Document 2
Source: Napoleon, in a conversation with Barry O’Meara, his doctor after his defeat and exile
Context: In the document below, Napoleon explains his vision for the French government while he was emperor

“I have always been of the opinion that the power to rule should lay with the people. In fact, my imperial government was a kind of republic. I was called the head [leader] of it based on the voice of the people. It was because of the demands of the people that I became Emperor.
My policy was that careers should be open to talent. No one should get special treatment based on birth or fortune, and this system of equality is the reason that your English monarchy hates me so much. In no other country but France had such a system of equality and liberty been established under my imperial government.”


-Does Napoleon represent or betray the ideas of the Enlightenment and the French Revolution based on the document?

-Purpose: What is the purpose behind this document in relation to Napoleon’s rule over France?