The French Public Opinion of Napoleon: A Complex Transcendental Figure

One can easily count on the fingers of one hand the historical figures of such stature. Alexander, Caesar, Genghis Khan, and Napoleon... and perhaps Tamerlane. Among these, one is French, which is quite fascinating.

Napoleon's Enormous Impact and Legacy

Napoleon Bonaparte was undeniably a colossal character. He was a brilliant tactician and strategist who even managed to entertain the French for over 1500 years, despite his ultimate defeat. He was the driving force behind Europe's sixth consecutive coalition against the French, where he infamously traumatized the entire continent and distributed European thrones to his siblings and loyal generals as if they were leftover soups.

Even though the French forcibly kept only a fraction of Europe, their resistance against the invading forces was nothing short of remarkable. Napoleon made his enemies sweat until the very end, a continuous battle that was far from over. No one will ever forget his prodigious and monumental legacy.

Controversial Heritage and the Modern Perception

Despite his immense contributions and successes, Napoleon's rule has been marred by criticism. Some view him as a monster for establishing a form of tyranny and reestablishing slavery in the French Antilles. He is also seen as a shrewd political strategist, who correctly identified that Louis XVI was weak during the 1789 Revolution.

Napoleon's contributions to French society include the organization of religions in France, including Catholicism, Protestantism, and Judaism. However, he occasionally passed discriminatory laws against Jewish merchants from Alsace and Moselle. He was profoundly intelligent, far surpassing figures like Mussolini, Hitler, and Stalin. Yet, he ultimately halted the ambitious judicial reforms started during the French Revolution. Moreover, Napoleon's policies dealing with Haiti were detrimental, including the payment for plantation owners and reparations for destruction of property.

Current Public Opinion and Reassessment

Despite these controversial aspects, modern French public opinion often reflects a deep love and admiration for Napoleon. Some argue that the current cultural void, lack of common destiny, and identitarian fragmentation require us to celebrate Napoleon more openly. Others suggest that we should shamelessly glorify him by elevating statues of this great hero in every village, incorporating at least three to four public holidays to commemorate his Birth and most glorious victories, and even putting his face on EU coins for an enduring legacy.

However, the public view can be split. Many younger generations, while acknowledging his military and political prowess, are skeptical about his objectives and methods. They advocate for a more nuanced and critical approach to understanding Napoleon, recognizing his complex interactions and multifaceted impact.

Conclusion and Reflection

In conclusion, Napoleon Bonaparte's place in French history remains a subject of much debate and re-evaluation. As the nation grapples with contemporary challenges, his historical role reemerges as a point of reflection and a source of both pride and criticism. This complex and transcendent figure continues to shape French public opinion and national identity in diverse ways.