The political, social, and professional origins of Napoleon's prefects, 1800-1812

A study of the political, social, and professional backgrounds of the men who served the system established by the law of 1800 in an attempt to define both the origins of the prefects of the Consulate and Empire and the policies for their recruitment. The main focus, therefore, shall remain on the careers of these administrative officials prior to their appointment to the prefectures.