Emperor of the French Empire
Definition
The title given to Napoleon Bonaparte as head of state after he seized power during a coup d'etat in 1799. He ruled as Emperor from 1804 until his defeat at Waterloo in 1815.
Analogy
Think about being elected class president but then deciding to call yourself "Supreme Ruler" instead. That's kind of what Napoleon did when he declared himself Emperor.
Related terms
Coup d'Etat: A sudden seizure of political power in a nation's government by a small group, typically the military.
Waterloo Battle: Fought on Sunday, 18 June 1815 near Waterloo in Belgium; it marked the end of the Napoleonic era.
First French Empire: The empire over which Napoleon Bonaparte was emperor from 1804-1814/15.
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