Napoleon Bonaparte’s Return to Paris - March 20, 1815

On March 20, 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte made a triumphant return to Paris after escaping from exile on the island of Elba. This event marked the beginning of the period known as the “Hundred Days,” which culminated in the Battle of Waterloo.

Context and Background

• Exile to Elba: Following his abdication in April 1814, Napoleon was exiled to the island of Elba, located in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Italy. The Treaty of Fontainebleau allowed him to retain the title of Emperor and granted him sovereignty over the island, where he was accompanied by a small contingent of guards and followers.

• Political Climate in France: During Napoleon’s exile, the Bourbon monarchy was restored under King Louis XVIII. However, the new regime struggled with political instability and dissatisfaction among various segments of the French population, including former Napoleonic soldiers and officials who were discontented with the Bourbon rule.

The Escape and Return

• Escape from Elba: On February 26, 1815, Napoleon escaped from Elba with a small force of about 1,000 men. He landed on the French mainland at Golfe-Juan on March 1, 1815, and began his march towards Paris.

• The March to Paris: As Napoleon advanced, he gained support from the military and the populace. His charisma and the loyalty he inspired among his former troops led to a swift and largely unopposed journey to the capital. Many soldiers sent to arrest him instead joined his cause.

Arrival in Paris

• Entry into Paris: On March 20, 1815, Napoleon entered Paris to the acclamation of the people and the military. King Louis XVIII fled the city, and Napoleon resumed control of the French government, effectively reinstating his rule.

• The Hundred Days: This period, known as the “Hundred Days,” refers to the time from Napoleon’s return to power until his final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815. During this time, Napoleon sought to consolidate his power and prepare for the inevitable military conflicts with the Seventh Coalition, which opposed his return.

Aftermath and Significance

• Battle of Waterloo: The Hundred Days ended with Napoleon’s defeat at the Battle of Waterloo by the British-led coalition forces under the Duke of Wellington and the Prussian army commanded by Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher.

• Second Abdication and Exile: Following his defeat, Napoleon abdicated for the second time on June 22, 1815. He was subsequently exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic, where he spent the remainder of his life until his death in 1821.

• Historical Impact: Napoleon’s return and the subsequent events of the Hundred Days had significant implications for European politics. It led to the final reshaping of the continent at the Congress of Vienna and reinforced the resolve of European powers to prevent the rise of similar figures in the future.

Napoleon’s brief return to power remains a remarkable episode in history, illustrating his enduring influence and the volatility of post-revolutionary France.