Synopses & Reviews
Alexander Grab explores the impact of Napoleon's domination throughout his empire and the response of the Europeans to his rule. This important book focuses on the developments and the events in the ten states that comprised the Grand Empire: France itself, Belgium, Germany, The Illyrian Provinces, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. Grab discusses Napoleon's exploitation of occupied Europe and particularly his reform policies, and assesses their success in transforming Europe.
Review
"Excellent, up-to-date clear introduction. Broad in perspective and in many ways surpasses existing literature."--Dr Lucy Riall, Birbeck College, University of London
"Alexander Grab has written a survey that will rapidly become the best starting point for students of the period. It combines the rare qualities of succinctness and depth of thought that will both inform and inspire undergraduates for many years to come. A much needed addition to the literaure of an historical topic at last coming into its own."--Professor Michael Broers, University of Aberdeen
Synopsis
Creating a French Empire and establishing French dominance over Europe constituted Napoleon's most important and consistent aims. In this fascinating book, Alexander Grab explores Napoleon's European policies, as well as the response of the European people to his rule, and demonstrates that Napoleon was as much a part of European history as he was a part of French history.
Napoleon and the Transformation of Europe:
- Examines the formation of Napoleon's Empire, the Emporer's impact throughout Europe, and how the Continent responded to his policies
- Focuses on the principal developments and events in the ten states that comprised Napoleon's Grand Empire: France itself, Belgium, Germany, the Illyrian Provinces, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland
- Analyses Napoleon's exploitation of occupied Europe
- Discusses the broad reform policies Napoleon launched in Europe, assesses their success, and argues that the French leader was a major reformer and a catalyst of modernity on a European scale
About the Author
Alexander Grab is Professor of History, University of Maine.
Table of Contents
List of Maps * List of Abbreviations * Acknowledgements * Introduction * The Formation of the Napoleonic Empire * The Janus Face of Napoleon's Empire: Reform and Exploitation * France * The Netherlands * Belgium * Germany * Switzerland * Spain * Portugal * The Italian Peninsula * The Duchy of Warsaw * The Illyrian Provinces * The Collapse of the Napoleonic Empire * Conclusion: the Legacy of Napoleon * Bibliography * Index