How did the local people in the areas conquered by the Napoleon react to French rule? Explain.
- IN the areas conquered by the Napoleon, the reactions of the local populations to French rule were mixed.
- Initially in many places such as Holland and Switzerland as well as in certain cities like Brussels, Mainz, Milan and Warsaw, the French army were welcomed.
- But the initial enthusiasm soon turned to hostility, as it became clear that the new administrative arrangements go hand in hand with political freedom.
- Increased taxation, censorship, forced conscription into the French armies required to conquer the rest of Europe.