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Book Review of “Napoleon and His Collaborators: The Making of a Dictatorship”
A Summary
In the preface, the book delves into the dysfunctionality of the Directory. The Brumaire coup was a joint effort between insecure republican politicians and a general. In chapter 1, Woloch continues to explore the Directory, focusing on the Brumaire plot. The Directory combined annual elections with a readiness to nullify results. Later in the chapter, he examines the environment and plot that allowed Napoleon to become head of state. The Revolution's ideological bias couldn't suppress the inclination to identify with individual achievement. In chapter 3, Napoleon strengthened his grip on power by threatening the Senate and the Tribune. In chapter 4, Joseph Bonaparte signed the Treaty of Amiens, and Napoleon was rewarded an additional ten-year term. He then sought to be first consul for life and won a national vote. The fifth chapter focuses on Cambacérès' role. In chapter 6, Woloch analyzes Napoleon's movement towards dictatorship and his change in character. In chapters 7 and 8, Napoleon's prominent servitors lost their loyalty due to his disrespect for public liberties.
Two Adjectives
The book is meticulous in its examination of the influence and motives of Napoleon's collaborators. It is also vivid in its description of the revolutionary characters. However, it lacks visual elements, which makes it difficult to remember and understand the characters.
Something I Learned
I learned about the genius and complexity of the Brumaire plot.
Something I Like and Disliked
I like the book's pacing, which is neither too fast nor too slow. However, I dislike the lack of images, except for the cartoons.
What Implication Arises from the Book
The book shows that Napoleon relied on loyal collaborators who were self-interested. We don't know what would have happened if they had lost their loyalty. This implies that loyalty from his collaborators was necessary for his success.
A Recommendation for Who May Be Interested in the Book
This book is recommended for those who want to understand the role of collaborators in revolutions and the making of dictatorships. It explores the complexities of the Brumaire coup and the revolutionaries.
A Summary
In the preface, the book delves into the dysfunctionality of the Directory. The Brumaire coup was a joint effort between insecure republican politicians and a general. In chapter 1, Woloch continues to explore the Directory, focusing on the Brumaire plot. The Directory combined annual elections with a readiness to nullify results. Later in the chapter, he examines the environment and plot that allowed Napoleon to become head of state. The Revolution's ideological bias couldn't suppress the inclination to identify with individual achievement. In chapter 3, Napoleon strengthened his grip on power by threatening the Senate and the Tribune. In chapter 4, Joseph Bonaparte signed the Treaty of Amiens, and Napoleon was rewarded an additional ten-year term. He then sought to be first consul for life and won a national vote. The fifth chapter focuses on Cambacérès' role. In chapter 6, Woloch analyzes Napoleon's movement towards dictatorship and his change in character. In chapters 7 and 8, Napoleon's prominent servitors lost their loyalty due to his disrespect for public liberties.
Two Adjectives
The book is meticulous in its examination of the influence and motives of Napoleon's collaborators. It is also vivid in its description of the revolutionary characters. However, it lacks visual elements, which makes it difficult to remember and understand the characters.
Something I Learned
I learned about the genius and complexity of the Brumaire plot.
Something I Like and Disliked
I like the book's pacing, which is neither too fast nor too slow. However, I dislike the lack of images, except for the cartoons.
What Implication Arises from the Book
The book shows that Napoleon relied on loyal collaborators who were self-interested. We don't know what would have happened if they had lost their loyalty. This implies that loyalty from his collaborators was necessary for his success.
A Recommendation for Who May Be Interested in the Book
This book is recommended for those who want to understand the role of collaborators in revolutions and the making of dictatorships. It explores the complexities of the Brumaire coup and the revolutionaries.
