The role of the University Grandmaster in the monopolization of education under the First Empire (1808-1815)
Abstract
The Empire of Napoleon Bonaparte affected all areas of French social life, including education. The need to streamline the education of citizens for the needs of the state led the Emperor to found the Imperial University in May 1806, whose dominance in state education was anchored by the March 1808 reform.
A so-called grandmaster was appointed to the position of director with powers in the field of organizing educational institutions, University and school staff appointment, budget setting and teaching control in all levels of education. From his position, the Grand Master influenced the formation of a new generation under the supervision of the central power, whose collapse in 1815 meant the end of the position, which was later replaced by the Minister of Education.