Napoleon Bonaparte created the Legion of Honour in 1802 to reward civilian merit
Napoleon Bonaparte broke centuries of tradition in 1802 by establishing the Legion of Honour, the first order of merit designed to reward both soldiers and civilians for their service to France.
During the French Revolution, old royal orders were abolished as symbols of inequality. However, Napoleon realized that a nation needs a way to recognize excellence. On May 19, 1802, he created the Legion of Honour, insisting that 'soldiers are but the sons of civilians.' This was revolutionary because it was based on merit rather than noble birth.
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