|
|
How is it possible that Napoleon Bonaparte, the most feared man in Europe, ruler of France, the most powerful nation in Europe in the early 1800’s, could ever possibly be defeated? The answer lies not so much the in battles that he lost, but rather in the many internal struggles Napoleon faced. The Quadruple Alliance was a unified effort with allied nations against Napoleon: Great Britain, Russia, Prussia, and Austria. These four nations agreed to put an end to existing revolutions in Europe. This force of nations coming together to defeat Napoleon did not make things any easier for the French emperor, but by this time, Napoleon was already in decline. Throughout history, it is clear that a huge empire will eventually have many forces working against it. An example of this is nepotism, which was present throughout countries that Napoleon controlled, which led to weak rulers. This is present in Spain, where Napoleon appointed his brother, Joseph Bonaparte as ruler, revolt eventually led to war. Another reason that Napoleon was defeated was the strength of the British and their Navy. Since they controlled the seas, they also controlled trading. Personal weaknesses, sickness, along with French exhaustion, all lead to the fall of Napoleon. Obviously the Quadruple Alliance itself was not the deciding factor in Napoleon’s defeat. Great Britain alone was one of the strongest forces in the defeat of Napoleon. On land, Napoleon was successful against the British, but on sea the British, led by Admiral Horatio Nelson and his brilliant navel strategies, easily defeated the French Naval Forces.
|
