The End of The First Republic
The endless conspiracies against Bonaparte's life began to raise concerns that the Republic would collapse shortly following his death, followed by either the Bourbons restored, a military dictatorship, or the Jacobins with their guillotine. When it was suggested that Napoleon create a hereditary title to cement his legacy, he was at first reluctant to do so. He eventually decided to accept the title, but the power must come from the people, not by divine right. On 18 May 1804, the Senate passed a bill introducing the French Empire, with Napoleon as Emperor. The coronation ceremony took place on 2 December 1804, where Napoleon crowned himself as Emperor of the French, establishing the Empire.
Read more about this topic: French Consulate
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