The Announcement

On December 31st, 1801, the clock struck seven in the evening, and the night remained illuminated by the lingering Christmas lights that the people of France hadn't bothered to take down.

At the Arc de Triomphe, a diverse crowd had gathered for an event hosted by the First Consul of France. The attendees spanned various backgrounds and social statuses, completely occupying all twelve avenues leading to the site. There was hardly any space for carriages or trams.

It was expected that millions would attend the event. To ensure the safety of each attendee, Napoleon had set up an extensive network of preparations:

First is the substantial contingent of guards and soldiers that had been deployed throughout the area. They maintained a visible presence, ensuring that any potential disturbances were nipped in the bud.