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The Battle of Waterloo is one of the most famous battles in history. The battle was between, France fought on one side and Great Britain, Prussia , and their allies on the other. The battle was a great victory for the British and the Prussians , and it is widely seen as the end of the series of wars that had ravaged Europe since the French Revolution (1789). The Battle of Waterloo was the last attempt by Napoleon to establish himself in France and Europe, after his defeat in 1814. This article will discuss the reasons for the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, these include stubborn British resistance, their superior cavalry, Wellington’s leadership and, most importantly, the timely arrival of the Prussian army on the battlefield.

==Background==Napoleon has become the master of most of Europe by 1805 after his victory over the Austrians and the Russians at the The Battle of Austerlitz. For several years Napoleon and France dominated Europe and only Waterloo was the British continued to oppose Bonaparte’s ambitions. last attempt by Napoleon decided to invade the Russian Empire, to force the Tsar to join a trade embargo on Britain. The French army marched into Russian establish himself in France and captured Moscow, but it disintegrated Europe after his defeat in the terrible Russian winter1814.<ref>Palmer, R.R., [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0073106925/ref=as_li_tlWhy was Napoleon defeated at Waterloo?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0073106925&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=aaf81ee4b016b99b72d6e0bb4a744f61 A History It was a mixture of the Modern World]stubborn British resistance, (New York: Knopftheir superior cavalry, 1956)Wellington’s leadership, p. 143</ref> Napoleon retreated back into Europe and in , most importantly, the process lost timely arrival of the majority of his Prussian army. The French Empire was severely weakened after the Russian Invasion and eventually the allies, (Britain, Russian, Austria and Prussia) marched into France and deposed Napoleon and restored the Bourbon Monarchy. Napoleon was exiled on the island of Elba in 1814battlefield.

However, ==How did Napoleon escaped become the emperor after he returned from Elba in 1815 ?==Napoleon has become the master of most of Europe by 1805 after his victory over the Austrians and the Russians at the Battle of Austerlitz. For several years Napoleon and returned to France dominated Europe, and this prompted many in France to declare their loyalty only the British continued to the old Emperoroppose Bonaparte’s ambitions. The recently installed new French King fled and once more Napoleon was master of France. The allies were stunned and began decided to mobilize their armies invade the Russian Empire to crush force the Tsar to join a trade embargo on Britain. The French once army marched into Russian and for all. From the east captured Moscow, but it disintegrated in the terrible Russian army advanced and the Austrians began to gather their forces in Italywinter.<ref> Palmer, R.R., [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0073106925/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0073106925&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=aaf81ee4b016b99b72d6e0bb4a744f61 A History of the Modern World], (New York: Knopf, 1956), p. 156143</ref> The British assembled a large force Napoleon retreated into Europe and in the Low Countries and process lost the Prussians majority of his army advanced through Germany . The French Empire was severely weakened after the Russian Invasion, and planned to link up with their British eventually, the allies(Britain, Russian, Austria, and Prussia) marched into France and deposed Napoleon, and restored the Bourbon Monarchy. Napoleon was effectively surrounded but he soon had taken control of his old army, that was still a formidable force.<ref>Palmer, pexiled on Elba Island - Isola d'Elba - in 1814. 157</ref>

However, Napoleon escaped from Elba in 1815 and returned to France. His return prompted many in France to declare their loyalty to their old Emperor. The recently installed new French King fled, and once more, Napoleon has controlled France. The allies were stunned and began to mobilize their armies to crush the French once and for all. The Russian army advanced from the east, and the Austrians began to gather their forces in Italy.<ref> Palmer, p. 156</ref> The British assembled a large force in the Low Countries, and the Prussian army advanced through Germany and planned to link up with their British allies. Napoleon was effectively surrounded, but he soon had taken control of his old army, which was still a formidable force.<ref>Palmer, p. 157</ref> ==Preparations How did Napoleon prepare for the BattleWaterloo? ==

Napoleon was declared an outlaw by the allies , and they decided not to negotiate with him and to inflict such a defeat . They were focused on defeating him, so that he could never threaten the peace of Europe. Napoleon decided to target the British in the Low Countries. He wanted to secure a quick and rapid victory.<ref> Adkin, Mark, <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0811718549/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0811718549&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=69ebff713071f7b1b7139c25d1dbe244 The Waterloo Companion]</i>, (Aurum, London, 2001), p. 6 </ref> The French army’s aim was to destroy the British before they were joined by the Prussian army, which was rapidly making its way to Belgium. Had Napoleon succeeded in destroying the army of General Wellington, located south of Brussels before it was reinforced, he might have been able to drive the British back to the sea. This would allow Napoleon to turn his focus on the Prussians and knock them out of the war and enable the French to concentrate all their armies on the Austrians and Russians.<ref>Adkins, p. 17</ref>

