Napoleon's Economic Failure

Paper Summary:

The paper shows how Napoleon failed to match Britain's economic policies of a sound currency, direct taxation of the rich, naval power and a consolidated national bank. It shows that the army drained the French economy, so taxes rose and hyperinflation took place. This led to mass unemployment and high bread prices after the 1811 harvest. As confidence waned, the bourgeoisie deserted Napoleon, and the country was in disarray. Napoleon was a military genius who was far ahead of his counterparts in the early 1800's. However, his opponents modernized their military strategies and brought themselves up to his level. The paper shows that Napoleon allowed the French economy to stagnate while being shored up by short term finances stemming from military victories. Ultimately, this greatly contributed to the collapse of the Empire and Napoleon's eventual defeat.

From the Paper:

"Financial issues played a major part in the conflicts and developments of the 18th and 19th centuries. Sound fiscal policy was the key to whether a nation could feed its people and supply its armed forces. Finance, and tax in particular, had been significant in bringing down the ancient regime in France. J.R Stephenson described Chartism as "a knife and fork question, a bread and cheese question" and there is certainly much truth in the assumption that radical feelings and societal insecurity are at their greatest during times of economic depression. Therefore a sound economy was paramount for a prosperous and harmonious nation."

More papers on Napoleon's Economic Failure:

• Essay # 42122 : "Napoleon's Military Tactics: The Key to His Success and Downfall"
• Analytical Essay # 3033 : "Napoleon and the French Revolution"
• Essay # 3105 : "Napoleon Bonaparte: Hero or Coward?"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: