The Napoleonic Settlement

As Emperor, Napoleon ruled France (and, eventually, much of Europe) until 1815. During these years, in all the territory he conquered, Bonaparte put in place a system of government and society that combined some aspects of the Old Regime with some of the key changes of the Revolution.

Most significantly, Napoleon's regime did not restore the traditional society of Orders, with its hierarchies and privileges for nobles and clergy. Nor did he restore seigneurialism in the countryside or corporatism (such as the guilds) in the cities. He also retained the Revolutionary ideal of meritocracy by keeping military and judicial positions "open to talents." He also did not return the lands that had been confiscated from emigrated nobles or from the Church. Thus, some of the major social changes of the French Revolution were preserved.

Napoleon did restore titles of nobility (such as Baron, Marquis, Count and Duke) but these were only symbolic; they did not carry with them the right to office or exemption from taxes. More important were what were called Notables who were the wealthiest 600 people in a given city or town, who would be eligible for offices in the government. Napoleon hoped that if these prominent and wealthy elites would support his government, they would ensure a stability that had not existed in French society for many years