Napoléon Bonaparte was a general during the French Revolution, the ruler of France as First Consul of the French Republic from November 11, 1799 to May 18, 1804, Emperor of the French under the name Napoléon I from May 18, 1804 to April 6, 1814 , and was briefly restored as Emperor from March 20 to June 22, 1815. He was also King of Italy, Mediator of the Swiss Confederation and Protector of the Confederation of the Rhine.