Despite being a controversial figure in French history, Napoleon Bonaparte is widely considered to be one of the most influential figures of modern history. He was an influential military leader, statesman, and emperor, and is often credited with revolutionizing Europe and laying the groundwork for the modern world. In addition to this, Napoleon is often classified as an enlightened monarch because of the impact his actions had on France, Europe, and the world.

An enlightened monarch is a ruler who is seen as possessing a greater understanding of the changing needs of their population and a willingness to enact reforms that meet those needs. During Napoleon’s reign, he implemented a number of reforms that had a lasting impact on France, Europe, and even the world. These reforms included the Napoleonic Code, which established a uniform set of laws for all of France, and which later served as the basis for many modern legal systems. He also abolished feudalism and serfdom, instituted freedom of religion, and created a more efficient bureaucracy.

Napoleon is also credited with promoting an atmosphere of intellectual freedom and encouraging the arts and sciences. He founded the French Academy of Science and the Polytechnic Institute, both of which remain influential today, and he implemented a number of public works projects that improved the infrastructure of France. He also gave a great deal of autonomy to the French provinces, allowing them to maintain local customs while still recognising the authority of the central government.

For these reasons, Napoleon can be seen as an enlightened monarch, and his actions and reforms are still seen as important and influential today. His legacy continues to be felt in France, Europe, and around the world, and he is often remembered as a bold and visionary leader. Although his methods and motivations may have been controversial, his reforms helped to shape the modern world, and set a precedent for other leaders to follow.