Napoleon’s Downfall

Invasion of Russia

Napoleon invades Russia June 23rd, 1812 with about 691,000 men

The Russians do very little fighting, but adopt a scorched-earth policy instead

This is when you destroy everything that can be useful to the enemy (crops, livestock, transportation, etc.)

Invasion of Russia

France enters an empty MoscowRussians put Moscow on fire to deprive the

French of any shelterNapoleon is forced to retreat with the Russian

winter and army closing inExtent of damage:

¾ of all properties destroyed 6,496 of 9,151 destroyed 8,251 retail shops and warehouses destroyed 122 of 329 churches (counting total losses only) Some 12,000 bodies were recovered

Burning of Moscow

Retreat from Russia

By December 14th, 1812, the French are forced out of Russian territory

Only 22,000 of Napoleon’s men returned to France

Battle of Nations

Many nations realize that Napoleon is vulnerable after his Russian campaign

England, Russia, Spain, Portugal, Prussia, Austria and Sweden create a coalition to finish Napoleon once and for all

Napoleon tries to retake parts of Germany October 16th-19th 1813

Battle of Nations

Napoleon and the coalition clash at LeipzigNapoleon is defeated and retreats back to

France with only 100,000 menParis was occupied by foreign forces March

31st 1814 and Napoleon abdicates April 6th

Exile and Return

Napoleon is exiled to the island of ElbaLouis XVIII take over (brother of Louis XVI,

lost his head)France has now come full circle

Louis XVIII

Exile on Elba

Escape and Return

Napoleon escapes Elba February 26th, 1815 and returns to France

Louis XVIII sends troops to intercept Napoleon

Napoleon wins them over and Louis XVIII’s troops join Napoleon

Napoleon governs for a “100 Days”

Waterloo

Napoleon has one final chance to defeat his enemies

The coalition and French forces meet at Waterloo (present-day Belgium) June 18th 1815

Napoleon loses this final battle

Waterloo

Final Exile

Napoleon tries to escape to the United States but is captured off the western coast of France

Napoleon is sent into exile at Saint HelenaHe will die here in 1821

St. Helena

Napoleon’s Tomb

Napoleon’s body was returned to France in 1840