Napoleon: A Nationalistic Symbol Or Hero?

Napoleon is undeniably a powerful nationalistic symbol and hero in the eyes of the French, due to multiple reasons. Some would argue that Napoleon was a tyrannical individual who was selfish, greedy, and used propaganda to secure his position as emperor for life. However, such individuals fail to recognize how Napoleon’s accomplishments lead to the modification and immense improvement of French society. The multiple domestic policy reforms and expansion of French influence over Europe developed a sense of pride and belonging to the nation, which is still deeply enrooted in each French citizen today. Where previous leaders had failed, Napoleon stabilized the French economy by creating the Bank of France. As well, he established equality and religious tolerance, …show more content…
Several argue that the forceful coup d’état conjectures Napoleon as a tyrant as the people did not vote him in. On the contrary, the people did not need to vote him in, as Napoleon saved them from the Directory, a government steadily trying to re-establish the Old Regime. Napoleon saved the French from reverting back to the very system they desperately worked to abandon, rather than dooming them, making him a hero. Furthermore, others will argue that such reforms and accomplishments were due to Napoleon’s self-seeking nature; his intentions were to create gain for himself, rather than all of France. However, this is not a matter of intentions, but outcomes, where Napoleon’s actions may only deem him a hero to the French for improving France in such an imperative manner. Admittedly, Napoleon did make some harmful decisions, such as reverting back to slavery in French colonies. As well, the Russian campaign was a disaster for the French. Nonetheless, Napoleon’s contributions to France, as well as her nationalism, greatly outweigh his harmful decisions; thus, French people consider him a powerful nationalistic symbol and