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If we think of Napoleon Bonaparte we often have this picture of the Napoleonic Wars in our mind. His politics during freedom periods had large impacts on the continent, too. I would like to give you an overview on the impact of Napoleonic politics und feudal Germany. There is one or two lessons to be learned by nowadays politicians due to free market approach and private property rights!
The Big Change Of 1804
The Napoleonic Reforms during the early 19th century had profound effects on Germany, especially on its economic structure.
Napoleon abolished the Holy Roman Empire, which consisted of hundreds of semi-independent states. This led to the creation of larger and more centralized states like the Confederation of the Rhine, which provided a more stable environment for economic development.
Legal and administrative reforms: The Napoleonic Code, with its emphasis on property rights, was introduced in many German states. This enhanced the security of transactions and encouraged economic activity. The administrative reform also standardized weights, measures, and tariffs, which facilitated trade and commerce.
Abolition of guilds and serfdom: By abolishing guilds, Napoleon opened up economic competition. The abolition of serfdom and the introduction of free labor markets improved productivity and agricultural output.
Infrastructure improvements: Napoleon's administration also embarked on significant infrastructure development, including roads and bridges, which enhanced trade and connectivity between regions.
The economic consequences of these reforms were significant:
Industrialization: The reforms helped set the stage for industrialization, especially in the Rhineland. The introduction of new production techniques, coupled with greater market access, led to the rise of factories and industries.
Increased agricultural productivity: The abolition of serfdom and introduction of free labor markets led to improvements in agricultural productivity and output, which in turn helped fuel the emerging industrial economy.
Emergence of a middle class: Economic liberalization and industrialization led to the rise of a new middle class, which played a crucial role in the economic, political, and social changes that Germany experienced in the 19th century.
Nationalism and economic integration: The Napoleonic reforms also contributed to the emergence of German nationalism. The standardization of laws, tariffs, and infrastructure facilitated economic integration, and this, in turn, helped foster a sense of shared national identity.
Overall, the Napoleonic reforms provided an important stimulus for economic change and modernization in Germany. These reforms laid the groundwork for the country's transformation into an industrial power in the later part of the 19th century.
Let's see how it's playing out in the present.... Greets from M.
Isn't 1804 too late for middle ages?!
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Clearly. But the country was dominated by its heritage of a feudal system. Bonaparte broke it up.
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I am not that deep into German history but it looks like a stretch. There were free cities before Napoleon. In fact what looks like nationalism seems to be more appropriate to Prussia which is not the whole Germany and already since XVIII tried to lead among German kingdoms.
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Yes, of course. Especially the alliance of nordic cities, called ''Hanse'' tried to break ties with their feudal heritage. But socio-politically it was a shift of power towards a new class of entrepreneurs that copied aristocratic life and made sure to never give up power to the masses until the revolution of 1848 that had its roots in the ''Hambacher Fest'' of 1830, the aftermath of the liberation of Napoleon. Prussia brought the majority of the free cities under its control in the years after the disappointment of 48.
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Great write-up.
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Thank You, very kind of You. Enjoy the week-end.
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Great Content, and not too long to read. Good job and keep it coming!
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Thank You very much. Gonna try... greets to You and have a nice week-end.
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I love reading history of policies and this is a great example. I guess we can only so back so far.
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More to come...
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Awesome, would also love a eastern perspective, on how the silver standard got killed by gold standard etc [china/india]
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Believe or not but I am a vivtim of the academic Eurocentrism. My knowledge ends at the columns of Herakles in the west and at the doorway at Babylon in the east...
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