Final answer:
Napoleon consolidated his power through various means including reconciling with both religious and elite factions, and through military victories and strategic treaties. His approach led to significant territorial control and the establishment of an empire, but eventually resulted in his downfall and exile.
Step-by-step explanation:
Napoleon consolidated his power partly by executing enemies and conciliating members of various elites. This approach included offering amnesty to exiles of the French Revolution, reestablishing Roman Catholicism in France with specific terms that separated church and state, and winning the support of various groups while upholding Republican ideals. Additionally, Napoleon consolidated his power through military victories and treaties, including the temporary peace with Britain achieved by the Treaty of Amiens in 1802. He created a vast empire by both direct control and puppet states, enhancing his control over a broad territory and large population. Despite setbacks at sea such as the Battle of Trafalgar, Napoleon's armies continued to dominate continental Europe well into 1813, due in part to the French Revolution's changes to military organization and conscription.
Through these actions, Napoleon achieved stability and order, consolidating power heavily in his favor. He leveraged the end of aggressive wars, the Civil Code, and strategic use of his family to rule newly acquired territories. Ultimately, Napoleon's ambition led to his downfall as the powers that defeated him aimed to create a more conservative order in Europe, culminating in his abdication and exile after the significant defeat in the Battle of Leipzig and the eventual surrounding of Paris by allied forces in 1814.