Primary Source

The Emperor and the Imperial Guard on the Island of Elba

The Emperor and the Imperial Guard on the Island of Elba

Annotation

Napoleon spent ten months on this island in the Mediterranean. He was able to follow events in France without much difficulty. This initial exile was part of a relatively lenient settlement granted by the allies in 1814 after Napoleon’s initial defeat. France’s opponents did not want to humble the nation so much that it would seek revenge. Further, they believed that a stable France helped maintain a balance of power in Europe. Thus Napoleon first lived with a sizable entourage not far from the mainland.

This source is a part of the The Napoleonic Experience teaching module.

Credits

Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University. 4606, Box 18, J41.

How to Cite This Source

"The Emperor and the Imperial Guard on the Island of Elba," in World History Commons, https://worldhistorycommons.org/emperor-and-imperial-guard-island-elba [accessed March 28, 2024]