Imperial Dynasty

Haus Bonaparte

Von der windgepeitschten Insel Korsika bis zum vergoldeten Thron eines Imperiums eroberte das Haus Bonaparte in nur einer einzigen, erstaunlichen Generation ganz Europa – sein Ehrgeiz, seine Brillanz und sein Untergang hinterließen unauslöschliche Spuren in der Geschichte des Kontinents.

1804–1815EuropeImperial DynastyCatholic

"Valeur et discipline"

Haus Bonaparte crest

Quick Facts

Years Active
1804–1815
Founder
Napoleon I (Napoleon Bonaparte)
Region
Europe
Religion
Catholic

Notable Rulers

Documentary Chapters

Timeline

Birth of Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon is born in Ajaccio, Corsica, to Carlo and Letizia Buonaparte. His birth marks the beginning of the rise of the Bonaparte family.

Napoleon’s Coup of 18 Brumaire

Napoleon seizes power in France through a coup, becoming First Consul and positioning the Bonaparte family at the heart of French politics.

Coronation of Napoleon as Emperor

Napoleon crowns himself Emperor of the French at Notre-Dame Cathedral, formally establishing the House of Bonaparte as an imperial dynasty.

Joseph and Louis Bonaparte Crowned Kings

Joseph becomes King of Naples (later Spain), and Louis becomes King of Holland, marking the expansion of Bonaparte rule across Europe.

Jérôme Bonaparte Becomes King of Westphalia

Napoleon appoints his youngest brother, Jérôme, as King of Westphalia, further extending the family’s dynastic reach.

Joseph Bonaparte Made King of Spain

After the forced abdication of the Spanish Bourbons, Joseph Bonaparte assumes the throne of Spain, sparking widespread resistance and the Peninsular War.

Napoleon Marries Marie Louise of Austria

Napoleon divorces Joséphine and marries Marie Louise, securing a Habsburg alliance and the birth of a male heir, Napoleon II.

Birth of Napoleon II

Marie Louise gives birth to Napoleon II, known as the King of Rome, providing the Bonaparte dynasty with a legitimate male successor.

Russian Campaign and the Beginning of Decline

Napoleon’s invasion of Russia ends in disaster, marking the start of the collapse of the Bonaparte Empire.

Abdication and Exile to Elba

Napoleon abdicates and is exiled to the island of Elba; the Bonaparte family’s rule over Europe effectively ends.

The Hundred Days and Waterloo

Napoleon returns from Elba for a brief restoration but is defeated at Waterloo, leading to his final exile and the dissolution of the dynasty’s power.

Death of Napoleon I

Napoleon dies in exile on Saint Helena, closing the foundational chapter of the Bonaparte saga but ensuring his legend endures.

Connected Across The Archives

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