The Napoleonic Empire refers to the period of French history when Napoleon Bonaparte ruled as Emperor from 1804 to 1814, and briefly in 1815. It was marked by significant military conquests across Europe, where Napoleon sought to expand French influence and establish a dominant empire. His campaigns led to the spread of revolutionary ideals, including legal reforms and the establishment of the Napoleonic Code. The empire reached its height after the victory at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805, but began to decline following the disastrous invasion of Russia in 1812. Ultimately, Napoleon was defeated and exiled, leading to the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy and the Congress of Vienna, which aimed to restore stability in Europe.