Campaign of Belgium 1815     Battle of Waterloo

Napoleon, exiled on the Island of Elba, was aware of the discontent of the French towards the Bourbons. He disembarked at Golfe Juan on 1st March, having decided to restore order and to reconquer his title. Europe was not of the same opinion, and a new war was in the making. On 12 June, Napoleon went to Belgium with 130,000 men and the last generals who remained true to him, Ney, Soult, Grouchy, Kellermann and Reille. He had to face two armies, the Anglo-Dutch under Wellington and the Prussians under Bluecher. As was his wont, he wished to fight them separately: Ney took on Wellington, but he was forced to retreat to the south of Waterloo and the Emperor beat Bluecher at Ligny on 16 June. Ney made tactical errors and did not have time to take the Prussians from the rear, and they were able to fall back in good order. Napoleon faced Wellington at Waterloo, but Ney's assaults did not make the enemy move back. Napoleon counted on Grouchy's arrival before calling on his Guard, but it was Bluecher who came in. The French troops found themselves outnumbered and had to retreat from their more powerful adversaries. It was a total collapse. Four days later, Napoleon abdicated for the second time.