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Napoleon's downfall began
He decided to invade russia. Reaching Moscow, the Grand Army found the city ablaze. With no food or supplies for his army, Napoleon abandoned the Russian capital in late October.
Spielvogel J. and McTighe J. (2018) "The Fall of Napoleon and the European Reaction" McGraw-Hill Education -
French army leave russia
As the winter snows began, Napoleon led the "Great Retreat" west across Russia. Thousands of soldiers starved and froze along the way. Fewer than 40,000 of the original 600,000 soldiers arrived back in Poland.
Spielvogel J. and McTighe J. (2018) "The Fall of Napoleon and the European Reaction" McGraw-Hill Education -
Capture of Paris
The lost battle on russia led other European states to rise up and attack the crippled French army. Paris was captured in March 1814
Spielvogel J. and McTighe J. (2018) "The Fall of Napoleon and the European Reaction" McGraw-Hill Education -
Restored power on France
Prince Klemens von Metternich was the most influential leader at that meeting in Vienna. Metternich claimed that the principle of legitimacy guided him. This, they believed, would ensure peace and stability in Europe. The victorious powers had already restored the Bourbon king to the French throne in 1814.
Spielvogel J. and McTighe J. (2018) "The Fall of Napoleon and the European Reaction" McGraw-Hill Education -
The balance of power
Nationalism was a threat to the existing order. A united Germany would upset the balance of power set up at the Congress of Vienna.
Spielvogel J. and McTighe J. (2018) "The Fall of Napoleon and the European Reaction" McGraw-Hill Education -
Napoleon back to France
Napoleon left the island of Elba and slipped back into France. The new king sent troops to capture Napoleon, who opened his coat and addressed them: "Soldiers of the 5th regiment, I am your Emperor. . . If there is a man among you [who] would kill his Emperor, here I am!"
No one fired a shot. Shouting "Long live the Emperor!" the troops went over to his side.
Spielvogel J. and McTighe J. (2018) "The Fall of Napoleon and the European Reaction" McGraw-Hill Education -
France defeat in Belgium
At Waterloo in Belgium on June 18, 1815, Napoleon met a combined British and Prussian army under the Duke of Wellington and suffered a bloody defeat.
Spielvogel J. and McTighe J. (2018) "The Fall of Napoleon and the European Reaction" McGraw-Hill Education -
Napoleon's Death
Napoleon remained in exile until his death in 1821, but his memory haunted French political life for many decades.
Spielvogel J. and McTighe J. (2018) "The Fall of Napoleon and the European Reaction" McGraw-Hill Education
