Research
Project Proposal
[Your
Name]
[Course
Name and Section]
Prof.
Wilson
[Date]
statement of the problem
As a general, statesman, and ruler, Napoleon
Bonaparte had a profound impact on France. Some say Napoleon left France
stronger and more powerful than it had been. Others say Napoleon damaged the
very idea of France, completing the destructive calamity of the French
Revolution.
thesis statement
Napoleon Bonaparte was bad for France, in that he
undermined FranceÕs economy, its institutions, and its relationships with the
rest of Europe.
preliminary outline
The body of my paper will need to cover the
following areas:
A. NapoleonÕs
effect on the French economy
1. The
vast size of his army — and the casualties they suffered
— meant France had fewer workers and farmers
2. Food
and resources diverted to army, so people had less to eat
B. NapoleonÕs
effect on French tradition and institutions
1. Imposed
uniform legal code, overriding local custom
2. Undid
earlier reforms improving womenÕs rights
3. Imposed
new aristocracy
C. NapoleonÕs
effect on FranceÕs relationships with Europe
1. Fear
of France after Napoleon — Congress of Vienna
2. Nationalism
inspired by fight against Napoleon creates stronger enemies for France (e.g.,
Spain, Prussia)