During the Revolution, the military operations of Napoleon Bonaparte, a general of Corsican origin, ensured him an undeniable prestige. His dazzling victory in Italy against Austria, the success of the expedition to Egypt contribute to this recognition.
On his return, he seized power in the coup d'etat of 18 and 19 Brumaire (November 9-10, 1799) and became First Consul. Crowned emperor in 1804 under the name of Napoleon I st , he reformed the country at all levels:administrative, educational, economic, religious, financial and judicial (creation of the Banque de France, Civil Code).
Its armies roam Europe, not only to extend French domination, but above all to dismantle the coalitions that are hostile to it. On December 2, 1805, his brilliant victory at Austerlitz was decisive in this enterprise. However, the failure of the Spanish and Russian campaigns led to the French debacle. France is invaded, forcing the abdication of the emperor who goes into exile on the island of Elba. The reconquest of power was definitively aborted by the defeat at Waterloo. He dies on the island of Saint Helena.
1769 - 1821
Status
Military
Emperor