Napoleon's Rise to Power and the Consulate

Napoleon Bonaparte's seizure of power in the coup of 18 Brumaire (9 November 1799) ended the revolutionary decade and inaugurated a new political system — the Consulate — that promised to preserve the revolution's achievements while restoring order, stability, and strong government. The key A-Level question is: was Napoleon the heir of the revolution or its destroyer?

Key Definition: The Consulate was the government of France from November 1799 to May 1804, led by three consuls. Napoleon, as First Consul, held overwhelming executive power. He became Consul for Life in 1802.

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Napoleon's Background