Author Bio: The author is Napoleon Bonaparte, who, while arguably dictatorial in his rise to power, instituted and advocated progressive programs as well as contributed to the stability and morale of the French state. It's interesting to not that despite these progressive programs, Napoleon's rise to power seemed to compromise the spirit of a free republic (contrary to his order that the legion defend equality and liberty...)
Context/Background: "The Legion of Honor" was apart of Napoleon's Reforms and Institutions. It defined the legion and its duties to society. The legion was a group of honorable military veterans and citizens who had rendered important services to the state, either in war or in some sort of public service to the state. The members of the legion were to devote themselves to the service and defense (in war or legislation/public service) of the French Republic. In regards to time period, Napoleon is still in the middle of his rule, which did not end until 1821.
Summary: Napoleon begins with the expectations places on each person admitted to the legion. They shall swear "upon their honor" to devote themselves to the service of the Republic, which includes: preserving the integrity of the territory of, defending the government and laws of the Republic, and to combat (within justice, reason, and the laws) every undertaking that would reestablish the feudal regime or title and qualities symbolic of the feudal regime. Foremost, they were to protect liberty and equality in the state. Napoleon then goes on to establish guidelines for eligibility into the legion. Military men who had received arms of honor or who had fought in the war for liberty were members of the legion. Citizens who had utilized either knowledge, talents, virtues to contribute to the establishment/defense of the principles of the Republic or gained love and respect for justice and the public administration were eligible for membership in the legion. Napoleon also allows for soldiers in peace time, saying that after twenty-five years of military service, the veteran could be appointed into the legion. In times of war, the years of service would count as double and each campaign they had served in of the previous war would count for 4 years each. Finally, the cases of great services rendered to the state in legislative functions, diplomacy, administration, and justice or the sciences would be titles for admission with the caveat that the person had made part of the national guard his home.
Key Quotation: "Each person admitted to the legion shall swear upon his honor to devote himself to the service of the Republic, to the preservation of its territory in its integrity, to the defense of its government, its laws and the properties which they have consecrated; to combat...every undertaking having a tendency to reestablish the feudal regime...lastly, to assist with all his power in the maintenance of liberty and equality."
Every aspect of the post was very thorough. You did a great job with the bio and the context. The summary was very extensive as well.
ReplyDeleteBasically Napoleon is instituting a.political.reform.to help promote liberty and equality in to avoid the re-establishment of a feudal regime.
Your quote seleaction was great too.