Remember when I said the Treaty of Fontainebleau (1814) wasn't signed by the British because they had trust issues? They were prescient because the emperor did not, indeed, uphold this treaty. This was diplomacy's first fail.
In April 1814, Napoleon was forced to abdicate, leading to the First Treaty of Paris. Europe was well on her way to her second diplomatic fail when they exiled the former emperor to Elba, a small island off the coast of Tuscany - but what's exile really, when you're sent to Elba as its sovereign?
He was supposed to keep his head down, enjoy his personal guard of 100 men, and his small island kingdom - but making your narcissist a king again is a big mistake.
Despite the fine views, the beach, and the mandatory siestas, Napoleon kept a close eye on what was happening back home. The Bourbon monarchy, under Louis XVIII, wasn’t exactly winning France over.
The royalists were back, veterans of Napoleon’s wars were treated poorly, and people were nostalgic for the glory days of the empire. Napoleon sensed an opportunity. He was tiring of retirement - and Europe couldn't be allowed to forget him. Remind you of anyone?
The Great Escape
On February 26, 1815, Napoleon and his tiny army (more like a strong posse) hopped on a few boats and made a break for France. One of his escape ships (there were 4) was called - wait for it - Inconstant. Sounds like the universe having a laugh about a man who never signed a treaty he didn't break.
Upon arrival on March 1, Napoleon began the “Route Napoléon,” a slow but steady march to Paris. He avoided Provence, where folks still liked their royals, and took a scenic Alpine route. Along the way, he picked up supporters like a rockstar on tour. One regiment after another joined his cause without a fight. After all, this was Napoleon and he had charisma to spare.
Charisma Over Cannons:
Napoleon’s method of recruiting soldiers on his way to Paris was simple, yet dramatic. He would march up to a regiment, open his coat to reveal his chest, and say, “If any of you will shoot your Emperor, here I am!”
No one took him up on the offer. Instead, they cheered and joined him, including the royalist 5th Infantry Regiment and, later, the 7th Infantry Regiment.
Before long, his tiny band of followers had grown into a respectable army. One of his biggest wins was convincing Marshal Ney, one of Louis XVIII's commanders, to join him. Ney had originally promised to bring Napoleon to Paris in an “iron cage.” Instead, he switched sides and brought along a small army. (Remind you of anyone NOW?)
Meanwhile, in Vienna…
While Napoleon was gathering his troops, the most powerful nation-states of Europe were in Vienna, redrawing the map and sipping tea. The Congress of Vienna was meant to prevent exactly this sort of Napoleonic comeback. So, when they heard he was back, they collectively panicked.
On March 13, even before Napoleon reached Paris, they declared him an outlaw. A week later, Austria, Prussia, Russia, and the United Kingdom agreed to each put 150,000 soldiers on the field to stop him. The Seventh Coalition was born, and the stage was set for one last showdown.
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