Napoleon had destroyed democracy in France but in the administrative field he had incorporated revolutionary principles in order to make the whole system more rational and efficient.' Analyse the statement with arguments. (CBSE 2016)

Napoleon had destroyed democracy in France but in the administrative field he had incorporated revolutionary principles in order to make the whole system more rational and efficient.' Analyse the statement with arguments. (CBSE 2016)

Ans. Napoleon destroyed democracy:

(i) By return to monarchy.

(ii) Napoleonic Code went back to limited suffrage.

(iii) All men without property and all women were excluded from political rights.

(iv) Women were reduced to the status of minor, subject to the authority of father's and husband's.

Napoleon's revolutionary principles in the administrative field that made the system national and efficient:

(i) Reformed French legal system.

(ii) Equality before law established.

(iii) All privileges based on birth taken away.

(iv) Right to property was secured.

(v) Administrative divisions were simplified.