First French Empire

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French_Empire_on_World_1812

Ingres,_Napoleon_on_his_Imperial_throne

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French Empire Empire Français
1804–1815
Capital	Paris
Common languages	French
Government	Unitary Bonapartist absolute monarchy
Emperor
• 1804–1814, 1815	Napoleon I
Grand Chamberlain
• 1804–1807	Talleyrand
Legislature	Senate
Historical era	Early modern
• Coronation of Napoleon I	18 May 1804
• War of the Third Coalition	1805
• War of the Fourth Coalition	1806–1807
• Peninsular War	1808–1814
• War of the Fifth Coalition	1809
• French invasion of Russia	1812
• War of the Sixth Coalition	1813–1814
• Hundred Days	1815
• Treaty of Fontainebleau	11 April 1815
Currency	French franc
Preceded by Succeeded by French Consulate Bourbon Restoration in France 20px

The First French Empire (French: Empire Français ), also known as the Napoleonic Empire, was the empire of Napoleon I of France. It was established in 1804 and lasted until 1815. The empire succeeded the French Consulate and preceded the Bourbon Restoration.

Establishment

The First French Empire was established on 18 May 1804, when Napoleon Bonaparte declared himself Emperor of the French. This marked the end of the French Consulate and the beginning of a new era in French history. The coronation took place on 2 December 1804 at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Expansion and Wars

The First French Empire is known for its military conquests and the series of wars known as the Napoleonic Wars. These wars included:

• The War of the Third Coalition (1805)
• The War of the Fourth Coalition (1806–1807)
• The Peninsular War (1808–1814)
• The War of the Fifth Coalition (1809)
• The French invasion of Russia (1812)
• The War of the Sixth Coalition (1813–1814)
• The Hundred Days (1815)

Administration

The empire was a unitary state with a centralized administration. Napoleon implemented several reforms, including the Napoleonic Code, which influenced legal systems worldwide. The government was characterized by a strong executive branch, with Napoleon holding significant power.

Decline and Fall

The decline of the First French Empire began with the disastrous French invasion of Russia in 1812. The subsequent War of the Sixth Coalition led to Napoleon's defeat and abdication in 1814. He was exiled to the island of Elba, but returned to power for a brief period known as the Hundred Days in 1815. After his final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon was exiled to Saint Helena, and the Bourbon monarchy was restored.

Legacy

The First French Empire left a lasting impact on France and Europe. The Napoleonic Code influenced legal systems worldwide, and the administrative reforms modernized the French state. The empire also played a crucial role in the spread of nationalism and the reshaping of European borders.

Related Pages

• Napoleon I of France
• Napoleonic Wars
• French Consulate
• Bourbon Restoration in France
• Napoleonic Code
• Battle of Waterloo
• Hundred Days
• French invasion of Russia