Napoleon Bonaparte's Return from Elba
Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from exile on Elba and returned to France, rapidly regaining support among the French population which had grown disenchanted with the Bourbon monarchy. His daring escape on February 26, 1815, set in motion a series of events that would lead to his brief return to power, known as the Hundred Days, as he aimed to reclaim his empire and reassert his influence over Europe.
Napoleon declared himself Emperor again swiftly.
His return ignited the Hundred Days period.
Supporters quickly rallied around his cause.
Bourbon monarchy faced immediate challenges.
What Happened?
In February 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte, having been exiled to the island of Elba since his abdication in 1814, made a daring escape. Elba, situated in the Mediterranean Sea, was sparsely populated yet provided him with a base to orchestrate his return. Disillusioned with the Bourbon monarchy's reestablishment in France, many citizens were eager for the return of Bonaparte, who had previously inspired them with his leadership and military prowess. Napoleon cleverly used a small group of loyal followers, including men from his Imperial Guard, to seize control of a ship and sail back to France.
Upon landing in Golfe-Juan, near Cannes, Napoleon began to rally support from local troops and the populace, proclaiming that “The Emperor is back!” His charisma and reputation quickly drew crowds of supporters, leading to the defection of entire regiments from the Royal Army to his side. Within days, he had reached Paris, where he reestablished himself as Emperor, marking the beginning of the period known as the Hundred Days. His return alarmed the European monarchies, leading to the formation of the Seventh Coalition against him, which would culminate in his ultimate defeat at the Battle of Waterloo later that year.
Why Does it Matter?
Napoleon's escape from Elba significantly altered the political landscape of Europe, igniting the fears of monarchies across the continent regarding political instability and the potential resurgence of revolutionary principles. His return led to a brief period of renewed conflict, ultimately shaping the course of European history by contributing to the debates about power, nationalism, and the legacy of the Napoleonic Wars.