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Napoleon crowned himself King of Italy in Milan, converting the Italian Republic
1805 Event

March 17

Napoleon Crowns Himself King of Italy

Napoleon crowned himself King of Italy in Milan, converting the Italian Republic into a hereditary monarchy under direct French control. This consolidation of power provoked the Third Coalition against France and accelerated Italian nationalist sentiment that would eventually culminate in the country's unification six decades later.

March 17, 1805

221 years ago

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