Napoleon’s legacy in modern France
Le petit caporal made more of a mark on France than many, especially in French education, would have you believe
TENS of thousands of spectators will flock to the battlefield at Waterloo this weekend for four days of commemorations – and celebrations - to mark the end of Napoleon’s French Empire 200 years ago.
Bonaparte had come back from exile on Elba on March 1, 1815 and, in a heroic effort, marched from Golfe-Juan on the Riviera to reach Grenoble with troops rallying to “le petit caporal” at every point on the way.
He said: “Before I reached Grenoble they thought me a soldier of fortune. When I got there I became a prince.”
Napoleon reached Paris on March 20 after what had turned into a triumphal march towards the capital.
It seemed he could do no wrong – but after his “100 days” he met his Waterloo on June 18, 1815.
Despite the defeat, many forget that Napoleon left a formidable legacy in France: from the Code Civil to the Conseil d’Etat, the Légion d’Honneur and lycées to the present-day system of departments and pompiers.
We take a look at his legacy in this month’s June issue of Connexion – and find out why French schools virtually ignore the man why once ruled France. Buy a copy at large newsagents across France – you can use www.findthepressinFrance.com to find your nearest stockist – or click here to download a pdf version now for €3.50.
Image: Jacques-Louis David
