Self-proclaimed monarchy

A self-proclaimed monarchy is a monarchy which is proclaimed into existence, often by an individual, rather than occurring as part of a longstanding tradition. While it is not the same as a hereditary monarchy, if it is successful, it will eventually evolve into one.

In 1736, Theodor Stephan Freiherr von Neuhoff, briefly established himself as King of the Island of Corsica, in an attempt to free the island from Genoese rule.

In 1804, French Consul, Napoleon Bonaparte decided to consolidate his power by proclaiming himself Emperor Napoleon I. Though this imperial regime would end with his fall from power, Napoleon's nephew, Charles-Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, would subsequently be elected President of France in 1848 and would subsequently proceed to declare himself Emperor Napoleon III in 1852.

In Haiti there were three such cases: Governor-General Jean-Jacques Dessalines became Emperor Jacques I (1804–06), President Henry Christophe became King Henri I (1811–20), and President Faustin Soulouque became Emperor Faustin I (1849–59).

In the Philippines, regiment captain, Andrés Novales staged a mutiny in Manila and proclaimed himself Emperor of the Philippines in 1823. His reign lasted only a day, when Spanish troops from Pampanga and Intramuros defeated the mutineers.

In 1850, James J. Strang, who claimed to be Joseph Smith's successor as leader of the Latter Day Saint movement, proclaimed himself King over his followers on Beaver Island, Michigan. He was crowned on July 8 of that year in an elaborate Coronation ceremony complete with metal crown, sceptre, ermine robe and breastplate. Strang evaded subsequent Federal charges of treason, and continued to rule over his disciples and their island home until he was assassinated by two disgruntled 'Strangites' in 1856. His kingdom—together with its royal regalia—vanished with his death.

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