[quote=Allan from Fallbrook][quote=Jazzman]To put it into historical context, American independence was viewed by colonial powers as an extension of the Napoleonic wars… [/quote]
I’m curious about the comment above. The American Revolution, which ended in 1781, pre-dated the Napoleonic Wars by nearly a generation. Which colonial powers viewed the American Revolution as connected to the Napoleonic Wars? I know of Edmund Burke’s writings on both the American and French Revolutions, but I’m not sure what point you’re trying to make here. Napoleon, as far as the ruling houses of Europe were concerned, was sui generis and viewed as a low-born thug intent on bringing all of Europe (along with some other farflung territories) to heel. I’m failing to see the connection.[/quote]
There is no real consensus on when the Napoleonic Wars started, and some historians believe they were actually a continuation of wars that preceded the French Revolution in 1789, so one could argue there is an overlap with the American War of Independence which I believe ended in 1783.
As to my point, I was merely reflecting on the comment that Britain’s “world had been turned upside down” by the defeat, makes it appear an isolated incident, whereas in fact colonialism which dates back to the 15th century, led to frictions (and wars), that manifested themselves in European efforts to support the American war effort against the British. So disappointment at defeat was inevitable, but I’m not sure Britain’s world was lost. They continued to dominate over one quarter of the world until the 20th century.
As to whether European powers thought Napoleon a “thug”, the term itself is derived
from “thugee” a notorious 19th century killer, so the popularized term is unlikely to have been used then. Aside from that, he is considered to be one of the worlds greatest military commanders and is credited with the spread of civil law. His influence was so great, I hardly think other European leaders stooped to condescension other than to express sheer frustration at his brilliance.
