Napoleon at the Champ de Mars
When Napoleon escaped from Elba and returned to France, the constitutions adopted during his reign (Constitution of the Year VIII, Constitution of the Year X, Constitution of the Year XII) had been replaced by the Bourbon Restoration Charter of 1814, which gave some power to King Louis XVIII. Naturally that would not do, so Napoleon asked liberal political activist Benjamin Constant to draft yet another constitution.
Ironically, the Charter of 1815 was not very different than the charter under Louis XVIII. Both gave the French people unprecedented rights, such as the right to elect mayors for communities of 5,000 or fewer. Censorship was ended.
The Charter of 1815 was adopted by a plebiscite on June 1, 1815 by a large majority of the five million voters. Many eligible voters abstained, however. It was formally decreed in a ceremony at the Champ de Mars.
But, then, a mere 18 days later came the Battle of Waterloo. The Charter of 1815 never really took effect.
Are you counting down to Waterloo?
I’m enjoying following posts on FB from One London One and Historical Romance Network.
If Napoleon had intended to assign significant powers to the people, why did he insist on calling himself empereur? Bah humbug to him Thanks, Diane, for the post!!
Diane, I’m vicariously enjoying the ways other friends are celebrating the anniversary, especially the ones who are going to BE THERE… but also the stories it has inspired, etc. Looking forward to more of this as the date gets closer and closer!