Owen Connelly’s perspective on the way Napoleon won battles is his opinion and he tries to prove it in this book. Napoleon may have had an ego…maybe he earned it. He may have “scrambled” to get the job done…maybe he thought outside the box and it worked most of the time. But, he was determined and brilliant and to me he still remains the Great Commander that I wish I had when I was in the
Question: “In Louis XIV’s view, what were the qualities of an effective monarch? In his opinion, what were the main obstacles to absolute rule? Louis XIV’s view of an “effective” monarch is absolutism in power and direct control over his subjects by giving them no more and no less to “carefully guard against their excess (Document D) as well as external glory in foreign affairs. Louis wasn’t fond of nobilities during his absolute rule as monarch in France, because of the past rebellion of the Fronde, however in Louis XIV’s view he wasn’t to be effective if he had dissolved the nobles rather he would work through them instead. With the Fronde in the back of Louis’s mind, he was to make an effective choice of picking members for his council, which would rule his political, military, administrative, and economical affairs.
Napoleon as an imperialistic Dictator The priorities and process of coming to rule an empire in ancient history was handled differently than the leaders of today. Historical leaders focused on overpowering others to expand and conquest, whereas those of today have more to consider. In the 1800’s a ruler by the name of Napoleon expanded his empire through manipulation, deception, and superiority. Napoleon proved to be an imperialistic dictator who used power unfairly. Although his tactics were pessimistic, he was influential through the expansion of his empire, association with other leading nations, and irrational war crimes.
Absolutism Cardinal Richelieu was a political advisor to Louis XIII. His powerful leadership as Frances first minister helped the country to become a one of the most powerful in Europe. He made sound political decisions or at least to the opinion of Louis XIV. Cardinal Richelieu believed that for France to have a significant European state, Louis XIV must rule as an absolutist. Cardinal Richelieu also helped Louis XIV gain control of France by ceasing the rebellion of the Huguenots and stripping them of all of their political and military power.
The Senate controls the treasury and the public building programs, passes judgment in certain cases of the highest importance (particularly treason), and handles foreign diplomatic affairs. Both the consuls and the Senate are controlled by the people. Since the people elect all public officials, the magistrates are ultimately responsible to them. The people also have power to accept or reject any law, to decide whether or not to go to war, and to ratify or reject all alliances and treaties. On top of these powers, the people have special magistrates, called tribunes, elected to look after their interests.
Due to Henry being popular parliament were willing to help finance his invasion. He proved himself a worthy King from the very beginning by personally sening letters asking for help from religious communities and individuals asking for help with his plans. This shows from an early stage that Henry doesn't hold back. His organisation skills from the very early stages led him to being so successful in France as a whole as if he had just jumped straight in with trying to take over France at once, he wouldn't have stood a chance or gained credibility from his men and the French men. Gaining cedibility and respect was very important to Henry.
He also used the quote, “ L’Etat, c’est moi”, which translates to “ I am the state”. There is no doubt Louis XIV want absolute political power, but he also believed he was, in a sense, better then everyone else. Louis XIV believed that it was very important that he maintain absolute control over all French military forces. This would help him to prevent a civil war that could happen as a result of nobles constantly struggling for power, as confirmed in the Fronde. King Louis XIV identified himself with Apollo, the Greek God of the sun.
Theodore Roosevelt’s time of being president seemed so powerful to me. He knew what he was doing as president and was a strong leader. He solved many problems and won many wars. How can we say no to “Teddy”? He was a succeeding and wonderful president and that’s what I liked about him.
Prior to absolute rule, a king of France worked with the Estates. He was still a powerful ruler but in one sense he shared his authority with them. When this system broke down, a country could descend into civil war. In a French absolute society, the king’s word was law. He had access to a standing royal army that was loyal only to him.
Napoleon Bonaparte improved culture in France setting the foundation for change in Europe, creating Frances first structured set of laws, allowing freedom of religion in his empire, and finally breaking the boundary that divided the social classes. Le Code Napoleon brought revolutionary ideas to France and all of Europe. It brought rules and discipline to France: “The Code Napoleon is the French civil code… established under Napoleon 1 in 1804…” The Code gave post-revolutionary France its first coherent set of laws concerning property, colonial affairs, the family, and individual rights. It was the first modern legal code to be adopted with a pan-European scope. Strongly influencing the laws of many countries formed during and after the Napoleonic Wars.