# First French Empire proclaimed (1804)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1804-first-french-empire-proclaimed
Location: France

Napoleon transformed the Consulate into a hereditary empire. Within the broader Consulate & Napoleonic Empire period, Napoleon consolidated many revolutionary reforms while concentrating power, building an empire and waging continental war. French institutions and armies reshaped Europe before military defeat restored the Bourbons. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Napoleon I (Emperor of the French). First French Empire proclaimed is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
First French Empire proclaimed is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France.

Ruler at the time: [Napoleon I](https://history-france.com/rulers/napoleon-i-1804)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — First French Empire proclaimed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=First+French+Empire+proclaimed&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — First French Empire proclaimed](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=First+French+Empire+proclaimed)
- [Vie-publique — French institutions and history](https://www.vie-publique.fr/)