Sieyès

GPT Re: Napoleon

Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyès initially supported Napoleon Bonaparte, but his opinion of him changed dramatically after 1800.

Sieyès and Napoleon Before 1800

• Sieyès was one of the masterminds behind the Coup of 18 Brumaire (November 9, 1799), which overthrew the Directory and established the Consulate.
• Sieyès originally planned for a constitutional system where he (and other political elites) would hold power, with Napoleon serving as a figurehead.
• However, Napoleon outmaneuvered Sieyès and took full control, making himself First Consul with near-dictatorial powers.

Sieyès' View of Napoleon After 1800

• By 1800, Sieyès realized that Napoleon was not going to be a constitutional leader, but rather an authoritarian ruler.
• Napoleon ignored Sieyès' constitutional ideas and concentrated power in himself, sidelining Sieyès entirely.
• Sieyès became increasingly critical of Napoleon, but he did not openly oppose him.
• Napoleon removed Sieyès from active politics, appointing him to the Senate (a position of prestige but little real power).
• After Napoleon crowned himself Emperor in 1804, Sieyès saw his fears confirmed: Napoleon had completely abandoned republican ideals.

After Napoleon's Fall (1815)

• After Napoleon's defeat in 1815, Sieyès supported the Bourbon Restoration and went into self-imposed exile in Belgium, fearing retaliation for his past revolutionary actions.

Conclusion

Sieyès initially saw Napoleon as a useful political tool, but once he realized Napoleon was going to rule as an autocrat, he became disillusioned and withdrew from active politics. By the time Napoleon declared himself Emperor, Sieyès had lost any remaining admiration for him.

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