All four points demonstrate similarities between Napoleon's new ruling class and the feudalistic relationships of Louis XVI's time.
1. Napoleon's creation of the Council of the Ancients and the Council of 500, with himself at the top as consul, resembles the hierarchical structure of feudalism. In feudalism, power was concentrated in the hands of the king or lord, with various tiers of vassals below them. Similarly, Napoleon positioned himself as the ultimate authority, overseeing two councils that acted as his vassals.
2. Napoleon's division of people between the Legion of Honor and taxpayers is reminiscent of the Estates-General in Louis XVI's time. The Estates-General was divided into three estates - the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners. Similarly, Napoleon divided people into two categories, rewarding those who were part of the Legion of Honor, and potentially favoring them in terms of privileges, just as the clergy and nobility were privileged in the feudal system.
3. Napoleon's practice of granting titles and land to those who supported him financially mirrors the feudal system in which lords awarded land to vassals who swore allegiance to them. This exchange of financial support for social and economic benefits created a relationship of dependency, replicating the feudalistic dependency between lords and vassals.
4. Lastly, the fact that Napoleon brought back the old ruling class that Louis XVI had used suggests a continuity of power and a reliance on established elite groups. Feudalism was characterized by the preservation of inherited power and social position, with the nobility serving as the ruling class. Similarly, Napoleon's reinstatement of the old ruling class suggests a continuation of power dynamics from the time of Louis XVI, reminiscent of the feudalistic system.
Based on the description of feudalism given in the lesson, analyze how Napoleon's new ruling class resembled feudalistic relationships of Louis XVI's time. (1 point)
1. Napoleon created the Council of the Ancients and the Council of 500, with himself at the top as consul.
2. Napoleon divided people between the Legion of Honor and taxpayers, similar to the Estates-General.
3. Napoleon implemented a system in which he granted titles and land to people who would support him financially.
4. Napoleon brought back the old ruling class that Louis XVI had used.
1 answer