us. Napoleon proclaimed in 1816, Wherever I found talent and courage I rewarded it . He backed up this statement by establishing lyces. These were secondary schools for boys, where admission was based on ability. Like Napoleon in Animal Farm, education of the young was a priority in Bonapartes society. He created an upward ladder within society, opening an avenue of opportunity for the less wealthy in society by providing scholarships to those displaying ability. The only criterion being that the boys family were supporters of Napoleon. Thus, one of the grievances that had pushed the revolution forward was resolved. A revolutionary aim was realised.A strategy of Napoleons that was intended to foster equality, as well as to reward talent, was the establishing of the Legion of Honour. Despite protests that it was a violation of equality , the practice of recognising civic contributions to society was widely regarded as a means of promoting equality. Le Memorial de Sainte-Helene (1821) declared that . establishment of the Legion of Honour, which was the reward for military, civil, and judicial service, united side by side the soldier, the scholar, the artist, the prelate, and the magistrate;. Napoleon continually proved to be able to heal divisions caused by a revolution demanding equality. In order to bring the ideals of the revolution to fruition, i.e. to create social equality, Napoleon recognised that diverse groups in society needed to reconcile and unite in their attempt to consolidate the achievements of the revolution. So, as he himself stated, I became the arch of the alliance between the old and the new, the natural mediator between the old and the new orders I belonged to them both . Always the pragmatist Napoleon united those who were on opposing sides in the Revolution. The past and ones past actions were forgotten as long as one showed support for Napoleon. For example, former royalists who now served the empire could be ...
