Final answer:
Napoleon and France dominated most of Europe through military campaigns and alliances. Their downfall came from failed military campaigns and defeat at the Battle of Waterloo.
Step-by-step explanation:
Napoleon and France came to dominate most of Europe through a series of military campaigns and alliances. Napoleon extended French control to Germany, Italy, Spain, and Poland, and built alliances with Austria and Prussia. He controlled a large empire, ruling directly in some areas and setting up puppet states in others.
However, Napoleon's downfall came from a series of failed military campaigns, including a disastrous invasion of Russia. He was eventually defeated by the British and Prussians at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, leading to his abdication and exile.