Why did Beethoven hate Napoleon?

I don't really think Beethoven hated Napoleon that much. Beethoven was once an honest fan of Napoleon, especially after the series of successful revolutions that brought Napoleon as a military leader. Napoleon actually invested so much in music, and he was able to provide an enabling ground for musicians to explore. He strengthened the copyright laws, and he was able to provide a better pension scheme for musicians. This and more were the reasons why a lot of musicians trooped into France, including Beethoven.

However, the story changed after Napoleon declared himself Emperor of France. He began to infringe on people's right; he was described as a dictator. And he literally became an exact opposite of the various campaigns that brought him to power. And that was how people like Beethoven started showing their hatred to Napoleon, even to the point that Beethoven decided to change the title of his third symphony which he had dedicated to Napoleon.

Beethoven did not always hate Napoleon. When Napoleon first came to power as First Consul of France, Beethoven was elated. He was passionate about his endorsement of Napoleon, even comparing him to the greater Consuls of ancient Rome. But as is so often the case, all good things must come to an end.

When Napoleon declared himself Emperor of France, Beethoven was incensed. He raged against Napoleon to anyone that would listen. Instead of being a defender of men, Beethoven was sure that the new Emperor would become corrupt, just like all the others. It was a turning point for Beethoven, and the musical piece that he had dedicated to Napoleon had the dedication removed so violently, it tore the front page.

As a young man, Beethoven had been moved with the ideals of the French Revolution. It was a time where anyone could make something of themselves, not just the super-rich. However, years later, Beethoven even admitted that he was horrified with the destruction caused by the Revolution. He did not believe there should be a monarchy, but he was not a militarist either. As an artist, he fell in line with the more romantic views, which in turn came out in the pieces that he composed.