Lessons Learned From Napoleon: What Went Wrong? (Part 2 of 2)

  Lessons Learned  

We've already discussed the lessons learned from Napoleon's failed invasion of Russia, the War of 1812. In this second and final part, we'll discuss his subsequent exile to the isle of Elba, his daring return and the Battle of Waterloo, and his final exile to St. Helena. As you'll see, by this time most of the damage was already done. Yet some additional lessons remain.

Lessons Learned from The Battle of Waterloo
As I stated in part one of this article, ultimately, it was Napoleon's pompousness and hunger for power that led to his downfall--culminating in the Battle of Waterloo. Let's see if any further lessons can be learned from this final chapter in Napoleon's story.

By the time the War of 1812 was over, Napoleon had made plenty of enemies. Britain, Russia, Prussia and Sweden formed an alliance. Austria even joined in (interesting, since the King of Austria was Napoleon's father-in-law at the time--his second wife's father). Determined to stop Napoleon once and for all, the allies invaded France. Napoleon, whose troops were grossly outnumbered, still fought the good fight, but after sensing the futility, renounced his throne and was subsequently exiled to the island of Elba, where he retained the title "Emperor of Elba."

After a few years on Elba, hearing that the allies had installed a weak king in France (Louis XVIII), Napoleon seized the opportunity, left …

Please log in or sign up below to read the rest of the article.