Originally, three equal Consuls made up the government established by Napoleon Bonaparte after the coup of 18 Brumaire (November 9, 1799), which established the Consulate in France (1799-1804). Napoleon, however, soon arose as the strongest of the three.
First Consul
The title borne by Napoleon Bonaparte from 1799 to 1804, after establishing himself as the dictatorial and military ruler of France.
Second Consul
The title borne by Napoleon's second, Jean Jacques Régis de Cambacérès, until 1804 when Napoleon declared himself Emperor of the French.
Third Consul
The title borne by Charles-François Lebrun.
See also
