In 1815 Napoleon Escaped From Elba In Order To

Napoleon Bonaparte's escape from Elba in 1815 was a daring move driven by a complex web of factors, including his insatiable ambition, the precarious political climate in France, and the allure of reclaiming his lost empire. This audacious act plunged Europe back into turmoil, culminating in the decisive Battle of Waterloo and Napoleon's final defeat.

The Seeds of Discontent: Napoleon's Exile on Elba

Following his disastrous Russian campaign and subsequent defeats in 1813 and 1814, Napoleon was forced to abdicate the throne of France. The victorious Allied powers, led by Great Britain, Russia, Prussia, and Austria, initially considered various options for his fate, including exile to a remote island in the Atlantic. Ultimately, they settled on Elba, a small island in the Mediterranean Sea, located just off the coast of Tuscany.

• A Sovereign in Miniature: Napoleon was granted sovereignty over Elba, allowed to maintain a small personal guard, and even rule the island as its emperor. While this arrangement provided him with a semblance of dignity, it was a far cry from the vast empire he had once commanded.
• Financial Troubles: The Treaty of Fontainebleau, which formalized Napoleon's abdication, stipulated that he would receive a substantial annual income from the French government. However, this payment was often delayed or withheld altogether, leaving Napoleon in a precarious financial situation. This financial insecurity fueled his resentment towards the restored Bourbon monarchy.
• Rumors and Intrigue: Despite his exile, Napoleon remained a figure of intense interest throughout Europe. Royalists feared his return, while many in France, particularly former soldiers and those who had benefited from his rule, still harbored feelings of loyalty towards him. Elba became a hub of intrigue, with visitors arriving from all over Europe, some out of curiosity, others with more sinister motives.
• Restless Ambition: Perhaps the most significant factor driving Napoleon's escape was his own restless ambition. He was a man of extraordinary energy and intellect, accustomed to wielding power and shaping the destiny of nations. The confines of Elba, both physical and political, were simply too small to contain him. He yearned for a return to the grand stage of European politics.

The Political Landscape of Post-Napoleonic Europe

The Europe to which Napoleon longed to return was in a state of flux. The Congress of Vienna, convened in 1814, was tasked with redrawing the map of Europe and restoring order after decades of Napoleonic Wars. However, the process was fraught with disagreements and competing interests among the Great Powers.

• The Bourbon Restoration in France: In France, the Bourbon monarchy had been restored in the person of King Louis XVIII, brother of the executed Louis XVI. Louis XVIII was a cautious and moderate ruler, but he faced numerous challenges. He struggled to reconcile the demands of the returning aristocracy with the expectations of a population accustomed to the reforms of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era.
• Widespread Discontent: The Bourbon Restoration was unpopular with many segments of French society. Former soldiers resented the loss of their positions and the perceived favoritism shown to returning nobles. Republicans and liberals opposed the restoration of the monarchy altogether, while Bonapartists still dreamed of Napoleon's return.
• Economic Hardship: France was also facing economic difficulties in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars. Trade had been disrupted, and unemployment was high. These economic woes further fueled discontent with the Bourbon regime.
• The Congress of Vienna: While the Congress of Vienna aimed to create a lasting peace, it also created new tensions and resentments. The redrawing of borders often ignored the wishes of the local populations, and the re-establishment of conservative regimes in many parts of Europe sparked opposition from liberals and nationalists.

The Escape: A Daring Gamble

In February 1815, Napoleon decided to take a gamble. He believed that the conditions in France were ripe for his return, and that he could rally enough support to overthrow Louis XVIII and reclaim his throne.

• Planning and Preparation: Napoleon secretly began planning his escape. He gathered his loyal followers, including a small group of soldiers from his personal guard, and made preparations to leave Elba.
• Secrecy and Deception: The escape was shrouded in secrecy. Napoleon and his followers managed to deceive the British naval vessels that were supposed to be monitoring the island.
• The Voyage to France: On February 26, 1815, Napoleon and his small band of followers set sail from Elba aboard the brig Inconstant. The voyage was fraught with danger, as they risked encountering hostile ships.
• Landing at Golfe-Juan: On March 1, 1815, Napoleon landed at Golfe-Juan, near Cannes, in southern France. He immediately issued proclamations to the French people and the army, calling on them to rally to his cause.

The Hundred Days: Napoleon's Brief Return to Power

Napoleon's return to France sparked a wave of excitement and support. As he marched north towards Paris, he was greeted by cheering crowds and defecting soldiers.

• The Flight of Louis XVIII: Louis XVIII, realizing that he could not rely on the army to defend him, fled Paris on March 19, 1815.
• Triumph in Paris: On March 20, 1815, Napoleon entered Paris in triumph. He was greeted by enthusiastic crowds who hailed him as their emperor.
• Re-establishing the Empire: Napoleon quickly set about re-establishing his empire. He appointed ministers, reorganized the army, and prepared to defend France against its enemies.
• The Allied Response: The Allied powers were stunned by Napoleon's return. They immediately declared him an outlaw and vowed to crush him. They formed a new coalition, consisting of Great Britain, Russia, Prussia, Austria, and other European states, to wage war against France.

