist
office in 1804.
Revenue increased
by 400% from 1806
- 1812.
1806 - Salt added to
the list of indirect
taxation (gabelle)
By 1813, 25% government
revenue came from direct
taxation.
Franc de Germinal -
based on ratio of gold
and silver - became
soundest currency in
Europe.
CIVIL CODE - NAPOLEON
Recognised the legal rights of those
who benefitted from the confiscation
of church and bible land - clever way
of binding them to the regime.
Recognised 'partage' -
equal inheritance, rather
than just eldest son.
Code exported
throughout Europe.
Liberal Principles: Abolition of
feudalism, church subservient to the
state, equality before the law,
freedom of conscience / religion.
Illiberal Principles: Authority of father /
husband could send aduterous wife or defiant
child to prison. Divorce very difficult. Slavery
in colonies reintroduced. Workmen needed
work permit (livret) in order to gain a job
(ensured police supervision)