After his stunning victory at Marengo, Napoleon returned to Paris to a hero's welcome. He quickly consolidated his power, becoming First Consul for life in 1802 and Emperor of the French in 1804. With his newfound authority, Napoleon embarked on an ambitious campaign to expand French influence across Europe. In 1805, he faced off against a formidable coalition of Austria, Russia, and Britain, led by the brilliant Russian general Mikhail Kutuzov. The climax of this conflict came at the Battle of Austerlitz in December 1805, where Napoleon's tactical brilliance and the bravery of his troops secured a decisive victory, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest military commanders in history.
