Why was Napoleon's reign so popular with the French? How did the extension of Napoleon's empire ...

ANSWER:
Napoleon was popular with the people of France for his defense of the republic and his extension of the war into Europe against those who sought to restore the monarchy (notably Austria and Prussia). He was also quite popular with the people for his role in stopping the abuse of power among the Directory, as well as for his military expeditions to the East. This gave him a platform on which to place himself as emperor in 1804, and he continued to maintain popular support through his implementation of public works programs and his overhaul of the legal system to promote equality under the law and protection of property rights. He appealed to the conservative orders because he supported the church and reestablished order in a chaotic world. In short, by appealing to all classes in a society turned upside down by revolution and lack of political cohesion, he was able to assume power as a dictator. His plans to extend the empire of France across Europe, however, gained him enemies throughout Europe, and a number of alliances against him were formed to try to rein him in, most notably by England, Russia, Prussia and Austria. Because these countries had experience in forming coalitions against Napoleon after his defeat at Waterloo, they found it was in their best interest to form a cooperative organization to restore monarchical and conservative political order to Europe.