The political instability of France during the Revolution allowed Napoleon to take advantage of the people's need and want for reform. throw in his military successes against Austria and the Kingdom of Naples along with his major triumphs in Egypt, and he was able to win them over to proclaim him 'first consul for life'. Read 'young bloods' and 'the generals' by Simon Scarrow. Both very good reads (he's bringing out two more but they're not written yet.