In 1802 through an amendment in the constitution Napoleon was made life-long First Consul and empowered to nominate his successor before death.
Two years later, taking advantage of the royalist plot against his life Napoleon decided to assume all powers to himself and drop the last pretence of republicanism. He proclaimed himself as the Emperor of France in May 1804. This change was confirmed through a popular vote or plebiscite.
At this point a natural question arises as to why the people of France agreed to surrender their political liberty at the feet of Napoleon and once again reverted to hereditary absolutism which they had overthrown at quite a heavy cost.
The main reason which prompted the people of France to do so was that they were tired with the numerous political experiments which had failed to assure them peace and security.
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They hoped that Napoleon would be able to provide them peace and stable government. {further, they were convinced that as Napoleon was the product of the Revolution, he would ensure that aristocratic privileges were not restored.
In fact the people of France clamoured more for equality than liberty, and this was promised to them by Napoleon. Therefore, they were ready to extend support to him. Further, they were greatly impressed by the magnetic personality and astounding victories of Napoleon.