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The French Directory (1795–1799) was the government after the Reign of Terror. It had five directors who shared power to avoid another dictatorship. The period brought some stability but also corruption and economic problems. France faced wars in Europe and protests inside the country. In 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte overthrew the Directory in the Coup of 18 Brumaire, ending it and starting the French Consulate.
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The French Consulate (1799–1804) was France’s government after the Revolution. Napoleon Bonaparte became First Consul and soon held most power. He made reforms in education, economy, and law, creating stability and the Napoleonic Code. The Consulate ended in 1804 when he crowned himself Emperor, starting the First French Empire.
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The French Empire (1804–1815) began when Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself Emperor. He expanded France across Europe through many wars, creating a powerful empire. Napoleon made reforms in law, education, and the economy. However, his ambition led to conflicts and defeats, especially in Russia and Waterloo. In 1815, he was exiled, and the empire ended, marking the fall of one of history’s greatest military leaders.