To what extent was Napoleon an enlightened despot?

... To what extent was Napoleon an enlightened despot? The various views on Napoleon's rule are constantly the subject of debate among historians. He has, of course, been described an enlightened despot, but also as a military dictator and the Saviour of France. Although Napoleons rule changed somewhat throughout his reign, his increasingly authoritarian reforms, actions and statements, coupled with an arguable regard for many Revolutionary principles, point to the conclusion that he was indeed an enlightened despot, but the other interpretations are also viable. "I am the Revolution"- Napoleon The term enlightened despot refers to the 18th century absolute monarchs who were influenced by the ideas of the Revolution. Absolute rule means that very few of no institutions are used to govern, with little or no system of 'checks and balances' on the power of the ruler. The term also heavily relies on the style and substance of Napoleons rule. If it can

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