AP+4.Napoleonic+Code

=Napoleonic Code=

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The Napoleonic Code, also known as the Civil Code, was an achievement of Napoleon. It is a set of laws that states the rights of citizens. The aim of this code is to establish the society that Napoleon wanted. It clearly states that they husband of the head of the household, that the wife must be obedient to him and ask for his permission before doing such things as trade or donations (Kreis). The main purpose of this code is to mainly state what the roles and rights of a husband and wife are during their marriage. It also established a patriarchal power because it made the husband the sole ruler of the household (“The Civil Code Index”). This code was used as a model for the other nations' codes of law throughout the world. ======

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Kreis, Steven. "The "Code Napoleon" (1804)." The History Guide -- Main. 13 May 2004. Web. ======

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"The Civil Code Index." The Napoleon Series. 1995. Web. 07 Nov. 2011. ======

Audience: Jeanne Torres
 The Napoleonic code had an audience of not only France but all of Europe, it's ideals spread through European countries and also to some areas of the US. One huge audience of the law were the women who lived in France, this law gave rights to all of the citizens in France with the exception of women. One article on ABC CLIO quotes the code which states that "The exercise of civil rights is independent of the quality of citizen, which is only acquired and preserved conformably to the constitutional law". This shows that the french citizens "acquired" their rights based off of how closely they followed the "constitutional law", this made it so that the citizens social class had no affect of their civil rights. This part if the code allowed all citizens to have civil rights regardless of their social class although this did exclude women. History. com stated that "The code subordinated women to their fathers and husbands, who controlled all family property, determined the fate of children, and were favored in divorce proceedings". Essentially men had full control over women and they were seen as property, men had the power to "control" women and "determine the fate" of their children. So although the law gave rights to other citizens it clearly defined that women should not be given much power at all and should not have the ability to make their own decisions.

Works Cited “Napoleonic Code”. History.com. A&E Television Networks. 2011. Web. 8 September 2011. "Napoleonic Code." World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2011. Web. 9 Nov. 2011.

Historical: Lauren Rosen
Napoleon I was a French leader who forever changed France with his Napoleonic Code. Napoleon himself is described as "one of the most important figures in modern European history" ("Napoleon I"). This is because of the great achievements he accomplished throughout his life. He was important because of his ability to change the social order of his country. After the French Revolution, Napoleon aimed to fix some of the problems caused by the destruction and organize the advancements it earned. Napoleon "organized French laws into the famous Napoleonic Code, one of his most enduring achievements" ("Napoleon I"). This code is described as an "enduring achievement" because of its historical impacts on France, Europe, and the rest of the world. The Napoleonic Code "lies at the base of the French and Spanish legal systems and has also influenced the laws of Louisiana" ("Napoleonic Code"). Because it is "still" at the "base" of the French and Spanish systems, it is apparent that the Napoleonic code had continuing and long-lasting ideas that influenced other systems aside from just the French. Further, it influenced the "laws of Louisiana," so its affect stretched beyond just Europe. Napoleon's code of laws changed the historical makeup of countries outside of his own reach, indicating its power and full comprehension of important issues.

Works Cited "Napoleon I." //World History: The Modern Era.// ABC-CLIO, 2011. Web. 8 November 2011."Napoleonic Code" //American History.// ABC-CLIO, 2011. Web. 8 November 2011.

Cultural: Karen Cooper
The Napoleonic Code affected society greatly. It gave equal opportunity to all men. This meaning that Nobles, Churchmen, and rich people were not given special privileges. For example, in the court room all men had to be tried the same, social status having no effect on the outcome. Trials by jury were promised (Lavelle). They also ended feudalism. As well as instill religious freedom. Parents were given power over there children and if the father wanted to imprison his children he was allowed to do so for a month. Wives were not allowed to own property and could only buy or sell if permission was given by their husbands. This obviously affected the culture around them because women's rights were restricted, meaning that women did not have the opportunity to join the workforce--as they were expected to be housewives (Lavelle). The code also reinforced patriarchal power by making the husband the ruler of the household. Society being ruled by class order was ending due to the equality aspects of the Napoleonic Code. Being royalty or rich was no longer as important as it was before. Society had more of a liberal feel to it, people were more accepting to new ideas (Literature).

Works Cited: Lavelle. "How Did France Change Under Napoleon?" //Schoolhistory.co.uk//. Web. 8 Nov. 2011. Literature, Pseudonymous English. "The Civil Code Index." //The Napoleon Series//. Web. 08 Nov. 2011.