Napoleon’s genius lay in the creation of his own myth Essay Example

l'armie d'Italie and La France Vue De L'Armee. These newspapers played a vital role in establishing his immense fame upon returning from Italy.

The papers widely circulated among different classes of French society and reported on the events of the Italian campaign, but with a focus on Napoleonic dominance. His distinctive writing style, exemplified by his 14 April 1796 dispatch, highlighted the decisive nature of his victories. Simple yet forceful and dramatic, Napoleon's writing captivated the attention of the French public. However, his overwhelming popularity upon returning from Italy was not solely due to the use of the popular press.

Napoleon boosted his efforts by strategically timing the arrival of his captured art or "trophies of conquest." This effectively magnified his successes and prolonged public attention towards his military triumph. Napoleon's combined propaganda campaigns not only created the image of an unbeatable general and a peacemaker for the French public, but also portrayed him as a man of cultural refinement and intellect. Essentially, he became a universal figure who believed that nothing was impossible. This image played a significant role in the coup d'etat of 18-19 Brumaire. While the military victories were crucial in overthrowing the Directory, Napoleon's talent in showcasing these victories in different ways, especially by creating the impression that he personally was responsible for them, played an essential role in ensuring success.

After achieving political dominance in France, Napoleon demonstrated a clear desire to have absolute control over the direction and content of his propaganda activities. He sought to be completely in charge of shaping his own legendary image. It is said that Napoleon personally planned, wrote, produced, and organized every aspect of his propaganda,

leaving no one else with the responsibility of promoting him, as noted by Francois Furet.

Napoleon's dispatches, proclamations, and correspondence with the directory all demonstrate his talent for self-promotion. By centralizing political and military authority in himself, he had a tactical advantage in distributing pro-Napoleon material. He meticulously supervised the composition and distribution of war news, personally writing or editing the main bulletins of the Grand Army. There is little evidence of others altering these accounts. Napoleon refused to delegate tasks related to shaping the French public's perception of him. This refusal stemmed from his ability to command his empire and his reluctance to accept help or acknowledge potential rivals.

Napoleon's personal style had a significant impact on his soldiers, providing great inspiration to those who served in his armies. This influence resulted in a high level of motivation among the troops, particularly the old guard who remained loyal until the end. However, Napoleon's refusal to seek help or delegate tasks resulted in a weak administration and a lack of central staff that would prove problematic as his control expanded across Europe. In addition to controlling the content and volume of wartime materials, Napoleon also carefully determined when and how they would be published.

The text emphasizes Napoleon's attention to the timing and content of news. It states that he sent strict instructions to officials, ensuring that the news he wanted to spread would have the desired effect. If he couldn't prevent other accounts from being heard, he would make sure his version arrived first. This strategic approach to publishing became especially crucial during the Russian campaign. Napoleon wanted the bulletin about the campaign to reach Paris shortly

before his return, in order to reduce excitement over his defeat but not enough time for anti-imperial plots to develop. His ability to manipulate events and turn them in his favor, even in defeat, showcased his genius. Although Napoleon effectively blocked unfavorable news and counter propaganda, it is worth noting that the opposition against him was limited due to weak resistance within France and Europe.

The British made a significant effort to counter Napoleon's propaganda, aiming to reduce his popularity. However, they faced multiple obstacles. For most of fifteen years, Napoleon controlled the majority of the European press, leaving the British with limited successful news to disseminate. Consequently, they constantly struggled to keep up with Napoleon's many victories, perpetually downplaying their extent. Additionally, the main opponents of Napoleon faced the intricate challenge of disseminating their views across various social classes within French society.

Contrary to other absolute leaders or dictators, Napoleonic France did not neglect or subject specific groups of society to mistreatment. Instead, "Bonaparte's cabinet had regular interactions with all social classes", which contributed to the creation of the Napoleonic myth by ensuring that no segment of society was ignored or vulnerable to opposition gains.