Napoleon Bonarparte meets his Waterloo

By Premasara Epasinghe

When an individual faces a humiliating defeat against an opponent, we often say “He met his Waterloo.” It is an English idiom.

What is an idiom? It is a phrase or sentence whose meaning is not clear from the meaning of its individual words and which must be learnt as a whole unit. The English language has many idioms.

The Battle of Waterloo was the key event in the 19th century European history. It took place on June 18, 1815. It was the final engagement of the Napoleonic war, fought about 12 miles from Brussels, Belgium.

Wellington

The Duke of Wellington (1769-1852) British General and politician, Prime Minister (1828-1830) was the hero, who defeated Napoleon Bonarparte. He commanded the allied force in the Peninsular War (1808-1814), against Napoleon Bonarparte, driving the French back over Pyrenees. He represented British at the Congress of Vienna (1814-1815). Together with the Prussian General Von Blucher, he defeated Napoleon Bonarparte at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. He became a Tory Cabinet Minister in 1818 and the Prime Minister in the same year.

Who was Napoleon Bonarparte?

Invasion of Egypt

He was born in 1769 and died in 1821. Undoubtedly, he was one of the greatest military leaders of the modern times. In 1798, he launched an invasion of Egypt, but was defeated by Nelson, at the Battle of Abukir Bay. In 1799, he returned to Paris, where his group of 18 Brumaire (November 9) set up the consultate. In 1800, he defeated Marengo, made peace with Britain at Amiens (1802).

In 1812, he invaded Russia, with an army of a million, but perished in the “Russian Winter.” In March 1815, he returned to France, overthrowing Bourbon.

King Louis XVIII

The 100 days of his return to power ended with the defeat of the Battle of Waterloo – (June 1815). Napoleon Bonarparte was exiled to St. Helena, where he died.

The allies massed their forces for a final showdown with the French Emperor. A British force of 68,000 under Duke of Wellington encamped in Belgium, as did a strong army of 89,000 led by Field Marshal Blucher.

About 165,000 Napoleon troops marched to Belgium. The French succeeded in Defeating Prussians at Ligny on June 16, 1815. Then, they turned to deal with the British at Waterloo, a few miles South of Brussels on June 18. Napoleon, might have defeated Wellington, but for timely arrival of Blucher during the battle.

Authentic information

An eye-witness of history relating to the Battle of Waterloo reveals authentic information. Captain J.H. Gronow, was a British officer. He and his brother officers said that they saw Napoleon Bonarparte on his white horse in the battlefield. At about 4 p.m. French Artillery fired. Army marched forward. The army glittered like a stormy ware of sea. They were firing all over. There were even oldsoldiers marching.

From all angles Duke of Wellington, entered the square, accompanied by one-aide. All the rest of his staff was not there. Duke of Wellington appeared perfectly composed. He looked pale, but very thoughtful. He was a great war strategist and a brilliant tactician in the battlefield. The French Cavalry was bravely and gallantly executed. The officers were exceedingly fearless. They renewed the attack. Fierce fighting was going on.

The Duke of Wellington, sat unmoved thinking. He asked his Lt. Colonel Stanhope, for the time. Colonel Stanhope said, it was 40 minutes to 5 p.m. The Duke said if the Prussians arrived, it would be the end of the war. According to Captain Gronow, British officer, Duke of Wellington, suddenly gave orders to retire. Enemy's artillery were in a close distance, about 100 yards.He believed that attack was the best form of defence. The British army was lying down. Emperor Napoleon Bonarparte led in front. There were about 20,000 soldiers. All of a sudden Duke of Wellington ordered: “Get up guard, attack, attack, attack.” The British Army fired a volley and rushed like panthers and attacked the French line. Later, there were heaps of dead bodies.

After the final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815, European powers would take no further chances with him. They exiled Napoleon Bonarparte, to an isolated island St. Helena in the South Atlantic ocean. Thus, ended the life of Napoleon Bonarparte. His defeat at the Battle of Waterloo meant he had to abdicate.