Known as the Little Corporal, Napoleon (1769-1821) was sent to French military schools at an early age. He served in the French military and was put in command of the army of the interior. Bonaparte rose in power, leading to his eventual self-proclamation as the emperor of France. His empire had gained control over much of Europe, but had never gained power over the British. Following a devastating attack on Russia, Napoleons allies began to desert him, joining forces with Britain. Forced to retreat at the Battle of Nations in Leipzig, Napoleon rejected an offer of peace, and the allies advanced on Paris. Napoleon abdicated and was exiled to Elba. Regaining French support, he returned to Paris after King Louis XVIII had fled, beginning his rule of the Hundred Days. Warfare began anew and Napoleon was crushed in the Waterloo campaign. He surrendered to the British, who sent him as a prisoner to St. Helena, where he lived out the remainder of his life.
