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I'd say it's not wrong, though the "providential man" idea is more closely linked to De Gaule than Napoleon. I think there is still some pride at the brilliant military successes he gave France, and his important reforms (like the Civil Code) but at the same time imperialism has really gotten out of fashion. So a mix of embarrassment and pride.

Paris still has a lot of Napoleonic traces (eg, the Arch of Triumph, the Vendome column, the Invalides, the ring of boulevards named after his marshals...).

Personally, I don't give a damn about nationalism. People taking pride from the actions of long-dead folks happening to be born roughly at the right location, or holding grudges because their country lost territory decades ago leave me cold.



Gare d'Austerlitz.

I've read recently that Rome was the 131th french district at that time.

I've also seen on Arte a documentary with a positive point of view about the french administration in Germany during that time (maybe in Munich).


I don't think Spain has kept such a positive image of the French occupation, though.


But Spain occupation set in motion all the revolutionary movements in (latin) America. From 1808-1810 most spanish colonies claimed their independence.




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