First French Empire

The First French Empire, officially the French Republic (until 1809) then the French Empire, was an empire in Western Europe. Created and led by Emperor Napoleon, it lasted from May 18, 1804, to April 11, 1814, and again from March 20, 1815, to July 7, 1815.

History
The First French Empire was declared by Napoleon after crowning himself emperor of France. He went to war with most of Europe, triggering the Napoleonic Wars. On April 11, 1814, Napoleon abdicated and was exiled to Elba, ending the French Empire. In 1815, Napoleon took back the throne, but the rest of Europe declared war not on France, but Napoleon himself. After Napoleon was exiled to Saint Helena, Louis XVIII became the king once again.