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.

This is an impressive history that is tightly argued and replete with facts.

I started reading it with limited knowledge of the history of the post-revolutionary period. It might not be the best introductory commentary for someone with my level of ignorance. I discovered that there was an assumption of some significant foundation knowledge. When this was lacking, it was difficult to keep up with the fast-paced events and, especially, the names.

So my hesitation regarding the book stems entirely from my own shortcomings. Based on this book, I consider Woloch to be an impressive historian. I just wish I had known more about the context to fully benefit from reading his work.

Despite the confusion I felt, mainly due to the large number of characters, I thought the book offered an invaluable perspective on how Napoleon, a man who achieved some significant results for France, evolved into a tyrant because of his charisma, his bullying, his supreme self-confidence, and his gradual seizure of all power. This was yet another reminder of the dangers of monocracies.

You will achieve a profound understanding of Napoleon's inner circle. This exploration will likely reveal a wealth of information, perhaps even more than you initially anticipated. The members of his inner circle played crucial roles in his rise to power and the events that followed. By delving deep into their relationships, motives, and actions, you will gain insights into the complex web of politics and intrigue that surrounded Napoleon. Their influence on his decisions and strategies cannot be underestimated. Through this study, you will come to appreciate the significance of these individuals and their contributions to one of the most fascinating periods in history.

This book is a rather unique sub-specialty biography of Napoleon.

It delves into the life of Napoleon and those crucial individuals who aided him in seizing power, forming, and governing his government.

It examines the process by which Napoleon became the supreme leader of France, how he structured and developed his government, and how he managed its affairs.

The book presents a coherent account of these aspects of Napoleon's career.

It doesn't focus as much on the biographical details of Napoleon's personal life but rather on the biographies of those who assisted him in governing France.

It begins by exploring how Napoleon was able to seize power, highlighting the key players involved.

Next, it describes the organization of the government.

It then moves on to the signs that indicated Napoleon's pursuit of total control.

The following section focuses on how he transitioned from a consul to an emperor.

In each of these areas, the book always describes the individuals who were instrumental in these events.

In the later part of the book, it places more emphasis on the lives of his important associates, with a whole chapter dedicated to Napoleon's right-hand man, Jean-Jacques-Regis Cambaceres.

Next, it looks at other key roles and the people who filled them in running the government.

Another chapter in the latter half of the book provides information on how his helpers coped with the loss of liberty that occurred as Napoleon took increasingly stronger control in France.

Many of these people were firmly in the camp of liberty, so there was a great deal of soul-searching among them.

Finally, it examines his collaborators' efforts to give the French people as much liberty as possible, even working against Napoleon's wishes.

Unfortunately, they were not able to achieve much in this regard.

I found this book to be quite good, with some excellent parts.

The author, Isser Woloch, often manages to make his narrative read like a real story, especially in the description of the takeover of the government.

The more in-depth look at Cambaceres also falls into the very good category.

I would recommend this book to readers who are interested in a behind-the-scenes look at Napoleon's government and the lives of those who supported him.

However, I feel that it would be beneficial for the reader to have some background knowledge of the Napoleonic era.

Therefore, it may not be the best starting point for someone with little knowledge of this period.

Certainly, it is not for those who are interested in the military aspects of Napoleon's life as it does not cover that area.

A truly outstanding book that delves into remarkable detail regarding all the individuals who contributed to Napoleon's ascent to the lofty status of Emperor.

This book provides an in-depth exploration of the various figures, both prominent and lesser-known, who played crucial roles in Napoleon's journey to power.

It examines their motives, actions, and the impact they had on the course of events that led to Napoleon's imperial coronation.

By presenting a comprehensive account of these individuals, the book offers a unique perspective on one of the most significant periods in European history.

Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the complex web of relationships and alliances that underpinned Napoleon's rise to eminence.

Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply interested in learning more about this fascinating era, this book is an essential read.