Following his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon Bonaparte's military ambitions came to a dramatic end. The European powers, keen to prevent his return to politics, decided to exile him in a location far removed from the mainland. They chose Saint Helena, a small, isolated island in the South Atlantic, approximately 1,200 miles from the nearest continental land. On this day, Napoleon boarded the British warship HMS Northumberland, which took him from the French coast to his new home. He was accompanied by a small entourage, including his aides and loyal followers, but was ultimately under watchful British supervision.

Upon arrival, Napoleon was taken to Longwood, a residence on the island. The conditions of his exile were strict; he was not allowed to leave the confines of the island, and British officials monitored him closely. Despite this, Napoleon maintained a routine, engaging in gardening, reading, dictating his memoirs, and holding discussions with his remaining supporters. This period marked not only the end of his rule but also a time for reflection on his past endeavors and a window for historians to analyze his strategies and the consequences of his reign.

Though he was physically confined, Napoleon's mind remained active, and he utilized his time to reflect upon his life, military campaigns, and the consequences of the power struggles in Europe. His exile created a new narrative in the historical understanding of his legacy, influencing future generations and discussions around leadership, authority, and governance. His life in Saint Helena would become a subject of intense study, as historians sought to understand the complexities of his personality and the socio-political implications of his rule.