Abstract
Napoleon Bonaparte’s rule from 1799 to 1814 exemplifies a masterclass in power politics, characterized by three interwoven strategies: institutional reforms, the synthesis of revolutionary ideals with traditional customs, and the strategic use of propaganda. By examining these strategies, this paper argues that Napoleon’s governance not only secured his authority in post- revolutionary France but also laid the groundwork for the mechanisms of modern authoritarian regimes. His legacy endures in the centralization of power, selective legal reforms, and propaganda techniques employed by modern regimes to shape public perception and suppress dissent, underscoring the relevance of Napoleon’s blueprint for power in understanding the evolution of totalitarian governance and its implications for modern political systems.
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Recommended Citation
Gill, Manjot
(2025)
"Napoleon’s Playbook: The Political Strategies behind His Empire and Legacy,"
Armstrong Undergraduate Journal of History: Vol. 15:
Iss.
1, Article 1.
DOI: 10.20429/aujh.2025.150101
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/aujh/vol15/iss1/1