Napoleon was never a king in the traditional sense. In 1804, he initiated a transformative step for France, with lasting repercussions. He assumed a title that astonished the world. You might be surprised to learn what title Napoleon gave himself!

France on the Brink

France was struggling, burdened not by its ideals, but by the failed implementation thereof. The Directory, intended as a five-man leadership, fostered chaos. The years from 1795 to 1799 were characterized by coups and manipulated elections, indicative of the republic’s disintegration. Economic stagnation, hyperinflation, and widespread poverty created a volatile social climate. Compounding this were religious tensions, a consequence of the revolution’s suppression of the church and subsequent royalist uprisings. Robespierre’s Reign of Terror left deep scars, fostering mistrust and division. The War of the Second Coalition further exacerbated the crisis. In this environment, Emmanuel Joseph Sieyès, a Director, sought a savior: Napoleon Bonaparte.

But what title did Napoleon give himself in 1804? Share your guess in the comments! Subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss the answer.

The Rise of a General

Like a meteorite impact, Napoleon reshaped the political landscape of France. In 1796, at the age of 26, he assumed command of the Army of Italy, initiating a military revolution. With rapid maneuvers, he led his troops to victory after victory, defeating Austria and Sardinia-Piedmont. The Treaty of Campo Formio in 1797 solidified this ascent. Napoleon returned as a national hero. However, glory alone could not contain his ambition. In 1798, he launched the Egyptian Expedition to disrupt British trade routes to India. While scientific discoveries were made, the desert sands became the burial ground for some ambitions. Back in France, Napoleon capitalized on the instability. On November 9, 1799, the 18th Brumaire, he staged a coup. The Directory was overthrown, replaced by the Consulate, in which Napoleon exerted control. In December, he became First Consul with unlimited power. A new constitution solidified his authority, transforming the republic into a dictatorship. The Battle of Marengo in 1800 further consolidated his power, eliminating any remaining doubts about his rule.

Consolidation of Power

Two years later, in 1802, he was appointed Consul for Life, another step towards absolute power. Following the Peace of Amiens, Napoleon’s popularity reached its zenith, which he skillfully exploited. A plebiscite was intended to induce popular support for Napoleon’s appointment. Over three and a half million “yes” votes were proclaimed, a mandate viewed critically by some observers. The Constitution of Year X formed the basis for Napoleon’s growing power, granting him the right to appoint senators and conclude treaties. Control over the government became concentrated in his hands. However, this seizure of power was not without resistance. Royalist conspiracies threatened to destabilize the republic. Napoleon used this threat to advocate for the necessity of hereditary rule – an emperor as a bulwark against chaos. Simultaneously, Napoleon established a new legal order. The Civil Code of 1804 solidified his reputation as a reformer, legitimized his power, and created a legal foundation for his regime.

The Imperial Coronation

The question of legitimacy plagued Napoleon’s power. The title of Consul for Life was insufficient to assert himself against the established dynasties of Europe. His advisors recognized that, in the eyes of the royal houses, the republic would remain a provisional entity. On May 18, 1804, the Senate passed the Sénatus-consulte organique, formally declaring Napoleon Bonaparte Emperor of the French, ushering in a new era. However, the title alone was not enough. Napoleon sought dynastic continuity. The establishment of a dynasty was intended to stabilize France and signal to external adversaries that the period of upheaval was over. To bolster his legitimacy, Napoleon invited Pope Pius VII to Paris. The coronation at Notre-Dame on December 2, 1804, was intended as an act of divine recognition. However, at the crucial moment, Napoleon seized the crown from the Pope and placed it on his own head. This symbolic act demonstrated that his power derived not solely from religious authority, but from his own will and the will of the people. The imperial coronation was a spectacle that showcased the splendor and power of the new empire.

Notre-Dame: A Political Statement

Notre-Dame in Paris, on December 2, 1804. Napoleon Bonaparte, once a man of the people, celebrated a coronation that was more than religious consecration – it was a political consolidation of his rule. Over 11,000 guests attended this event, which cost eight million francs. The presence of Pope Pius VII was not a sign of humility, but a strategic maneuver. Napoleon sought legitimacy through the church, but he was careful not to submit to it. The moment of self-coronation, in which he seized the imperial crown and placed it on his own head, became the epitome of his power. Immediately afterwards, he crowned Josephine as Empress to secure the Bonaparte dynasty for the future. Jacques-Louis David’s painting immortalizes this moment.

Emperor of the French

On May 18, 1804, Napoleon chose the title Emperor of the French. More than just a designation, it signaled a new beginning, independent of the Bourbons. The allusion to the Roman Empire was deliberate. The title of Emperor suggested a fullness of power. While a king traditionally ruled by divine right, Napoleon emphasized that he ruled in the name of the people. This concept was revolutionary. Emperor of the French implied an accountability that was foreign to a king. Furthermore, the title of Emperor opened the possibility for Napoleon to found a dynasty. By making the throne hereditary, Napoleon secured his succession. This imperial aspiration received its legitimacy through a plebiscite. The people voted for Napoleon as Emperor. The imperial crown itself embodied his power, adorned with golden laurel leaves and the Le Régent diamond.

Reactions in Europe

Napoleon’s self-coronation caused a stir in the European power centers. The imperial coronation was an experiment in the exercise of power that would change the political map of Europe. Emperor Francis II analyzed the situation precisely. Napoleon’s imperial title was a challenge to which he responded by assuming the title of Emperor of Austria. Great Britain, under William Pitt the Younger, recognized the imperial coronation as evidence of Napoleon’s lust for power and intensified efforts to forge a Third Coalition. Russia, under Tsar Alexander I, confirmed the imperial coronation in its fears about Napoleon’s hegemonic aspirations.

Legacy

Napoleon’s power grab, culminating in the self-coronation, was a bold experiment whose variables manifested themselves in wars, laws, and a comprehensive economic policy. The Civil Code of 1804 established the equality of all citizens before the law, protected property, and enforced the separation of church and state. The Battle of Austerlitz in 1805 demonstrated Napoleon’s strategic skill. The Continental System of 1806 was an economic experiment aimed at isolating Great Britain.

Conclusion

Napoleon crowned himself Emperor to legitimize his power and found a new dynasty, rather than adopting a traditional royal title. He created a new form of rule that both drew on ancient traditions and embodied revolutionary ideals. This act of self-empowerment resonates in history to this day.

What do you think? Was Napoleon’s self-coronation an act of genius or hubris? Share your opinion in the comments!