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Napoleon Himself
Napoleon was born on August 15 (Leo). He was Emperor of the French from 1804 until 1814 and again in 1815. Napoleon died on May 5th. -
The Reign of Terror
The Reign of Terror, the most radical period of the French Revolution, begins. At least 300,000 suspects are arrested; 17,000 are executed, and perhaps 10,000 die in prison or without trial. -
The Legendary Napoleon Begins
Napoleon passed a law reintroducing the slave trade in all French colonies; he has visions of a French empire in the Americas. -
Napoleon’s Legend Begins
Napoleon sends an army to re-establish control over Saint Domingue, the most valuable of France’s colonies in the West Indies. -
Napoleon's Civil Code
Napoleon’s French Civil Code is enacted and extended to all parts of the Empire. -
Emperor Napoleon
The Consulate is transformed into the Empire and Napoleon is declared Emperor of the French. In December, the Coronation of Napoleon and Josephine takes place at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. The Imperial Household is officially established. -
The Battle of Waterloo
Napoleon rose through the ranks of the French army during the French Revolution, seized control of the French government in 1799, and became emperor in 1804. The Battle of Waterloo, in which Napoleon's forces were defeated by the British and Prussians, marked the end of his reign and of France's domination in Europe.