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Saint Helena

Following his defeat in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, Napoleon was exiled to the island of Saint Helena in the Atlantic Ocean. There, he lived in less than desirable conditions in Longwood House under the captivity of Hudson Lowe. In his memoirs, he often complained about his situation and the people around him. Saint Helena is significant as the place where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his final years in waning health and sanity. In February 1821, he began to experience failing health. On May 5, he passed away at the age of 51. Not until 1840 were his remains transported to Paris, where a state funeral was held. In a tomb at Les Invalides, one of the most prolific leaders in history lies at rest.

Waterloo

The Battle of Waterloo took place on June 18, 1815 in present-day Belgium and consisted of the Allied Powers and the British against the French Grande Armee. After Napoleon Bonaparte's return from exile, many of his opponents prepared their troops and formed the Seventh Coalition. Under the leadership of the Duke of Wellington, the Anglo-allied army withstood attacks from the French long enough for the Prussians to arrive and penetrate Napoleon's border. The Coalition forces then attacked the French and forced Napoleon to surrender. He was once again exiled, this time to the island of St. Helena. Thus, the significance of the battle of Waterloo is that it was Napoleon's last battle, marking his defeat, an event that has gone down in infamy in French history.

Elba

After he abdicated as French Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to Elba, a Mediterranean island off the Tuscan coast, by the Allied Powers. He was given the title of Emperor of Elba, and he built a small army and navy. On February 26, 1815, Napoleon escaped from the island to the French mainland. There, he returned to power and was met with followers. But his wife and son had been taken under Austrian rule, and he was declared an outlaw. Napoleon's time in Elba is important because it paved the way for the Hundred Days, the period from when he regained power to his ultimate defeat in the Battle of Waterloo.

Russia

Rising tensions and a weakening alliance between France and Russia prompted Napoleon to build up his army to exceed 450,000 men. Then, although he was cautioned against it, Napoleon invaded Russia on June 23, 1812. French troops advanced deep into Russian territory while the Russians avoided direct battle, relying on the scorched earth strategy to starve the French. After the bloody Battle of Borodino outside Moscow, Napoleon entered Moscow to find that the Russians had burned it. As a result, the French were forced into a long retreat. Many soldiers and followers died in the harsh winter conditions. This disaster hurt Napoleon's reputation to the point that he was forced to abdicate as Emperor of France.

Egypt

In 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte led a French military expedition to Egypt with the purpose of threatening Britain's empire in India. His troops were victorious in the Battle of Chobrakit and the Battle of the Pyramids. But on August 1, 1798, all but two French vessels were sunk by a British fleet. The expedition turned out to be a rare failure for Napoleon. His army plagued by disease, Napoleon abandoned his troops and returned to France, where a change in government was occurring. The events in Egypt were significant mostly because they weakened the French. In addition, the French presence in Egypt had a cultural impact, as Napoleon had brought with him on the journey several scientists, whose accomplishments included the discovery of the Rosetta Stone.

Italy

On March 11, 1796, Napoleon Bonaparte left Paris to lead an invasion of Italy. His armies drove Austrian forces out of Lodi and Lombardy. Austrian armies defeated him at Caldiero, but Napoleon rebounded and was victorious in the Battle of the Bridge of Arcole. After this, he conquered and looted Venice. In 1797, Napoleon returned to France as a hero, having led his troops to numerous victories in a legendary campaign. During the campaign, he also published widely circulated newspapers that spread his influence. In Italy, Napoleon's greatness as a military commander was displayed. Thanks to his brilliant battle tactics, the French captured 150, 000 prisoners and took control of Italy.