Rome, March 20 – “He fell, he rose, he conquered,” wrote Alessandro Manzoni in his popular “Cinque maggio,” referring to the death of the great general on this day in 1815.
The article 20 March 1815, when Napoleon returned to power and forced Louis XVIII into exile comes from Il Primato Nazionale.
Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military and political leader, had been exiled to the island of Elba after his defeat in the Battle of Leipzig in 1813. However, on March 20, 1815, he made a triumphant return to France, marking the beginning of the Hundred Days, a period of renewed power and glory for the former emperor.
The news of Napoleon’s return spread like wildfire throughout Europe, causing a mix of excitement and fear among the people. In France, the Bourbon monarchy, led by Louis XVIII, was forced to flee as Napoleon’s supporters welcomed him back with open arms. The French people, who had grown tired of the Bourbon rule, saw Napoleon as a symbol of hope and change.
Napoleon’s return to power was met with great enthusiasm by the French army, who saw him as a military genius and a leader who could restore their country to its former glory. In a matter of days, he had gathered a large army and set out to reclaim his throne.
The Battle of Waterloo, fought on June 18, 1815, marked the end of Napoleon’s reign. Despite his defeat, his return to power had a lasting impact on Europe. It showed that he still had a strong hold on the hearts and minds of the people, and his legacy continued to inspire future generations.
Napoleon’s Hundred Days also had a significant impact on Italy. The Italian peninsula was divided into several states at the time, and Napoleon’s return sparked a wave of nationalist sentiment. Many Italians saw him as a hero who could unite their fragmented country and bring about much-needed political and social reforms.
In his famous novel “The Betrothed,” Manzoni captures the mood of the Italian people during this time, writing, “The news of Napoleon’s return had spread like a spark in a haystack, and it had set the whole of Italy on fire.”
Napoleon’s return to power also had a profound effect on the rest of Europe. It showed that he was still a formidable force to be reckoned with and that his influence extended far beyond the borders of France. His return also sparked a renewed interest in his military tactics and strategies, which are still studied and admired by military leaders today.
Despite his eventual defeat, Napoleon’s Hundred Days were a testament to his resilience and determination. He had risen from exile and reclaimed his throne, only to fall once again. But his legacy lives on, and his return to power will always be remembered as a momentous event in history.
In conclusion, March 20, 1815, was a day that changed the course of history. It marked the return of one of the most influential leaders of all time and sparked a wave of excitement and hope among the people. Napoleon’s Hundred Days may have been short-lived, but their impact will be felt for generations to come.