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The First French Empire, commonly known as the '''French Empire''' or the '''Napoleonic Empire''', covers the period of the domination of France and much of continental Europe by Napoleon I Of France . Constitutionally, it refers to the period of 1804 to 1814 , from the Consulate to the Restoration of the Bourbon Monarchy in the history of the French state. Also included are the Hundred Days of 1815 , the last gasp of Napoleon's imperial dream. The First French Empire stands distinct from its imitator and would-be successor, the Second French Empire of Napoleon III ( 1852 – 1870 ). ORIGINS Napoleon Bonaparte was approached by one of a member of the Directory , Sieyès , seeking his support for a '' Coup D'état '' to overthrow the Constitution . The plot included Bonaparte's brother Lucien , then serving as speaker of the Council Of Five Hundred , Roger Ducos , another Director, and Talleyrand . On 9 November 1799 ( 18 Brumaire VIII), and the following day, troops led by Bonaparte seized control and dispersed the legislative councils, leaving a rump to name Bonaparte, Sieyès and Ducos as provisional Consuls to administer the government. Although Sieyès expected to dominate the new regime, he was outmanoeuvred by Bonaparte, who drafted the Constitution Of The Year VIII and secured his own election as First Consul . This made him the most powerful person in France, a power that was increased by the Constitution Of The Year X , which made him First Consul for life. Bonaparte attracted more Power and gravitated towards imperial status, gathering support on the way for his internal rebuilding of France and its institutions. He gradually dampened opposition and Republican enthusiasm, using Exile , systematic bureaucratic oppression, and Constitution al means. On May 18 , 1804 , Napoleon was given the title of Emperor by the Senate . |