ABSTRACT
The impact of Napoleon on France and on Europe was immediate and enduring. Keeping one's bearings geographically, militarily, politically and chronologically in the prevailing turmoil is no easy matter, even for the specialist. On the creation of the Empire in 1804 Napoleon established new, imperial nobility which continued to expand until his fall. In round numbers he gave some 3600 titles: 42 were made princes and dukes; 500 were made counts; 1500 were made barons; 1500 chevaliers. Of these, 290 individuals received two titles. The majorities of the recipients were French, or were from territories newly annexed to, or associated with, France. About 1000 of the recipients were drawn from the nobility of the old regime, of these 680 were French, 170 Italian, and 60 Poles. In addition to the new nobility Napoleon also re-established the military rank of Marshal and created an imperial court with a series of honorific and semi-honorific posts.
