Journal+Entry+3-+Anne+Boucher

September 2, 1802

Dear Diary,

It has never been this peaceful ever in the country of France for ten years or so. When I look out the window or walk down the street, everyone is wearing a smile on their face- nothing like before. There’s another thing I sense when looking out the window- Napoleon Bonaparte’s era to be coming soon. People, newspapers, etc. are filled with talks about Napoleon’s accomplishments in the war. As everyone, I agree that Napoleon was the main supporter for making France become what it is currently.

When the Directory had lost control of their political situation and confidence of their own people on 1799, Napoleon quickly took his place in a group of three consuls. However, Napoleon did not have the chance to rule as much during a certain period of time- due to the alliances and wars going on outside of the country. Thankfully, the series of wars ended with a treaty being made. Although he has accomplished so much, he has done nothing to return France to what it was before. When realizing that our traditional system is completely changed now, I felt as if we, the 'former' nobles has completely lost our voice as well.

I have dealt with enough 'changes' from the revolution before, but now even more changes are to be added. Napoleon had set up new tax collection methods, national backing systems, and so that no corruptions or inefficiency would take place in the government. Another major change he made was religion. He had recognized the influence of the Church to the people, but rejected the Churches’ control in national affairs. This new recognition, or concordat, had Napoleon in power of the majority of the citizens of France, due to religion.

Finally, the revolution has ended and the majority of the citizens has received what they were fighting for for years. Although I have gone through this period of revolution in such a young age, I have also took place in what will be recorded in many of the history books for centuries and centuries. This revolution has indeed damaged many of the elites’ lives, including me, and it will probably be remembered to us as one of the disastrous memories of our lives, but this hopefully won't stop us from moving on with our lives furthermore.

Yours Truly, Anne Boucher