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Napoleon the Little

by Victor Hugo (1802–1885)

  • Free to read
  • 5 hours to read
  • 74 chapters
  • Reading level: 8th & 9th grade

"Napoleon the Little" by Victor Hugo is a political critique written in the mid-19th century. This work serves as a scathing examination of Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to power and the consequences of his actions, framing him as a usurper who betrayed the republic. The book delves into the events surrounding Bonaparte’s election and subsequent coup d'état, exploring themes of democracy, tyranny, and the moral decay of society. The opening of the text sets the stage for this critique by recounting the significant moment on December 20, 1848, when Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte is declared President of the French Republic after receiving a majority vote. It describes the atmosphere in the National Assembly as Bonaparte takes his oath of office, highlighting the tension between hope for democratic ideals and the looming threat of autocracy. Victor Hugo reflects on the collective memory of opposing representatives and the foreboding nature of Bonaparte’s future actions, foreshadowing the eventual betrayal of the very principles he swore to uphold. The opening establishes a stark contrast between the promise of the republic and the reality of Bonaparte's ambition, preparing the reader for the unfolding tragedy of French political life under his rule.

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  • France · History · Second Republic, 1848-1852
  • France · History · Coup d'état, 1851
  • Napoleon III, Emperor of the French, 1808-1873

Read the opening

Book II: I. The Constitution 46

II. The Senate 49

III. The Council of State and the Corps
Legislatif 52

IV. The Finances 55

V. The Liberty of the Press 57

VI. Novelties in Respect to What Is Lawful 60

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Contents

Show all 74 chapters
  1. Book II: I. The Constitution 46
  2. Book V
  3. Book VI
  4. Book VII
  5. Book VIII
  6. Book I
  7. Chapter I
  8. Chapter II
  9. Chapter III
  10. Chapter IV
  11. Chapter V
  12. Chapter VI
  13. Chapter VII
  14. Book II
  15. Chapter I
  16. Chapter II
  17. Chapter III
  18. Chapter IV
  19. Chapter V
  20. Chapter VI
  21. Chapter VII
  22. Chapter VIII
  23. Chapter IX
  24. Chapter X
  25. Chapter XI
  26. Book III
  27. Book III
  28. Chapter I
  29. Chapter II
  30. Chapter III
  31. Chapter IV
  32. Chapter V
  33. Chapter VI
  34. Chapter VII
  35. Chapter VIII
  36. Chapter IX
  37. Chapter X
  38. Book IV
  39. Chapter I
  40. Chapter II
  41. Chapter III
  42. Chapter IV
  43. Book V
  44. Chapter I: 1789
  45. Chapter II
  46. Chapter III
  47. Chapter IV
  48. Chapter V
  49. Chapter VI
  50. Chapter VII
  51. Chapter VIII
  52. Chapter IX
  53. Book VI
  54. Chapter I
  55. Chapter II
  56. Chapter III
  57. Chapter IV
  58. Chapter V
  59. Chapter VI
  60. Chapter VII
  61. Chapter VIII
  62. Chapter IX
  63. Book VII
  64. Chapter I
  65. Chapter II
  66. Chapter III
  67. Chapter IV
  68. Chapter V
  69. Chapter VI
  70. Book VIII
  71. Chapter I
  72. Chapter II
  73. Chapter III
  74. Chapter IV
  75. Chapter V
  76. Chapter VI
  77. Chapter VII
  78. Chapter I
  79. Chapter II
  80. Chapter III
  81. Chapter I
  82. Chapter II

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About this edition

This free edition of Napoleon the Little by Victor Hugo comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #20580, released 2007-02-14. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: French Literature, History - European, Politics.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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