Napoleon also knew that many in the The French-speaking community in Belgium were sympathetic army aimed to him and a French victory could trigger a revolution in that country. French Intelligence was very well-informed of destroy the strengths and weaknesses of British before joining the British troops in Prussian army, rapidly making its way to Belgium. Had Napoleon knew that succeeded in destroying the army under of General Wellington , located south of Brussels before it was largely second-line troops as most of reinforced, he might have been able to drive the veterans had been dispatched British back to fight in North Americathe sea. This would allow Napoleon gathered his forces together in a rapid period of time. Many of his old soldiers and generals rallied to turn his cause and soon they were focus on the march. The speed Prussians and knock them out of the war and enable the French advance stunned to concentrate all their armies on the British Austrians and Wellington was forced to adopt a defensive posture south of Brussels, at WaterlooRussians.<ref> Adkins, p. 6717</ref> By this time the advance Prussians units had arrived in Belgium, but the French surprised and defeated them at the Battle of Ligny. Wellington decided to retreat towards Waterloo and wait for the main Prussian army under General Blucher to reinforce him. Once again Napoleon’s speed caught everyone by surprise and before the Prussians could meet up with Wellington, he had arrived at Waterloo and was determined to force the British into a decisive battle.

Napoleon also knew that many in Belgium's French-speaking community were sympathetic to him, and a French victory could trigger a revolution in that country. French Intelligence was very well-informed of the strengths and weaknesses of the British troops in Belgium. Napoleon knew that the army under General Wellington was mostly second-line troops as most veterans had been dispatched to fight in North America. Napoleon gathered his forces together in a rapid period. Many of his old soldiers and generals rallied to his cause, and soon they were on the march.  ==Where is Waterloo? ==The French advance's speed stunned the British, and Wellington was forced to adopt a defensive posture south of Brussels at Waterloo.<ref> Adkins, p. 67</ref> By this time, the advanced Prussian units had arrived in Belgium, but the French surprised and defeated them at the Battleof Ligny. Wellington decided to retreat towards Waterloo and wait for the main Prussian army under General Blucher to reinforce him. Once again, Napoleon’s speed caught everyone by surprise, and before the Prussians could meet up with Wellington, he had arrived at Waterloo and was determined to force the British into a decisive battle. == Who had the better army at Waterloo? ==

The French and the British armies were roughly evenly matched in numbers. The French had slightly more cavalry and artillery. Wellington was very concerned about the quality of his multinational army. Many of who were Dutch and Belgian soldiers who were not battle -hardened and in the British ranks there were also had many inexperienced soldiers. There was also a large German contingent who though experienced , had at one time served in the French army. The French army was composed of veterans, including elite units such as the ‘Old Guard’Guard. ’ Wellington was a highly experienced soldier , and he established a strong defensive position on a ridge and had fortified some farmhouses in the area, to protect his flanks.<ref> Barbero, Alessandro, <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802715001/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0802715001&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=f7811af0d5bf48ffb1f7cacae70cd8ef The Battle: A New History of Waterloo]</i> (translated by John Cullen) (paperback ed.), Walker & Company, London, 2006), p. 57</ref>  As ever, Napoleon was in a hurry and decided to attack the British and their allies before the Prussians arrived. He chose to attack the British the day after arriving at Waterloo. He scheduled the attack to begin in the early morning of the 18th of June, but he delayed it because of the saturated ground. The wet conditions meant that the cavalry could not conduct any charges. At 11 in the morning, Napoleon ordered his forces to attack the village of Mont-Saint-Jean as he believed that here was the main concentration of Wellington’s army.  == What was Napoleon's strategy at the start of the Battle of Waterloo? ==The British were stationed below the village on some high ground. When the French saw the position of the British, they commenced bombarding their lines.<ref> Barbero, p. 114</ref> After an hour, the French began their assault, and their goal was to seize the Hougoumont farmhouse. There was fierce fighting at this farmhouse all day, but the British managed to hold out. Wellington was obliged to divert some of his reserves into this battle. This weakened his center, and Napoleon decided to launch a massive attack on the British lines. After another bombardment, the French charged up the slopes to the British lines, and after an hour of fierce fighting, they had forced Wellington’s lines back. It seemed that the British were on the verge of defeat.  <dh-ad/>

