Was Napoleon a Military Tyrant or a Reformer? Kings and Generals Documentary

New Kings and Generals video explores the captivating life of Napoleon Bonaparte in this in-depth historical analysis video. Discover how he navigated the tumultuous times of the French Revolution, rose to power, and implemented sweeping reforms that left a lasting impact on Europe. From his strategic governance to the creation of the Napoleonic Code, delve into the positive aspects of his reign.

Uncover the complexities of Napoleon's rule as we discuss his role in the Napoleonic Wars, with insights into his military strategies and the controversies surrounding his leadership. Scholars debate whether he was a visionary reformer or a tyrannical dictator, and this video presents a balanced examination of both perspectives.

Join us on a journey through Napoleon's achievements, such as economic reforms, infrastructure development, and the promotion of the arts. Discover how he gained the support of the masses and reshaped France during a critical period in history.

However, no analysis is complete without addressing the criticisms. Delve into the darker side of Napoleon's rule, including his aggressive foreign policies, propaganda machine, and the harsh suppression of dissent. Explore the complexities of his legacy, which has swung between admiration and condemnation throughout history.

Whether you see Napoleon as a great reformer or a tyrant, this video provides a comprehensive overview of his multifaceted legacy. Subscribe now for a thought-provoking exploration of one of history's most influential figures!

Script: Jonathan Woody
Illustrations: Vadym Berkutenko

00:00 Intro
02:43 Was Napoleon a Reformer?
12:57 Was Napoleon a Tyrant?
16:58 Conclusion

#Documentary #Napoleon #Revolution

[Radonatorr]

In Poland Napoleon generally considered a hero and a liberator. To this very day Polish national anthem says "Bonaparte showed us how we should prevail". After the Third Partition of Poland in 1795 Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth ceased to exist and was divived by Prussia (later Germany), Austria and Russia - empires which were hated by their new Polish subjects. Many thousands of Poles saw Napoleon as their greatest chance at regaining independence and enlisted into Napoleonic armies, often becoming some of his most fanatically loyal soldiers. Example of that can be found in the Battle of Somosierra, when Polish cavalry conducted a suicide charge at Spanish fortified positions at Napoleon's order, almost single handedly winning the battle and opening the road to Madrid for the French. Polish prince and nephew of the last king of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Józef Poniatowski, was even nominated by Napoleon to the rank of Marshall, becoming the only non-French Marshall of France in history (sadly dying shortly after in the Battle of Leipzig). Napoleon's victories over Prussians and Austrians allowed for the creation of the Duchy of Warsaw, which Poles hoped would be the first step on the road to rebuilding old Commonwealth. One of Napoleon's stated goals/propaganda justifications for his invasion of Russia was liberation of occupied Polish lands. Napoleon remained a strong national symbol for Poles even after his defeat. In 19th century Polish positivist literature there is even a trope of an old, disgruntled Napoleonic Wars veteran who fanatically, against all odds, believes some Napoleon's heir will soon come, so he's always prepared with a sabre near hand to answer the call when it comes

[georgepatton]

Napoleon was definitely a reformer and a tyrant, just look at Caesar, he may have been a power hungry megalomaniac, but he was very good in governing, he enacted and laid the ground work for many projects that aimed to stabilize the Roman Empire, and these projects were enacted later on by Augustus

[Historygeek]

Excellent video. Napoleon is what inspired me to take up history as a profession. I think his reign and the debate around it is one of the best examples of the importance of a nuanced view of "great" or "evil" characters. Few characters are purely evil and few are ever good. It's always a mixed bag and what comes out of that bag depends on the attitudes of those remembering and not always on fact.

[Xurium]

His actions, the populism he had to rely on, military achievements and the discussion upon his role as a whole reminds me a lot of Julius Caesar. The parallels are huge. Take the land reforms for example or the attempt to lower the importance of the assemblies by overcrowding them with loyal fellows.

[CanadaMMA]

You told a better story about Napoleon in 20 minutes, than Ridley Scott could in 3 hours.

[Crytica.]

Napoleon walks this thin line of being both. He certainly, especially by non French people, is seen as a tyrant more than a reformer, but for France and also for the future of Europe he has meant a lot which this video nicely points out.
In my opinion Napoleon is a very complex person that shows you can be a tyrant while simultaneously be a great reformer.
Another great example is Charlamagne, a tyrant for sure but also a great reformer for Europe as a whole.

[NightmarehAlo]

He does strut the fine line between both and it depends also where you're from.
In Croatia, when I was taught History in School, Napoleon was often portrayed in a more positive light due to how he treated our people and policies he enacted during the brief period we were under French rule. Unlike the Hungarians and Austrians, Napoleon treated us better, gave us better rights and even consider us rather highly due to i believe him being impressed by our soldiers' performance in his legion. So he tends to be portrayed as a bit of liberator to us than a Tyrant due to this.

[cjc]

He’s a historical lightning bolt. Came out of nowhere and changed a continent. A truly “great” man (if you subscribe to that theory of history) with fantastic subordinates.

[JebusCookies]

God the art work is getting so damn good. This channel is more than a gem, it’s a miracle.

[aegontargaryen]

If you ever find yourself in Paris I recommend a visit to Napoleons tomb . His sarcophagus is huge and to be honest it’s visually stunning . Les Invalides has a lot of portraits of Napoleon and his generals as well . The whole building really is beautiful.
There are so many beautiful places in Paris to visit but I wouldn’t miss out on this

[Jedsa]

Looking at the ongoing messes in the legislative branches worldwide, it is easy to see why people may feel attracted to Napolean or Caesar's style of forcing stuff through. It's frustrating to see politicians in parliament playing a stupid political game and unable to get anything done.

[franciscovelasco]

He is also seen in a positive light here in Latin America, since his actions in Spain set the independence wars in motion.

[roihanfadhil]

Ah yes, after the film of Napoleon by Ridley Scott released now Kings & Generals uploading 2 videos about Napoleon on this week ❤❤🔥🔥.

[davidhughes]

Another excellent presentation. He showed all of the traits of human nature from good to bad. Ambition was first and foremost.
Thank you K& G!

[mikemodugno]

I love this channel! I really hope that you continue this Napoleonic series. I would also love to see a series about the French settlement of and wars in North America.

[Gorboduc]

Music buffs will know that Beethoven was a fan of the ideals of the French Revolution, and planned a tribute to Napoleon the Liberator in the form of his Third or "Bonaparte" Symphony.

When Napoleon declared himself emperor, Beethoven was so enraged he crossed out the title and changed it to "Heroic Symphony *Dedicated To The Memory Of A Great Man*".

You can do an image search for the title page of the Eroica Symphony and see that old Ludwig's eraser went straight through the page he was so mad lol.

[JohnnyElRed]

About the image of Napoleon in modern Spain: after how disastrous the reign of Ferdinand VII was, and the legacy of constant internal instability and military coups it left, is not rare for people in my country to wonder "maybe things would had gone better if Napoleon had won the war". There is this idea that if Joseph Bonaparte had stayed as king, liberal reforms would had actually taken hold. And that in that way, the traditional and absolutist governments that followed afterwards and held the country back, wouldn't had happened.

[ocinomics]

Both. But it's unquestionable that he's one of the greatest military geniuses of all time. Perhaps the very best.

[Gonzalouchikari]

"Was Napoleon a Military Tyrant or a Reformer?"
Yes.

[ytjthjuggalo]

Another fantastic video by K&G. Always working hard!