Before the revolutionary period, the church played a significant role in the lives of the people of France. It was an integral part of the social fabric, providing spiritual guidance, organizing charitable activities, and being closely intertwined with the monarchy. The majority of the French population identified as Catholics, and the church held considerable influence over religious and moral affairs.
However, with the rise of the revolutionaries to power, significant changes were introduced to dismantle the authority of the church. The revolutionaries viewed the church as a symbol of the old order, closely aligned with the monarchy and aristocracy, and sought to create a more secular and egalitarian society.
During this period, the revolutionaries implemented radical measures to remove the church's influence. Church properties were confiscated, religious institutions were abolished, and the clergy were often subjected to persecution. France was declared an atheist state, an action that caused tension with neighboring countries and sparked anti-revolutionary sentiments within France itself.
While some revolutionaries embraced the complete separation of the church and the state, many French citizens still considered themselves devout Catholics and were deeply attached to their religious beliefs. As the revolutionaries pushed their agenda to the extreme, discontent and unrest spread throughout the country.
Realizing the need for stability and recognizing the deep-rooted Catholic identity of the French people, Napoleon had to find a middle ground. The complete removal of the church and religious practices led to social unrest, and it became imperative to restore a certain level of religious freedom while ensuring that the church did not regain its former dominant position so as to not upset the radicals in his government.
He already sent a telegraph to Lucien and Talleyrand to discuss it, and they acknowledged his summon and are now heading to the Palace of Versailles to meet him.
While waiting for them to arrive, Napoleon read further reports from the Ministry of Urban Development and Infrastructure. One of the reports stated that prefects outside Paris found it unfair that only the capital city was being renovated and refurbished using taxpayers' money when it should be a nationwide effort to improve the country's infrastructure and living conditions.
Fortunately for them, Napoleon had also planned for a nationwide effort to modernize France beyond just Paris. Just like what he is doing in Paris, he would do the same for other major cities. Like all old infrastructures would be replaced, new roads, bridges, canals, sewage and drainage systems, monuments, and public buildings would be constructed, basically beautifying every city in France.
One hour later, Beaumont entered his office.
"Your Excellency, the Minister of Interior and the Minister of Foreign Affairs have arrived," Beaumont announced respectfully.
Napoleon nodded, acknowledging the news. "Thank you, Beaumont. Please show them in."
Shortly after, Lucien and Talleyrand walked into the office, and Napoleon greeted them with a firm handshake. They took their seats, and the room fell into an atmosphere of seriousness.
"Gentlemen, thank you for coming here."
"No need to thank us, Your Excellency, for we are committed to serving you," Talleyrand said, respectful as always.
"Why did you summon us, brother?" Lucien asked, wondering why they were here.
"You—"
Just when Napoleon was about to explain why he called them, Talleyrand interrupted.
"Uhm, Your Excellency, before we get into the matters you wish for us to discuss, there is something that I should tell you about. I received a telegraph about it an hour ago, just in time when I was leaving my house."
"What is it?" Napoleon flickered his gaze to Talleyrand.
"According to my informant in Vienna, Emperor Francis, the Second has signed a treaty with Great Britain, two million sterling pounds as financial aid to continue the war against us, and not to engage in any peace treaties with us. As a result, they reneged on the armistice that you secured with the Austrians in Alessandria and resumed hostilities," Talleyrand revealed.
Napoleon clicked his tongue and sighed. "What do we expect from the British? They are always funding our enemies, allowing them to fight on their behalf."
"I couldn't have worded it better myself, Your Excellency," Talleyrand replied. "Another thing, Your Excellency, King Louis the Sixteenth has extended an invitation to you in Vienna."
Napoleon hummed, his expression serious. "The former King of France wants to speak with me? Did he mention why?"
Talleyrand shook his head. "No, Your Excellency, but I can guess it would be about bringing back the monarchy to France."
"Then you shouldn't meet with him, brother," Lucien interjected, opposing the idea. "France had already accepted the reality that their king had abandoned them."
"Don't worry, Lucien. I would never do such a thing," Napoleon said, reassuring his brother. "Though what Talleyrand said is merely speculation, I want to hear it from the King's mouth myself…" he paused, his gaze shifting to Talleyrand. "Write a reply to King Louis, tell him that I will meet him."
"It would be in five days, Your Excellency," Talleyrand informed and continued. "Now we can return to Lucien's question, why you summoned us here, Your Excellency?"
"Lucien, you conducted a nationwide survey about the educational system in France correct? And in the data you collected, there was a mention of a lack of religious education?"
"That is correct, brother," Lucien confirmed. "It was also the main focus in the debate in the Senate, whether religious education is returned or completely abolished. Many argued that religious education was necessary to instill moral values and a sense of community in the youth, while others feared that it would lead to a resurgence of the church's influence and undermine the principles of the revolution. But, brother, I think we should bring back the church. Many of our citizens still considered themselves Catholic, and it would be a problem to your rule if we neglect their beliefs entirely," Lucien explained.
Talleyrand nodded in agreement. "I agree with him, Your Excellency. Bringing the church back would bring stability."
"And that's why I called you two here, I need your opinion," Napoleon said. "I have decided to return to the church. How would the public respond?"
Talleyrand and Lucien hummed in thought, and Napoleon waited patiently.
Seconds later, Talleyrand spoke. "Well, the Jacobins would see it as a betrayal of the revolution and an attempt to restore the old order. They are staunch proponents of secularism and view the church as a symbol of oppression that should have no place in the new France. To them, any compromise with the church would be seen as compromising the very principles they fought for during the revolution. They might react with strong opposition, and some might even resort to protests and demonstrations against such a move.
"As for the royalists they might view the reinstatement of the church as a step in the right direction. Many of them are deeply devout Catholics, and they long for the return of the monarchy and the traditional values associated with it. They might see this as a sign that you, Your Excellency, are willing to acknowledge the importance of religion and potentially pave the way for the monarchy's restoration, which obviously you wouldn't do."
"No, I don't mean from the political factions, I meant the general population, how would they react?"
"In that case brother, they would be delighted," Lucien said.
Talleyrand chucked in embarrassment. "Sorry if I misunderstood the question, Your Excellency."
"Good, we'll return the church to France but with limitations."
"And when will it be, Your Excellency?" Talleyrand asked.
"Hmm…maybe after we defeat the Austrians."
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