Final answer:
In 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte's political status changed significantly when he went from being Consul for Life to being elected by the French Senate and crowning himself Emperor of France, marking the transition from the French Republic to an empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte's political status underwent a significant change when he was elected emperor by the French Senate in May. This elevation in status was solidified on December 2, 1804, when he took part in a coronation ceremony at Notre Dame in Paris, during which he crowned himself, following in the tradition of the French monarchy.
The act of crowning himself emphasized his complete control over France and his desire to be seen as a successor to the great rulers of history, positioning himself as a spiritual heir to the empire builders such as Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar.
Before becoming emperor, Napoleon had successfully risen through the ranks, leveraging the political instability in France following the Revolution. Initially, he was a general who, after a coup d'état in 1799, became the First Consul of France.
Later, in 1802, he was named Consul for Life, setting the stage for his eventual proclamation as emperor. His crowning was not only a personal power move; it represented the transformation of the French Republic into an empire under his rule, with France's boundaries expanded and its influence over Europe considerably increased through successful military campaigns and diplomatic maneuvers.
Despite his eventual defeat and exile, Napoleon's coronation as emperor marked the zenith of his political career and the start of the Napoleonic Empire, which would leave a lasting impact on Europe's political landscape.