The Battle of Waterloo

Date: June 18, 1815

Location: Waterloo, Belgium

        Many people speak of the Battle of Waterloo as the 'destiny of the history of modern Europe' because of its enthusiastic decision of Napoleon's destiny, whether he will continue his military conquests or get defeated. the Allied army was actually made of not only British and Prussian soldiers, but also Austrian, Russian, and Portuguese soldiers within. The 46-year-old Duke of Wellington, commander of the British army, awaited Napoleon, his greatest rival, to challenge him for the final battle. The duke also had his Prussian ally, General Von Blucher, who much helped in the battle. So Napoleon raised an army of some 75,000 men and marched north to the lowlands where the Anglo-Prussian army stood. On June 18, 1815 at about 11:00 a.m., the Battle of Waterloo had commenced. The Brussels road was an important landmark; if it was unclogged, Napoleon could advance once again into Belgium. The duke's clever military tactics of defending steadily and calmly on the hills of Mont-Saint-Jean seemed outstanding and extremely efficient. It seemed as though he knew the fact, or decision, the Brussels road had. Controlling a hill is a very lucky state in the terms of warfare, where the defender has a great advantage over his enemy. The key was the advantage of the British artillery, which could fire ammunition into much distant areas when on leveled land. This meant that the artillery would fire for more time, smashing the infantrymen and breaking their formations. The Prussian forces, however advanced into Napoleon's right flank. By 5:00 p.m., Napoleon's army began retreating, even the Imperial Guard that was the most elite of infantry, as Napoleon was captured once again by the British.

        Once again, the British shipped Napoleon back to England, and later to a colony of theirs in the south atlantic, the Island of St. Helena, alongside his wife and kids. The British also sent the colony's governor to the island to watch over Napoleon's actions.