French Empire: 2. First or Napoleonic Empire
Philip Dwyer
Abstract Twelve years after the execution of King France, Louis XVI, Napoleon was crowned emperor. not, however, solely responsible for this political turnaround. A number influential men in his entourage encouraged Napoleon, who at first reluctant, to embrace a monarchical system. sizable proportion population supported empire its inception. In rule, able rally nation around person; many saw him possibility peace and an end wars. It expansion across most Western Europe, terrible toll brought about by continued warring, that tarnished reputation. Ultimately, failed, not because it politically unworkable, but unable clearly define limit foreign goals.
The Encyclopedia of Empire