History of Warfare Summary 4 - Napoleonic Wars 4 Fall of Paris and Exile to Elba

In 1814, the Allied forces advanced into French territory. Napoleon resisted in several battles but couldn't overcome the shortages in troops and supplies. As the Allies approached Paris, Napoleon found himself in a difficult position to defend the capital. In late March 1814, the Allied forces entered Paris, and Napoleon eventually accepted abdication. He was exiled to the island of Elba, and Louis XVIII of the House of Bourbon ascended to the throne in France. However, Napoleon's era was not entirely over. In March 1815, he escaped from Elba and returned to France. As soldiers and citizens joined him, Louis XVIII fled Paris, and Napoleon regained power. This period is known as the Hundred Days. The major European powers immediately mobilized armies against Napoleon. Napoleon planned to defeat the Allied forces individually before they could consolidate their strength. He advanced into Belgium and attacked the British and Prussian armies. On June 16, 1815, he defeated the Prussian army at the Battle of Ligny, but he couldn't completely crush them.