The Age of Napoleon Podcast Episode 35: King of Italy
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Sep 27, 2018 Napoleon's rise to power in Italy, his reign as king, and his relationship with Josephine discussed. Establishment of the Sisalpine Republic and defiance of the Paris directors. Internal politics of the French government and Napoleon's growing popularity. Napoleon's pursuit of foreign policy in Italy and the impact on Venice and Genoa.
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Pomp As Political Strategy
- Napoleon used pomp and court etiquette strategically to exercise soft power rather than from mere vanity.
- He valued opulent displays as tools to establish dominance and win over local elites.
Practical Alliance With Patriots
- Napoleon allied with Italian Patriots to counter clergy and aristocracy while avoiding radical social revolution.
- He supported administrative reform and new states but rejected full-scale social upheaval or a united Italy.
Cisalpine Republic As A Power Base
- Napoleon created the Cisalpine Republic to institutionalize French influence and provide a local government.
- He even translated and wrote its constitution, making Italy effectively dependent on the army of Italy.