The Battle at Waterloo

Motivated by his desire to make France an empire in Europe, Napoleon established himself as Emperor of France in 1804. In order to make his empire the most powerful in Europe, Napoleon wished to conquer surrounding countries. Feeling threatened and ready to defend them, Britain declared war on France in 1803. For the next 12 years Britain and the Allied troops fought “Napoleonic Wars” against France. One of the most important battles of the Napoleonic War took place south of Brussels, France at what is called The Battle of Waterloo. This battle, fought by the French, under the command of Napoleon Bonaparte, and the Allied armies commanded by the Duke of Wellington and General Blucher, would mark the final overthrow of Napoleon and his power. It was because of Wellington’s cunning military tactics and extreme militarism that led the Allied troops to victory over the French and the change of France forever.

As European powers were gathering in Vienna to re-establish their ...