Napoleon was a child of the French Revolution: his ascent to power was intrinsically connected to the fundamental principles of the Revolution. However, unlike the Revolution, which, rooted in the ideals of the Enlightenment, embodied a more philosophical perception of political discourse, Napoleon was pragmatic in his rule. As evident in both his domestic and foreign policies, he adopted the principles of the Revolution that he saw best fit to maintain tranquility in his reign, while disregarding those that gave an abundance of freedom to critique his rule.
Thesis:
Hence, in assessing the validity of the statement, "Napoleon was a child of the French Revolution who fulfilled its promise," it can be maintain that Napoleon, although a child of the Revolution, did not fulfill its promise of liberty, fraternity, and equality for all due to the self-preservationist motivations behind his domestic and foreign policies.
This is a portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte.
