Nation of Shopkeepers: Debunking the Napoleon Attribution
The phrase "nation of shopkeepers" has long been associated with Napoleon Bonaparte, often cited as a biting critique of British society and its reliance on commerce. However, historical evidence suggests that the attribution to the French Emperor may be an enduring myth. While the term became a staple of Napoleonic lore, its origins lie deeper in the turmoil of the French Revolution.
Key Facts
- The phrase was first used by Bertrand Barère on June 11, 1794.
- Barère used the term during a speech to the National Convention following the Glorious First of June.
- No contemporaneous French newspapers record Napoleon using the phrase.
- The attribution to Napoleon was popularized later by the British press and Barry O'Meara.
- The supposed French original, une nation de boutiquiers, lacks official attestation.
The True Origin: Bertrand Barère
Contrary to popular belief, the first recorded use of the phrase was not an imperial decree but a revolutionary jab. On June 11, 1794, Bertrand Barère, a member of the French revolutionary government, addressed the National Convention. Referring to the British victory at the Glorious First of June, Barère remarked, "Let Pitt then boast of his victory to his nation of shopkeepers."
At the time, the phrase was intended in a derogatory sense, mocking Britain's commercial nature in contrast to the perceived grandeur of the French state.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Shift to Napoleon
During the Napoleonic Wars, the British press began attributing the phrase to Napoleon himself or to "the French" in general. This shift in attribution likely occurred because Napoleon became the primary face of French aggression and intellect in the eyes of the British public.
The Account of Barry O'Meara
One of the most explicit sources linking the phrase to Napoleon is Barry O'Meara, who served as Napoleon's surgeon during his exile on St. Helena. O'Meara claimed that Napoleon defended the term, arguing that being a "nation of merchants" was not an insult but a statement of fact regarding England's wealth and resources.
According to O'Meara, Napoleon suggested that the British leadership was mistakenly trying to move away from their commercial roots—their l'esprit (spirit)—to emulate French nobility and titles, which he viewed as a mistake.
However, historians question the veracity of O'Meara's account. Notably, O'Meara and Napoleon typically conversed in Italian, not French, making the attribution of the specific French phrase une nation de boutiquiers highly suspect.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Historical Corrections
Even in the 19th century, some British publications attempted to set the record straight. An article in the Morning Post dated May 28, 1832, explicitly stated that attributing the phrase to Bonaparte was far from the truth. The publication noted that at the time the phrase was actually coined, Napoleon was merely an officer of inferior rank with no political connection.
| Source/Person | Role | Context of Use | Veracity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bertrand Barère | Revolutionary | 1794 Speech to National Convention | Documented/First Use |
| Napoleon Bonaparte | Emperor | General attribution by British press | Doubtful/Unattested |
| Barry O'Meara | Surgeon | Conversations on St. Helena | Questionable |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who actually coined the phrase "nation of shopkeepers"?
The phrase was first used by the French revolutionary Bertrand Barère in a speech to the National Convention on June 11, 1794.
Did Napoleon ever say it?
There is no contemporaneous evidence or French newspaper record to prove Napoleon used the phrase. While Barry O'Meara claimed he did, this account is widely doubted by historians.
What did the phrase originally mean?
Initially, it was used by Barère in a derogatory manner to mock the British for their focus on commerce and trade following the Glorious First of June.
Why is it so commonly attributed to Napoleon?
The attribution grew through the British press during the Napoleonic Wars and was further reinforced by later accounts from Napoleon's exile, despite the lack of primary evidence.
What was Napoleon's alleged view of the term?
According to Barry O'Meara, Napoleon viewed the term as a factual description of England's commercial strength and believed the British should be proud of their merchant roots rather than aspiring to French-style nobility.