How did the local people in the areas conquered by Napoleon react to French rule? Explain. (CBSE 2014)

A mixed reaction was observed in the areas conquered by Napoleon.

1. Initially, in places like Holland and Switzerland and certain cities like Brussels, Mainz, Milan, and Warsaw, the French armies were welcomed as the messengers of the idea of liberty and freedom.

2. However, the initial warmth soon turned into hatred as people realized that the new administrative arrangements did not protect their political liberties and freedom.

3. The policies introduced by the government including increased taxation, censorship, and forced conscription outweighed the advantages of administrative changes.

NOTE–Napoleon, the French military leader gained popularity around the French Revolution (1789). The French revolutionaries, in their mission, to liberate people of Europe from despotism (meaning-the use of power in a cruel and oppressive manner). He was able to conquer a wide swath of territory and also introduced many reforms which were already in place in France.