Critics argue Napoleon's true legacy must reflect the loss of status for France and needless deaths brought by his rule: historian Victor Davis Hanson writes, "After all, the military record is unquestioned—17 years of wars, perhaps six million Europeans dead, France bankrupt, her overseas colonies lost." McLynn notes that, "He can be viewed as the man who set back European economic life for a generation by the dislocating impact of his wars." However, Vincent Cronin replies that such criticism relies on the flawed premise that Napoleon was responsible for the wars which bear his name, when in fact France was the victim of a series of coalitions which aimed to destroy the ideals of the Revolution. COUNT 5
QSN1 Which historian describes Napoleon's legacy in terms of years spent at war, numbers of European dead, and France's bankruptcy and loss of colonies? ANS1 Victor Davis Hanson QSN2 Which historian views Napoleon's legacy as one of having set back the European economy for a generation through war? ANS2 McLynn QSN3 Which historian counters criticism of Napoleon by suggesting that the wars he fought were the responsibility of enemies of the Revolution, rather than that of Napoleon? ANS3 Vincent Cronin QSN4 How many years of wars does Victor Davis Hanson claim are part of Napoleon's military record? ANS4 17 QSN5 Approximately how many Europeans dead does Victor Davis Hanson assert are part of Napoleon's military record? ANS5 six million