How Did Martin Luther Contribute To Napoleon

693 Words3 Pages

Martin Luther and Napoleon were both remembered for their substantial contributions during their time even though their points of impact were unrelated. Martin Luther was a Protestant reformer who influenced the spiritual aspect of the people in 16th century, whereas Napoleon was a French emperor who consolidated the power of France as a nation. Although both individuals made an impact in society by their actions and ideas, Napoleon made the most significant contribution because his actions led to greater outcomes. Martin Luther’s effects on Europe next to Napoleon’s were small in comparison. Napoleon was a great leader who established a democracy and restored order in his nation, France. He used his power and made many social, political, …show more content…

He overthrew the French Directory, abolished the Estates General and ultimately became the first french emperor. In result of the abolishment, people from distinct estates no longer had to worry about their social classes because they all had equal rights. In pre-Napoleonic time , the Nobles and Clergies would never pay their taxes, and obtain high governmental/ military positions, regardless of their educational background. Furthermore, the incorporation of everyone’s voice in the French society led to newer scientific and political innovations and breakthroughs. Moreover, the Napoleonic Code can also be termed as a social dogma because it established the roots for internal legal code of France by introducing major establishments like meritocracy (e.g. Legion of Honor) in the French society. This establishment repelled privileged births, placed more importance on individual achievements, and continued the Enlightenment ideologies, which propelled the social architecture of France forward. Soon after that, he gained control over France’s governmental system and created his own set of laws, known as the Napoleonic Code. He made education, tax, and financial reforms in an effort to abandon old feudal laws and start fresh. Before his intervention with the governmental system, Nobles and Clergies got away …show more content…

He posted the 95 Theses on the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany in October, 1517 which were the differences Luther found between the Roman Catholic Church and the Bible. His refusal to recant these views led to him being excommunicated. However, since his work had grown beyond his influence, and soon became politically empowered, the revolution that he incepted didn’t end. Many local leaders stepped up and lead the reform, and turned this theological phenomenon into a peasant's’ war that raged its way across Germany. Friends of Luther made copies of the theses on the newly-invented printing press, and they spread across Europe in a matter of months. This was the first time a controversy had spread with the help of a printing press.He hid in the Wartburg Castle in Eisenach after his excommunication in 1521. While there, he translated the New Testament into German. Luther published his German Bible translation, and it quickly became a bestseller, as well as a model for other vernacular translations, including Tyndale’s English Bible. Luther taught that the doctrine of justification by faith alone was the central doctrine of the Christian life. He also said that faith came solely as a gift from