What Happened to Napoleon After the Battle of Waterloo: His Final Days and Legacy

Napoleon Bonaparte was a definitive figure in 19th-century history. Yet, his fortunes were dealt a crushing blow at the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815. What transpired in the aftermath and during his final days?

Exile to Saint Helena

Following Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo, he was forced to step down from power for the second time. On June 22, 1815, he abdicated the throne in favor of his son, Napoleon II, also known as the 'diable de Saint-Cloud'. The victorious Allies, including the British, Prussians, Russians, and Austrians, were determined to permanently remove Napoleon from European affairs. As a result, he was exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean.

Napoleon was transported to Saint Helena on October 15, 1815, aboard the British ship HMS Northumberland. The island, a small and isolated location, made for a grueling confinement. Under strict British supervision, he was kept a prisoner in a residence called Longwood House. Here, he spent the last six years of his life, trapped yet left with some amenities to keep him occupied.

Final Days and Health

Napoleon's health began to deteriorate during his exile, and he suffered from various ailments, most notably stomach problems and ulcers. These illnesses significantly affected him both physically and mentally. Despite his deteriorating condition, Napoleon remained dedicated to his intellectual pursuits, reading, writing, and dictating his memoirs.

On May 5, 1821, Napoleon Bonaparte died on the island at the age of 51. The official cause of death was listed as stomach cancer, but there has been much speculation and debate about the exact circumstances of his demise. It is hypothesized that he may have been poisoned with arsenic, as evidenced by hair samples analyzed after his death. This theory has been supported by the findings of a postmortem conducted in 1840 by the Bourbon dynasty, who commissioned a scientist to analyze Napoleon's hair, leading to the conclusion that he had been given arsenic poison.

Legacy and Burial

Napoleon's legacy is a subject of historical discussion and debate. His defeat at Waterloo marked the end of his rule and the Napoleonic era in Europe. However, his reign left an indelible mark on the continent, sparking debates about his policies and leadership.

His body was initially buried on Saint Helena, but in 1840, it was exhumed and returned to France during the July Monarchy. Napoleon was then reburied with full military honors in Les Invalides in Paris, where his tomb continues to stand as a prominent historical site, attracting visitors from around the world to reflect on this pivotal figure in history.

Exploring Napoleon's fall from power and his final days on Saint Helena provides a fascinating lens through which to understand not only his life but the broader historical context of Europe in the early 19th century.