if they contained elements of these principles.The most lasting and enduring of Napoleons achievements is the Code Napoleon. When he came to power, after the coup detat of 18 Brumaire, in 1899, France was administratively in chaos. It was lacking the foundation that was essential in order to institutionalise the triumphs of the revolution. That is until Napoleon drew up his own administrative framework. Initially known as the Civil Code it was promulgated between March 1803 and March 1804. As a set of laws it unified France legally. The submission of all members of society to a common scheme of justice recognised the demands of the revolutionary crowds. In the lists of grievances that had been handed to Louis XVI just prior to the revolution, many had asked that French Laws be uniform . Where Louis had failed to respond, Napoleon acted. Thus he can be seen as building upon the revolution. Equality, a key principle of the revolution was consistently enforced in the code. It guaranteed freedom of the person, freedom of religion and proclaimed freedom of work. The code also required equal inheritance by all male heirs . The manner in which Napoleon efficiently used The Civil Code to centralise power in France is proof that he was following the ideologies of those behind the revolution. In particular ideals of the 1793 revolutionaries, who were anxious for centralisation. Napoleon once declared that The revolution is frozen and the code was his way of preserving achievements brought about by the revolution.One of the main grievances of those involved in the revolution was lack of advancement within society. The Bourgeoisie in particular found it difficult to advance their careers due to birth status. Thus, a catch cry of the revolutionary crowds became Career Open to Talent. Napoleon, upon coming to power, enforced this revolutionary aim of the bourgeoisie. Careers were open to all those with ability, regardless of birth or social stat...