The Battle of Waterloo: Napoleon's Final Defeat

The Hundred Days culminated in the Battle of Waterloo, fought on June 18, 1815. This battle pitted Napoleon's forces against the combined armies of the Duke of Wellington (British) and Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher (Prussian).

• Initial Successes: The battle began with initial successes for Napoleon's forces. They launched a series of attacks against the Allied lines, but were unable to break through.
• Prussian Arrival: The arrival of the Prussian army under Blücher in the late afternoon proved decisive. The Prussians attacked the French flank, weakening their position.
• The Imperial Guard's Last Stand: In a desperate attempt to break the Allied lines, Napoleon sent in his elite Imperial Guard. However, the Guard was repulsed with heavy losses.
• Defeat and Abdication: The Battle of Waterloo ended in a decisive defeat for Napoleon. He was forced to abdicate the throne for the second and final time on June 22, 1815.

The Aftermath: Exile to St. Helena

After his defeat at Waterloo, Napoleon attempted to flee to America, but he was captured by the British. This time, the Allied powers were determined to prevent him from ever returning to Europe.

• Exile to St. Helena: Napoleon was exiled to St. Helena, a remote island in the South Atlantic Ocean. He was placed under strict guard and lived in relative isolation.
• Death on St. Helena: Napoleon died on St. Helena on May 5, 1821, at the age of 51. The cause of his death remains a subject of debate, with some historians believing that he died of stomach cancer, while others suspect that he was poisoned.
• Legacy: Despite his ultimate defeat, Napoleon remains one of the most iconic figures in European history. His military genius, his political reforms, and his ambition continue to fascinate and inspire.

Why Did Napoleon Escape from Elba? A Deeper Dive

While the immediate reasons for Napoleon's escape from Elba seem straightforward – ambition, discontent, and opportunity – a deeper examination reveals a more nuanced picture. His decision was not simply a rash act of desperation, but a calculated gamble based on a keen understanding of the political and social currents of the time.

• Exploiting Bourbon Weakness: Napoleon recognized the inherent weaknesses of the Bourbon Restoration. Louis XVIII's regime was perceived as out of touch with the French people, favoring the aristocracy and ignoring the needs of ordinary citizens. This created a fertile ground for discontent, which Napoleon hoped to exploit.
• Appealing to National Sentiment: Napoleon skillfully appealed to French national sentiment. He portrayed himself as the defender of the Revolution's ideals against the reactionary forces of the old order. He reminded the French people of their past glories under his rule, and promised to restore France to its former greatness.
• The Army's Loyalty: Napoleon knew that he still commanded the loyalty of many soldiers in the French army. These soldiers had fought under him for years, and they admired his military genius and his charismatic leadership. He believed that they would rally to his banner once he landed in France.
• A Calculated Risk: While Napoleon's escape was undoubtedly a gamble, it was a calculated one. He had carefully assessed the risks and opportunities, and he believed that the potential rewards outweighed the dangers. He was willing to risk everything for the chance to reclaim his throne and restore his empire.

FAQ: Napoleon's Escape from Elba

• Q: Was Napoleon's escape from Elba legal?
  • A: No, Napoleon's escape was a violation of the Treaty of Fontainebleau, which had exiled him to Elba.
• Q: How long did Napoleon rule during the Hundred Days?
  • A: Napoleon ruled for approximately 100 days, from his arrival in Paris on March 20, 1815, to his second abdication on June 22, 1815.
• Q: What were the main reasons for Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo?
  • A: The main reasons for Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo include the arrival of the Prussian army, the resilience of the British forces, and Napoleon's own tactical errors.
• Q: What happened to Napoleon's family after his final defeat?
  • A: Napoleon's son, Napoleon II, was briefly recognized as emperor after his father's abdication, but he never actually ruled. Napoleon's brothers and sisters were exiled or forced to live in obscurity.
• Q: Is there any evidence that Napoleon was poisoned on St. Helena?
  • A: The theory that Napoleon was poisoned on St. Helena has been debated for many years. While some studies have found evidence of arsenic in his hair, it is not clear whether this was the result of deliberate poisoning or environmental contamination.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Ambition and Intrigue

Napoleon's escape from Elba was a pivotal moment in European history. It marked the end of the Napoleonic era and ushered in a period of relative peace and stability. However, it also demonstrated the enduring power of ambition and the enduring appeal of Napoleon's legend. His daring escape, his brief return to power, and his ultimate defeat continue to fascinate and inspire, making him one of the most compelling figures in history. The escape itself was a testament to his charisma, strategic thinking, and unwavering belief in his destiny, solidifying his place as a legend whose actions continue to be studied and debated centuries later.