The term "French Emperors" primarily refers to the rulers of France who held the title of Emperor, most notably Napoleon Bonaparte and his nephew, Napoleon III. Napoleon Bonaparte established the First French Empire in 1804 after a successful military career and a coup d'état. He is known for his significant reforms in France and his role in the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleon III, who ruled from 1852 to 1870, founded the Second French Empire. He aimed to modernize France and expand its influence abroad. His reign ended with the defeat in the Franco-Prussian War, leading to the establishment of the French Third Republic.