Chapter 164 The Beginning Of The Modernization Of Paris



July 1st, 1800.

Napoleon presented the proposal to create the new ministry, which is the Ministry of Urban Development and Infrastructure to the Council of Ministers. The bill outlined the purpose, responsibilities, and funding required for the ministry's functioning. The Council of Ministers, composed of high-ranking government officials and ministers, discussed and approved the bill, endorsing the vision for progress.

The bill then faced scrutiny in the legislative body, which comprised the Tribunat and the Corps Législatif. There were debates, amendments, and votes, as lawmakers assessed the proposal's impact. Despite disagreements, the shared goal of modernizing France united them. The bill emerged stronger from this process and moved forward to the Senate.

In the Senate, the bill was carefully reviewed, and after thorough consideration, it received a majority of approving votes. Finally, Napoleon signed the bill into law, officially establishing the Ministry of Urban Development and Infrastructure.

The government wasted no time in announcing a series of public works projects that would reshape Paris. This ambitious initiative captured the public's attention, and enthusiasm spread like wildfire. In the face of new job opportunities, the unemployment rate in Paris, which was high during the revolutionary period, decreased as countless people eagerly signed up to be part of these transformative projects.

People from all parts of France took the trains and carriages to witness the grand transformation of the capital firsthand. As word spread about the vast employment opportunities arising from the public works projects, even those from distant towns and villages flocked to Paris in hopes of securing a job that would bring prosperity to their families.

Paris was now a hub of activity, with workers pouring in to contribute their skills to the construction efforts. Engineers, architects, masons, carpenters, and laborers formed a diverse and industrious workforce.

In two months, the Ministry of Urban Development and Infrastructure had already employed one million people, and the number was steadily increasing as more and more workers joined the ranks. Every day, new blueprints were drawn, new construction sites opened, and new teams were formed to turn Napoleon's vision of a modern Paris into reality.

In his office, Napoleon signed a bill for the annexation of eleven communes, including Auteuil, Batignolles-Monceau, Montmartre, La Chapelle, Passy, La Villette, Belleville, Charonne, Bercy, Grenelle, and Vaugirard. This move aimed to expand the borders of Paris, effectively doubling its size from twelve to twenty arrondissements and significantly increasing the population from 700,000 to 1,800,000 people.

After signing it, he handed it back to the President of the Sénat conservateur, Emmanuel Joseph Sieyes.

"Here it is," Napoleon said.

"Thank you, Your Excellency."

"How is my proposed education reform going on in the Senate?"

Sieyes cleared his throat before responding, "Your Excellency, the education reform proposal is still being debated in the Senate. While some senators support the idea, others have reservations about certain aspects of it. We are working to address their concerns and reach a consensus."

"What kind of reservations?" Napoleon asked curiously.

"There was a survey held in all prefects of France, asking about the state of education in this country. Most of the complaints were the lack of religious education in primary schools."

"Religious education huh?" Napoleon repeated. "Hmm...you may go now, Sieyes. I'll talk with Talleyrand and Lucien about these reservations."

Sieyes simply bowed his head and left his office.

Napoleon leaned back in his chair and sighed. "I guess it's time to bring back the church."