Napoleon as ever was in a hurry and decided to attack the British and their allies before the Prussians arrived. He decided to attack Then the British the day after arriving at Waterloo. He scheduled the attack to begin in the early morning of the 18th of June, but he delayed it because of the sodden ground. The wet conditions meant that the cavalry could not conduct any charges. At 11 in the morning Napoleon commander ordered his forces Heavy Cavalry Brigade to attack the village of Mont-Saint-Jean as he believed that here was the main concentration of Wellington’s army. In fact, the British were stationed below the village on some high ground. When the French saw the position of the British they commenced to bombard their linesstage a counterattack.<ref> Barbero, p. 114156</ref> After an hour This managed to push back the French began their assault and their goal was to seize the Hougoumont farmhouse. There was fierce fighting advance, although at this farmhouse all day but the British managed to hold outa hefty cost. Wellington was obliged to divert some of Napoleon ordered his reserves into this battle. This weakened his centre and Napoleon decided cavalry to launch a massive attack on the British linesline and then ordered repeated infantry charges. This resulted in very high French casualties. The French after another bombardment charged up British, under the slopes to leadership of Wellington, held firm. Suddenly, the British lines Prussians appeared on Napoleon’s right flank, and after an hour of fierce fighting, they had forced Wellington’s lines backarrived sooner than anyone had anticipated. It seemed Napoleon knew that his situation was precarious, and he ordered his best troops, the Imperial Guard forward, to rout the British were on the verge of defeat.

Then the British commander ordered his Heavy Cavalry Brigade to stage a counterattack.<ref> Barbero, p. 156</ref> This managed to push back the French advance, although at a very heavy cost. Napoleon ordered his cavalry to attack the British line and then ordered repeated infantry charges. This resulted in very high French casualties. The British under the leadership of Wellington held firm. Suddenly, the Prussians appeared on Napoleon’s right flank and they had arrived sooner than anyone had anticipated. Napoleon knew that his situation was precarious and he ordered his best troops, the Imperial Guard forward, in an effort to rout the British. However, once again despite the heroism of the Imperial Guard 's heroism, the allied forces under Wellington held firm. The Prussians under Blucher began to arrive in ever greater -higher numbers , and as they did , the French army began to disintegrate. The Old Guard, composed of veterans of many battles, fought to the last man and this allowed , allowing the remaining French forces to flee the battlefighting. That night Blucher and Wellington met , and that is considered the end of the Battle. Waterloo was a victory for the allies , but as Wellington himself asserted afterwards afterward, it was a narrow victory.<ref> Adkin, p. 178</ref>

==Outcome of How many casualties did the Battleof Waterloo have? ==Waterloo cost the British army around 14,500 dead or wounded , and the Prussians under Blücher suffered some 7,200 casualties. The French army had some 25,000 to 26,000 killed or wounded. Some 6000 to 7000 French soldiers were taken prisoner , and another 15,000 men deserted. Waterloo was a decisive victory for the allies.<ref> Chandler, David , <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0025236601/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0025236601&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=ad13ccb381f4beab1b23a17089c55271 The Campaigns of Napoleon]</i>, (New York: Macmillan, 1966), p. 156</ref> Napoleon’s army was no longer an organised organized fighting force , and the British and Prussians were about to invade France, which was practically defencelessdefenseless. It was evident that the situation was hopeless , and after a failed suicide bid , Napoleon was sent to the island of St Helena , where he wold would die. If Bonaparte had won it seems likely that Europe would have once again experienced a series of wars.<ref> Barbero, p. 178</ref> Waterloo ended the career of Napoleon one of the greatest generals in history. It also ended the last serious attempt by France to dominate Europe. The battle was to bring four decades of international peace to Europe. In the aftermath of the defeat of Napoleon, the great powers organised an international system that provided Europe with much-needed stability. At the Congress of Vienna, the great powers with the exception of Britain established principles that provided some stability for Europe until the Crimean War, in a period of great change.<ref> Palmer, p. 234</ref>

==The Reasons for the Failure of Napoleon==The are several reasons for the failure of Napoleon at Waterloo. One of the major reason for the defeat If Bonaparte had won, it seems likely that Europe would have once again experienced a series of the French at Waterloo was the timely arrival of Blucher, which was not anticipated by the French. Napoleon had not made enough preparations for this eventualitywars.<ref>ChandlerBarbero, p. 134.178</ref> Wellington in his despatches to London made clear Waterloo ended the importance career of Napoleon - one of the arrival greatest generals in history. It also ended the last serious attempt by France to dominate Europe. The battle was to bring four decades of Blucher and the Prussiansinternational peace to Europe.

Another key reason was In the unexpected bravery aftermath of Napoleon's defeat, the British and the other allied soldiersgreat powers organized an international system that provided Europe with much-needed stability. Though inexperienced they bravely resisted At the onslaught Congress of the French. They had withstood many French attacksVienna, including an assault from the Imperial Guard, widely regarded as great powers except for Britain established principles that provided some of stability for Europe until the finest soldiers Crimean War, in Europea period of significant change. Wellington and his officers had been able to provide the men with resolute leadership which meant that their soldiers did not buckle under the repeated French charges<ref> Palmer, p. 234</ref>

Another == Why was Napoleon's Defeated? ==The are several reasons Napoleon failed at Waterloo. A significant factor in Napoleon's defeat was the terrible weatherBlucher's timely arrival, heavy rain had turned much of the battlefield into a mud bath, and this had greatly slowed which was not anticipated by the French during their attacks. This was particularly Napoleon had not prepared for the case given that arrival of the forces of Napoleon were attacking uphillPrussian army.<ref> AdkinChandler, p. 157134.</ref> The weather had also delayed the French attack by several hours and this Wellington, in his despatches to London, made it clear how important Blucher's arrival was to prove crucialthe battle outcome.

