Charles Frederick of Baden, regarded as an exemplary enlightened despot, supporting schools, universities, jurisprudence, civil service, economy, culture, and urban development, had in 1767 outlawed torture in the Margraviate of Baden-Durlach, which he has ruled from 1746 until 1771, when he inherits Baden-Baden from the Bernhard Line.

The original land of Baden, of which Charles Frederick becomes Grand Duke, is reunited upon his inheritance of the latter Margraviate.

Napoleon's alliance with the Prince-elector of Baden is to be secured through a marriage between the descendants of the two sovereigns, connecting the two dynasties.

The Prince-Elector is to be represented by his grandson.

Napoleon on the other hand lacks legitimate descendants of his own.

He has adopted Stéphanie de Beauharnais and named her "Princesse Française" (French Princess) with the style of Imperial Highness.

The marriage takes place in Paris on April 8, 1806.

On July 25, 1806 her new grandfather-in-law will be named Karl Friedrich, Grand Duke of Baden.