The Treaty of Fontainebleau was a pivotal agreement signed on April 4, 1814, that ended the War of the Sixth Coalition, a conflict involving a coalition of various European powers against Napoleon Bonaparte. After the disastrous defeat at the Battle of Leipzig in 1813 and subsequent invasions of France by coalition forces, mounting pressure forced Napoleon to acknowledge his diminished power. The coalition, composed of Austria, Prussia, Russia, and Sweden, was determined to remove Napoleon from the throne after years of his militaristic ambitions destabilized Europe. The treaty effectively mandated that Napoleon abdicate unconditionally, marking the first time he surrendered without any negotiation on terms, including his right to govern France.

Meanwhile, the negotiations took place in Fontainebleau, a location chosen both for its proximity to Paris and its historical significance as a royal residence. The treaty stipulated that Napoleon would be exiled to Elba, a small island in the Mediterranean, with sovereignty over the island as compensation. The terms were particularly unusual, as they not only removed Napoleon from power but also allowed him a form of autonomy, albeit limited, over Elba. Upon realizing the extent of his defeat, the former emperor accepted the terms, leading to a profound transformation in European politics and power structures.

As the news of the treaty spread, it spread hope among European monarchies that stability could return to the continent. The abdication and exile of Napoleon also signified a critical moment in restoring the Bourbon monarchy, which had been ousted during the French Revolution. While Napoleon's reign officially ended, his impact on France and Europe continued to resonate, setting the stage for future upheavals and the eventual rise of nationalism across the continent.