What political office did Napoleon hold before becoming Emperor?

Before becoming Emperor, Napoleon held the political office of First Consul. He became First Consul of the French Republic after the coup of 18 Brumaire in November 1799, which overthrew the Directory and established the French Consulate.

The constitution of Year VIII formally presented France as a republic governed by three consuls, but Napoleon quickly became the dominant figure. As First Consul, he controlled executive power, appointed ministers and officials, directed foreign policy, and shaped legislation. The office allowed him to rule with great authority while France still retained republican institutions.

Napoleon used this position to consolidate the state. His government reorganized administration, strengthened central control, founded the Bank of France, negotiated the Concordat with the Catholic Church, and introduced the Civil Code, later known as the Napoleonic Code.

In 1802, he became First Consul for life. Two years later, in 1804, he transformed the republic into the French Empire and took the title Emperor of the French. “Consul” is broadly related, but “First Consul” is the specific office asked for here.