It is so nice to meet you!

They told me to come here and tell you a bit about myself. As I only do what I want, not what I’m told, here is an account of Napolean’s journey from the island of Elba.

"On April 11, 1814, [Napoleon Bonaparte], emperor of France and one of the greatest military leaders in history, abdicates the throne, and, in the Treaty of Fontainebleau, is banished to the Mediterranean island of Elba.

The future emperor was born in Ajaccio, Corsica, on August 15, 1769. After attending military school, he fought during the [French Revolution] of 1789 and rapidly rose through the military ranks, leading French troops in a number of successful campaigns throughout Europe in the late 1700s. By 1799, he had established himself at the top of a military dictatorship. In 1804, he became emperor of France and continued to consolidate power through his military campaigns, so that by 1810 much of Europe came under his rule. Although Napoleon developed a reputation for being power-hungry and insecure, he is also credited with enacting a series of important political and social reforms that had a lasting impact on European society, including judiciary systems, constitutions, voting rights for all men and the end of feudalism. Additionally, he supported education, science and literature. His [Code Napoleon], which codified key freedoms gained during the French Revolution, such as religious tolerance, remains the foundation of French civil law.

READ MORE: [The Personality Traits that Led to Napoleon Bonaparte’s Epic Downfall]

In 1812, thinking that Russia was plotting an alliance with England, Napoleon launched an invasion against the Russians that eventually ended with his troops retreating from Moscow and much of Europe uniting against him. In 1814, Napoleon’s broken forces gave up and Napoleon offered to step down in favor of his son. When this offer was rejected, he abdicated and was sent to Elba. In March 1815, he escaped his island exile and returned to Paris, where he regained supporters and reclaimed his emperor title, Napoleon I, in a period known as the Hundred Days. However, in June 1815, he was defeated at the bloody [Battle of Waterloo]. Napoleon’s defeat ultimately signaled the end of France’s domination of Europe. He abdicated for a second time and was exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena, in the southern Atlantic Ocean, where he lived out the rest of his days. He [died at age 52] on May 5, 1821, possibly from stomach cancer, although some theories contend he was poisoned." Fascinating.

Source: historydotcom/this-day-in-history/napoleon-exiled-to-elba

A great puzzle for all amateur historians is how Napoleon, one of the greatest commanders of the modern era, could have made such errors as during the invasion of Russia and the Waterloo campaign and battle.

1 Like

Despite a very interesting piece about napoleon. Your first line was the only thing on my mind. Who are ‘they’ who told you to come here?

1 Like

Agreed. However, during the battle of Waterloo I feel that the ground which was saturated with rain, severely hampered his ability to maneuver his artillery. This is unfortunate, as if it wasn’t for this factor, some say the battle of Waterloo could have been Napolean’s. Do you believe that Napolean was as much of a monster as he is made out to be by some?

“They” don’t like to be talked about. Surely you appreciate this fact?

Not at all. I think the threat he posed was “monstrous” to the English society he would have overrun and overturned with a republic (or rather a Bonaparte family autocracy?) but ti no doubt took a fiercely determined leader to unite France and take it as far as he did.

1 Like

Well do you think French hegemony under Napolean would have been better than the English hegemony under which we had been?

Napoleon became a dictator and installed his lacklustre relatives as puppets across Europe. Great for him of course, but no way positive for any country involved.

Do you believe the Napolean family still rules in some parts of the world?