Question
How were the reaction of the local population against the administrative changes introduced by Napoleon?
Solution
The reaction of the local population against the administrative changes introduced by Napoleon were mixed.
(i) In many places such as Holland and Switzerland, as well as in certain cities like Brussels, Mainz, Milan and Warsaw, the French armies were welcome as harbingers of liberty.
(ii)But the initial enthusiasm soon turned to hostility, as it became clear that the new administrative arrangements did not go hand in hand with political freedom.
(ii) Increased taxation, censorship, forced conscription into the French armies required to conquer the rest of Europe, all seemed to outweight the advantages of the administrative changes.
