Chapter 256 Napoleonic Code & The Word Napoleon Had Been Waiting For
Napoleon remained in Milan, the capital of the Republic of Italy for another five days to ensure the smooth transition of a new government. The Palazzo Reale di Milano served as a residence for the president.
Napoleon was temporarily occupying the residence until tomorrow, which is the date he would leave Italy.
Returning to Paris would mean returning back to his mundane administrative work, he planned on reducing it by doing some of the stuff in Italy.
One of which is a legal code that made the original Napoleon popular. The Napoleonic Code.
The Napoleonic Code is a set of laws that were established under Napoleon's leadership and had a profound impact not only on France but on legal systems around the world. It aimed to replace the patchwork of feudal laws, privileges, and customs that had existed in France before the revolution with a clear and consistent legal framework.
He began to work on the legal code that would bear his name and become one of his most enduring legacies. The Napoleonic Code, also known as the Civil Code of the French, would be a comprehensive and modern legal system that would apply to all citizens equally, regardless of their social status or background.
The Code consisted of a series of articles that covered various aspects of civil law, including property rights, contracts, family law, and individual rights. It emphasized the principles of legal equality, individual freedom, and the protection of private property. It also introduced important legal concepts, such as the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial.
Napoleon understood the importance of a well-structured legal system in maintaining social order and promoting economic development. The Napoleonic Code aimed to provide legal clarity and predictability, which were essential for fostering trade, investment, and economic growth.
The only difference between Napoleon's original code and the new one is that it applies to women.
In the Napoleonic code, men were given substantial legal authority over their wives and children. It reflected the prevailing patriarchal norms of the time, where women had limited legal rights and were largely under the control of their husbands or fathers. Napoleon's code reinforced these traditional gender roles, especially in matters of family and inheritance.
It must be partly because of Napoleon's experiences. He wasn't very successful with women when he was still a scrawny, skinny, unknown military man. Josephine cheated on him with Hyppolyte Charles, another officer while he was on campaign in Italy. Being very much in love, it was certainly difficult to forgive. He was then assailed by women's proposals once he was in power, showing that they would stop at nothing to be with a man of power. Such experiences likely shaped his views on gender and relationships.
Basically, Napoleon is a misogynist. But no more than any other man of his time.
Adrian recognized that history had evolved since Napoleon's time, and he was determined not to follow the same path when it came to issues of gender equality. He understood the significant contributions made by women during the French Revolution, particularly in events like the Women's March on Versailles.
The Women's March on Versailles highlighted the vital role women played in the revolutionary movement and their demands for equal rights and representation. It was a precursor to other important moments in the fight for gender equality, such as the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the Female Citizen by Olympe de Gouges.
Adrian recognized that the ideals of the French Revolution, including liberty, equality, and fraternity, should extend to all citizens, regardless of their gender. He was committed to advancing the cause of gender equality and ensuring that women's voices and rights were fully acknowledged and protected in the new society he was helping to build.
Adrian was acutely aware that as France modernized and industrialized, the full participation of women in all aspects of society was not just a matter of gender equality but also an economic necessity. With half of the population being women, their talents, skills, and contributions were vital for the progress and prosperity of the nation.
He believed that empowering women with equal rights and opportunities was not only a moral imperative but also a pragmatic approach to harnessing the nation's full potential. Women should have the same access to education, employment, and civic participation as men, enabling them to contribute to the country's economic growth and social development.
Adrian was determined to enact reforms that would challenge traditional gender roles and provide women with the legal and societal framework to pursue careers, education, and public office. He knew that this would require changes not only in laws but also in societal attitudes and expectations.
Now, there is no denying the fact that there'd be resistance from some quarters, particularly those who held conservative views and were invested in maintaining traditional gender roles. But he could simply stamp any opposition, as he was effectively a dictator.
***
Five o'clock in the afternoon, Lucien and Talleyrand entered his office.
"Oh, I have been waiting for you two," Napoleon greeted, beckoning them to come forward and take their seats.
Lucien and Talleyrand exchanged a quick glance before sitting down. They knew that when Napoleon mentioned he had been waiting for them, it usually meant he had some significant matters to discuss.
Napoleon leaned forward, his elbows resting on his desk, his fingers forming a steeple as he regarded his two advisors. "Gentlemen, I think this is the perfect time to modernize our legal code."
Napoleon handed them the document. "Lucien, I want you to coordinate with the Minister of Justice for consultation and approval to settle the formalities and then submit it to the Senate."
Lucien and Talleyrand took a brief glance at the document before nodding in agreement.
"Consider it done brother."
"About time that we conduct reforms to our legal code," Talleyrand mused and continued. "And also the perfect time for us to propose something that would pique your mind."
"What is it?" Napoleon's gaze shifted at Talleyrand.
"Your Excellency, there's no denying the fact that your governance has brought prosperity to all citizens of France. You expanded her territory overseas and now held the title, of superpower. Many citizens were already expressing their concerns should your term end in eight years."
"Really?" Napoleon's brows furrowed.
"Whatever Talleyrand is telling you, brother, is correct. The citizens are favoring you to the point that they want to make you King."
Napoleon chortled. "A king huh? Well, isn't King the symbol the people worked hard to abolish?"
"But they believe in you, brother," Lucien urged. "I too believe in you."
"Perhaps king doesn't suit your taste, Your Excellency?" Talleyrand asked.
"Well I believe I have told this before, there'd be no return of monarchy under my rule," Napoleon told a lie, he wanted the return of monarchy but under his leadership. Now seeing that they were heading in that direction, he wanted the words he was yearning to hear to come out of their mouths.
"In that case, Your Excellency, why not become an Emperor? A king is a symbol of a divine right to rule but an Emperor? They can be elected. Like the Caesars in Ancient Rome."
That's it, he heard it from Talleyrand!
"But the Emperor in Ancient Rome is elected by the Senate. I want all the people of France to approve my election."
Talleyrand's lips curled to a smile after hearing Napoleon's agreeing to the idea.
"Then let me be the first citizen of France to offer my approval, Sire."
Napoleon grinned. "You really called me Sire huh?"
"A befitting address to a future Emperor," Talleyrand smiled.
"And let me be the second citizen," Lucien added. "With you defeating the United Kingdom, and making France the global superpower, there's no doubt the people would approve of your ascendancy to Emperor."
"I want to make it certain," Napoleon's tone grew serious. "I believe I can garner more support by reestablishing New France in North America."
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