If Another key reason was the French had been able to attack in the early hours they could have swept unexpected bravery of the British from and the field before the arrival of their Prussian alliesother allied soldiers. Then there was Napoleon’s mistake in organizing Though inexperienced, they bravely resisted the first attack on the British centre. The formation onslaught of the First French Corps was not suitable for a swift attack and this meant that it was relatively ineffective. According to They withstood several French attacks, including an official French investigation into assault from the battle Imperial Guard, the ‘inconceivable formation of the first corps, finest soldiers in masses very much too deep for Europe. Wellington and his officers had provided the first grand attack.’<ref> Comte d'Erlonmen with resolute leadership, Jean-Baptiste Drouet (1815), Drouet's account of Waterloo to which meant that their soldiers did not buckle under the repeated French Parliament, pcharges. 3</ref>

Then there Another factor was the superiority of the British cavalryterrible weather. Because Heavy rain had turned much of the constant warsbattlefield into a mud bath, which had greatly slowed the European armies could not access good horsesFrench during their attacks. The British were able to secure excellent horses from England and especially Ireland and this meant This was particularly the case given that they were more effective at Waterloo. On the other hand, the French cavalry horses forces of Napoleon were not as good and this was a real disadvantageattacking uphill.<ref>Adkin, p. 212157</ref> The charge of weather had also delayed the British Heavy Brigade French attack by several hours, and this was particularly important at a most dangerous stage in the battle for the British and when they seemed on the verge of defeat. The superior horses of the British gave them an ‘important advantage on the battlefieldto prove crucial.’<ref> Fletcher, Ian , <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0811707032/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0811707032&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=be1e5cee696a739afca24453fc1f9afd Galloping at Everything: The British Cavalry in the Peninsula and at Waterloo 1808–15]</i>, (Staplehurst, Spellmount, 1999), 201</ref>

If the French had been able to attack in the early hours, they could have swept the British from the field before their Prussian allies' arrival. Then there was Napoleon’s mistake in organizing the first attack on the British center. The formation of the First French Corps was not suitable for a swift attack, and this meant that it was relatively ineffective. According to an official French investigation into the battle, the ‘inconceivable formation of the first corps, in masses very much too deep for the first grand attack.’<ref> Comte d'Erlon, Jean-Baptiste Drouet (1815), Drouet's account of Waterloo to the French Parliament, p. 3</ref> Then the British cavalry was superior. Because of the constant wars, the European armies could not access good horses. The British were able to secure excellent horses from England and especially Ireland, which meant they were more effective at Waterloo. On the other hand, the French cavalry horses were not as good, which was a real disadvantage.<ref>Adkin, p. 212</ref> The charge of the British Heavy Brigade was particularly important at a most dangerous stage in the battle for the British and when they seemed on the verge of defeat. The superior horses of the British gave them an ‘important advantage on the battlefield.’<ref> Fletcher, Ian, <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0811707032/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=Conclusion1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0811707032&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=be1e5cee696a739afca24453fc1f9afd Galloping at Everything: The British Cavalry in the Peninsula and at Waterloo 1808–15]</i>, (Staplehurst, Spellmount, 1999), 201</ref> == Why was the timely arrival of the Prussians decisive at Waterloo? ==Waterloo was the end of an era , and the Napoleon's defeat of Napoleon ushered in a period of peace in Europe. Napoleon had come close to victory , but Wellington and Blucher had been able to turn the tide of battle and inflict a decisive defeat on the French army. <ref> Drouet, p. 3</ref> The British army proved to be more capable than expected. The weather was also not in favour favor of the French , and the British had superior cavalry. Napoleon’s strategy was once again of the highest quality , but the timely arrival of the Prussians changed the course of the battle. It seems likely that Wellington would have been forced to retreat if the Prussians had not arrived, their . Their arrival led to the destruction of the French army and the end of the Napoleonic Wars in Europe. <div class="portal" style="'float:left; width:8535%;"'>====Related DailyHistory.org Articles====*[[Origins of the World War One - Top Ten Booklist]]*[[What started World War One?]]*[[How Did the German Military Develop Blitzkrieg?]]*[[Why did Napoleon win the Battle of Austerlitz?]]*[[How did Winston Churchill become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in World War Two?]]{{#dpl:category=French History|ordermethod=firstedit|order=descending|count=6}}

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