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When did the Napoleonic Wars begin and end?

The Napoleonic Wars began shortly after French general Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821) came to power in France in 1799. The conflicts lasted until 1815, when he was finally defeated at the Battle of Waterloo in Belgium. Ever the general, Napoleon used his military prowess (superior skill) to keep France at war throughout his reign.

On November 9, 1799, Napoleon led the coup d'état of 18 Brumaire, the overthrow of the Directory, the French revolutionary government. (Brumaire was the name given to the second month of the French revolutionary calendar; 18 Brumaire was the date that coincided with November 9 on the standard calendar.) He was one of three consuls (administrators) appointed to lead the new government, but the other two consuls had little power, acting only as his advisers. At first Napoleon made peace with the enemies of France. In May 1800, he marched...

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