- Liberalism -
Napoleon was influenced by the Enlightenment thinker, particularly Rousseau:
+ He was committed to the ideals of the liberty, equality and fraternity of the French revolution.
+ Believed these ideals were to benefit the entire French nation in improving people's lives; he introduced the Napoleonic Code of laws, reforms civil matters and equalizing legal status under the law.
++ Also expanded access to education
- Nationalism, or Patriotism-
- Promoted French National symbols such as tricolor French flag.
- French military conquests spread these idea through Europe , influencing the development of the national feelings in territories.
Imperialism and Expansion :
- Viewed military campaigns as opportunities to spread revolutionary reforms to Europe while weakening his major opponents
- Sought conquest as a strategic defensive as the nation surrounded other country
- Wanted expand empire to gain access to valuable natural resources of distant colonies.