What year did Napoleon Bonaparte declare himself Emperor of the French?

Napoleon Bonaparte declared himself Emperor of the French in 1804, marking a significant turning point in French and European history. This declaration followed his earlier rise to power as the First Consul after the coup of 1799. By crowning himself, Napoleon not only solidified his authority but also established a new regime that aimed to stabilize and unify France following the tumult of the French Revolution.

The year 1804 is pivotal as it illustrates Napoleon's ambition to create a legacy that rivaled ancient empires and to legitimize his rule through imperial title and pageantry. The subsequent creation of the Napoleonic Code and various reforms also reflected his centralized control and vision for a modern state. The other years listed are significant in Napoleon's life—such as 1812 when he faced a disastrous campaign in Russia and 1815, the year of his final defeat at Waterloo—but they do not pertain to the moment he proclaimed himself Emperor.