1803-1815 Timeline of the Napoleonic Wars

25th June 2016 hamish

Napoleon was born in Corsica in 1769. At that time Corsica was part of France. He joined the French army in 1785 and supported the Revolution (1789-1799). He quickly rose through the ranks with campaigns in Italy and Egypt. In 1799 he engineered a coup and became First Consul of the Republic.

Napoleon's rise to power — Napoleon rose to power after his success in Egypt

Napoleon’s rapid rise to power and military genius meant that he won several decisive victories quickly taking control of the major part of Europe. He was seen as a major threat by the British who were particularly worried about the threat to their overseas colonies and losing control or Europe.

He continued solidifying his position eventually becoming Emperor in 1804. He faced a number of coalitions from other European countries including Britain, Russia and the Holy Roman Empire.

Napoleon’s success ran out when he undertook a disastrous campaign against Russia. Although he briefly captured Moscow he ended up with a long withdraw losing many men. With the allied powers closing in he abdicated and was exiled to Elba.

Napoleon abdicated and was exiled to Elba

He escaped from Elba a year later and faced the Wellington with the British and Prussian forces at Waterloo in 1815, a battle he decisively lost. You can see a more detailed information at the Battle of Waterloo Timeline. This brought about the end of the Napoleonic Wars and he was exiled to St. Helena where he died a few years later.