Groups It Helped:
1. Former Serfs and Peasants: The code abolished feudal privileges, serfdom, and manorial courts. It provided legal equality to all citizens, which improved the social and economic status of former serfs and peasants.
2. Women's Rights: Although it did not grant women full equality, the Napoleonic Code did provide them with more legal rights and protection than they had under previous legal systems. For instance, it recognized women's property rights and rights to inheritance.
3. Business Owners and Merchants: The code established uniform commercial laws and regulations that facilitated trade and commerce. It provided a clear and predictable legal framework for businesses to operate, encouraging economic growth and prosperity.
4. Legal Professionals and the Judiciary: The code standardized legal procedures and created a transparent judicial system. It professionalized the legal field, leading to a more efficient and just legal system.
Groups It Hurt:
1. Aristocracy and Nobility: The code eliminated many of the privileges previously enjoyed by the aristocracy and nobility. It dismantled feudal structures and redistributed land and wealth, impacting the social and economic status of these groups.
2. Religious Institutions: The code asserted state control over religious affairs, reducing the power and influence of the Catholic Church and other religious institutions. It limited religious freedom and imposed secular control on religious matters.