Napoleon the Pig

 After my Saturday seminar on the history of France, I was astonished to learn that tyranny ruled France.  Even the Great Napoleon Bonaparte, to my surprise, had his share of tyranny.

 From 1789 to 1799, the lower class of France revolted to escape King Louis XIV's tyrannical ways, as well as the old regime.   After several obstacles thrown by Louis, the French got what they wanted. A Constitution and republic was created, and King Louis XIV, as well as his wife Antoinette, was executed.  Inspired by the Enlightenment , France built a society based on the rights to life, liberty and property, the separation of powers, and a government ran by the people.  The only thing French still needed was a replacement for King Louis XIV.

    Taking matters into his own hands, Napoleon Bonaparte  declared himself dictator of France.  The French were overjoyed by their new leader and excited for the positive additions he would make to their country.  With his absolute power, Napoleon promoted equality by restoring slavery, and taking away the little power French women had and returning it to men. With his support for liberty, the glorious leader gave back power to the church and nobility.  To France’s luck, they were once again under the control of yet another pig.  Ironically, he created a law which made certain that he was the only pig to be named Napoleon in France.

    Napoleon had a fear of open doors, and because of this, he closed many for France.  From 1803-1815, Napoleon rampaged in the Napoleonic Wars. As he conquered lands, won battles, and lost some, he added on to the debts of France.  In the winter of 1812 , Napoleon took his 300,000 troops to conquer Russia. Defeated by the weather alone, Napoleon returns to France with only 4,000 troops. After losing the respect and honor behind his name, he attempted to flee to America but is captured by the British and sent to a foreign island.

  Isn’t it interesting how one man was able to bring a country back to its lowest point?  It’s as if no progress was ever made after the execution of King Louis XVI.