Rise to power

Born in Corsica to minor nobility shortly after the island was annexed by France. Trained as an artillery officer. Rose through the revolutionary army through skill in the Italian campaign (1796-1797) and a charismatic ability to inspire troops. Returned from a failed Egyptian campaign to seize power in the Coup of 18 Brumaire (November 1799), becoming First Consul. In 1804 he crowned himself Emperor of the French, taking the crown from the Pope rather than allowing the Pope to crown him, signaling that his authority came from himself, not the Church.