Unsuccessful European Integration of Napoleon I : Contradictions in Universal Empire and Federalization

Napoleon I implemented his own European integration to establish an United States of liberal Europe. But that was finally unsuccessful because of its contradictions in Universal Empire and Federalization. As a successor of universal empire, Napoleon I consolidated the unilateral hegemony of France, restored the hereditary imperial dictatorship and installed his dynastic branches inside his empire. As a leader of the federalization of modern Europe, Napoleon I liquidated the supranational authority of the pope and tried to construct an exclusive economic space on a continental scale through the Continental System. At the same time, he improved the geopolitical balkanization of Europe by the foundation of the Rhine Confederation and the Kingdom of Italy. These contradictions inside Napoleon I’s European integration were inevitable, knowing that he and his empire existed in a transition period distinguishing the Ancien Régime and modern Europe. Although the European integration of Napoleon I failed, but that contributed to enhance the conscience of an united Europe and an European sovereignty. Furthermore, that still remains as a important legacy and gives meaningful lessons for the success of the present European integration.