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In which year does Napoleon I become emperor?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: In 1804. Napoleon becomes emperor on 18 May 1804. The 1er Empire (First Empire) begins that day. It lasts until 1815. Source: the Ministry of the Interior sheet “Le 1er Empire (1804-1815)” (in French). The other three choices are explained below.
Sources: Sheet “Le 1er Empire (1804-1815)” (French), read on 21 October 2026. Answer written by Hexaciv from this source. Hexaciv is an independent preparation tool. It is not an official website, is not linked to any government body and does not give legal advice. The authoritative source is the Ministry of the Interior's, cited on this page.
The four choices and why
- ✓ In 1804En 1804Correct answer. Napoleon becomes emperor on 18 May 1804. The 1er Empire (First Empire) begins that day. It lasts until 1815.
- ✗ In 1789En 1789The Revolution begins that year.
- ✗ In 1799En 1799That year Napoleon takes power and the Consulate begins.
- ✗ In 1815En 1815That year he gives up power for good after Waterloo.
What the source says
« Il commence le 18 mai 1804, date à laquelle Napoléon est nommé empereur. »
Sentence copied word for word from the source, in French, read on 21 October 2026.
How it reads on exam day
The exam is in French, so this is the question you will see: « En quelle année Napoléon Ier devient-il empereur ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question is on the official list for the resident card (CR) and on the naturalisation list (PDF read on 14 October 2026). The Ministry's wording: “En quelle année Napoléon Ier est-il devenu empereur ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “Le 1er Empire (1804-1815)” (French).
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