Napoleon Bonaparte declared himself Emperor of France on May 18, 1804. This declaration marked a significant transformation in French politics following the chaos of the French Revolution. After rising to power through military success and political maneuvering, Napoleon sought to stabilize governance in France. By crowning himself at the Notre-Dame Cathedral, he signaled not only his authority but also aimed to legitimize his rule with historical roots reminiscent of the Roman Empire. His reign brought considerable reforms and strong centralized governance but also led to extensive conflict across Europe, ultimately resulting in his downfall.