The control of the Grand Empire: administration; economic and social…

The idea

Napoleon controlled his Grand Empire through a highly centralised administration, imposing the French model of prefects and the Code Napoléon on satellite states like the Kingdom of Italy and Westphalia. This ensured uniform legal and administrative systems that facilitated efficient tax collection and conscription. Economically, policies were designed to subordinate the empire to French interests, most notably through the Continental System (1806), which attempted to blockade British trade but often crippled local European economies. Socially, Napoleon sought to dismantle feudalism and reduce Church power in conquered territories, promoting secular education and meritocracy. However, these progressive social reforms were frequently undermined by the heavy burdens of military levies and economic exploitation.

What earns the marks

• Detail the imposition of French administrative structures, such as prefectures and the Code Napoléon, across the Grand Empire.
• Evaluate the economic impact of the Continental System on both France and its satellite states.
• Analyse the social policies implemented in conquered territories, including the abolition of feudal privileges and the introduction of religious toleration.
• Assess the extent to which administrative and social reforms were genuinely progressive versus mechanisms for French exploitation and control.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Assuming the Continental System was purely a military blockade.

  Put it right: Explain it as an economic policy designed to establish French continental hegemony and protect French industry.

• Overstating the popularity of social reforms.

  Put it right: Recognise that while the abolition of feudalism was welcomed, it was often overshadowed by the unpopularity of conscription and heavy taxation.

• Treating the Grand Empire as a uniform entity.

  Put it right: Acknowledge that the depth of administrative control and the success of social policies varied significantly between inner and outer empire territories.

Exam tips

• Use specific examples of satellite states, such as the Kingdom of Westphalia under Jerome Bonaparte, to illustrate how administration was imposed.
• Contrast the theoretical benefits of the Code Napoléon with the practical realities of economic exploitation to build a nuanced argument.
• When evaluating economic policies, explicitly discuss the dual purpose of the Continental System: harming Britain and enriching France.