In a decisive move signaling a departure from the revolutionary ideals of the past, Napoleon Bonaparte was proclaimed Emperor of the French by the Senate. This proclamation was not merely ceremonial; it represented the culmination of years of political maneuvering following the upheaval of the French Revolution. After establishing himself as First Consul in 1799, Napoleon notably reformed the French government, legal system, and education. By 1804, France had stabilized somewhat, though social and political tensions were still palpable, as many citizens were wary of a return to absolutism reminiscent of the pre-revolutionary era.

Napoleon's ambition to restore a sense of order and glory to France compelled him to adopt the title of Emperor. His idea was to rule with a unique blend of revolutionary legitimacy and monarchical power, which he believed would unify the nation and bolster its prestige. The Senate’s proclamation also coincided with Napoleon’s desires for dynastic power; he aimed to establish a new imperial dynasty, distancing himself from the chaotic legacy of the Revolution.

The formal coronation ceremony would later take place in Notre-Dame Cathedral, where Napoleon famously crowned himself, signaling his independence and authority. His rise to Emperor marked a turning point in French and European history, as it marked the end of the First French Republic and the beginning of the First French Empire, setting the stage for the Napoleonic Wars and significant territorial expansion across Europe.