The Fall of Napoleon

The Fall of Napoleon
Is it easier to gain power
or to lose power?
Setting Events
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Failed invasion of Russia
Inability to suppress rebellions
Battle of Leipzig
Strengthening of the Coalition
– Great Britain, Russia, Spain, Portugal,
Austria, Sweden, Prussia
Napoleon is Exiled
• 1814 – Forced to step
down as emperor
– Exiled to island of Elba
– Louis XVIII became king
Elba
The Hundred Days
“Soldiers of the Fifth, you recognize me. If any man would shoot
his emperor, he may do so now.”
• 1815 - Napoleon
returned to France
• The military rejoined
him
– 140,000 of regular forces
– 200,000 volunteers
• Ruled for 100 days
The Battle of Waterloo
(June 18, 1815)
• Napoleon’s last battle
– 69,000 French soldiers
• Arthur Wellesley: Duke
of Wellington; led the
armies of the Coalition
– 127,000 soldiers from:
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Great Britain
Spain
Portugal
Germany
Netherlands
Prussia
The Battle of Waterloo
After his fall…
• Imprisoned on St.
Helena
• Died on May 5, 1821
– Age 52
– Controversy
Review
• How did Napoleon rise to power?
• What did Napoleon do with his power?
– Within France?
– Across Europe?
• Why did Napoleon want to expand the
French Empire?
• What led to Napoleon’s fall from power?
• What places were powerful in Napoleon’s
life?