‘Citizen Emperor’: Political Ritual, Popular Sovereignty and the Coronation of Napoleon I
Philip Dwyer
Abstract The coronation of N apoleon in otre D ame on 2 ecember 1804 was built upon a number contradictory concepts. As heir to the F rench R evolution, founded legitimacy his new regime notion popular sovereignty. He incorporated idea into ceremony, mélange different rites and customs, incorporating aspects C arolingian tradition, ancien régime thereby helping create political culture based continuity with past. And yet people were precluded from ceremony itself. Moreover, contained within it seeds E mpire's later turn towards absolute‐style monarchy, revived notions divine right. thus highlights apoleon's, elite's, ambivalent attitude monarchy Although should be seen as part process national reconciliation implemented by apoleon, ritual failed leave deep impression.
History