The First French Empire was established in 1804 when Napoleon Bonaparte declared himself Emperor of the French. It marked a significant period in European history, characterized by military conquests and the spread of revolutionary ideals. The empire expanded rapidly, encompassing much of Europe at its height. The First French Empire lasted until 1814, when Napoleon was defeated and exiled. It briefly returned during the Hundred Days in 1815 but ended after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. The empire's legacy includes the spread of the Napoleonic Code, which influenced legal systems worldwide.