5i4 Readings i7i European History 445. Napo- leon's view of his destiny. . . . When Providence elevated me to the first throne in the world it became my duty, while establishing forever the destinies of France, to determine the fate of all those peo- ple who formed a part of the empire, to insure for all the benefits of stability and order, and to put an end every- where to the woes of anarchy. I have done away with the uncertainty in Italy by placing upon my head the crown of iron. I have suppressed the government which was ruling in Piedmont. I have traced out the constitution of Switzer- land in my Act of Mediation, and I have harmonized the local conditions of these countries and their historical tra- ditions with the security and rights of the imperial crown. I gave you a prince of my own blood to govern you. It was a natural bond, which should have served to unite the interests of your administration and the rights of the empire. My hopes have been disappointed. Under these circum- stances I have displayed a degree of moderation and long- suffering which comported but ill with my character and my rights. Finally, I have but just put an end to the pain- ful uncertainty in which you found yourselves and to the death struggle which had ended by destroying your strength and resources. I have opened the continent to your indus- try, and the day will come when you shall bear my eagles upon the seas which your ancestors have rendered illustri- ous. You will then show yourselves worthy of them and of me. . . . VI. The Russian Campaign 446. Napo- leon's proc- lamation at the opening of the Russian campaign (June, 1812). Before crossing the Russian boundary in June, 1812, Napoleon issued the following proclamation to the Grand Army. Soldiers, the second war of Poland has commenced. The first was brought to a close at Friedland and Tilsit. At Tilsit, Russia swore eternal alliance with France and war with England. She now violates her oaths, she refuses to give any explanation of her strange conduct, except on condition
