1 00:00:00,220 --> 00:00:02,430 - [Narrator] This video was made possible by Honey. 2 00:00:02,430 --> 00:00:04,660 Install now for free using the link below 3 00:00:04,660 --> 00:00:07,618 and start saving money when you shop online. 4 00:00:07,618 --> 00:00:10,580 (dramatic thud) 5 00:00:10,580 --> 00:00:12,910 After the third and fourth Coalition wars, 6 00:00:12,910 --> 00:00:15,410 Napoleon had decisively defeated all three 7 00:00:15,410 --> 00:00:17,530 of his main rivals on the continent, 8 00:00:17,530 --> 00:00:21,089 and he was now undoubtedly the master of Europe. 9 00:00:21,089 --> 00:00:23,920 After the Battle of Friedland, his enemy sued for peace 10 00:00:23,920 --> 00:00:27,110 and they all met on a raft on a river for negotiations. 11 00:00:27,109 --> 00:00:29,469 They had been fighting for the past four years, 12 00:00:29,469 --> 00:00:32,109 but now, Napoleon and Alexander surprisingly got 13 00:00:32,109 --> 00:00:33,909 along like a house on fire. 14 00:00:33,909 --> 00:00:34,929 They laughed together. 15 00:00:34,929 --> 00:00:36,839 They chatted long into the night. 16 00:00:36,840 --> 00:00:37,673 They kissed. 17 00:00:37,673 --> 00:00:39,679 The two had a lot of mutual respect, 18 00:00:39,679 --> 00:00:41,320 and Napoleon even told his wife 19 00:00:41,320 --> 00:00:42,869 that "if Alexander were a woman, 20 00:00:42,869 --> 00:00:44,452 I would make him my mistress." 21 00:00:44,453 --> 00:00:45,690 (air whooshes) 22 00:00:45,689 --> 00:00:47,599 Kind of a weird thing to say to your wife, Napoleon. 23 00:00:47,600 --> 00:00:49,960 In the end, they came to an amicable agreement. 24 00:00:49,960 --> 00:00:51,780 Russia would lose barely any land. 25 00:00:51,780 --> 00:00:53,329 And in return, they'd joined France 26 00:00:53,329 --> 00:00:55,469 against the UK and invade Sweden. 27 00:00:55,469 --> 00:00:56,302 Win-win. 28 00:00:56,302 --> 00:00:59,209 On the other hand, Frederick William III was sidelined 29 00:00:59,210 --> 00:01:01,060 and Prussia lost an enormous amount 30 00:01:01,060 --> 00:01:03,410 of territory to French client states. 31 00:01:03,409 --> 00:01:06,619 Only the UK remained as the last major threat to Napoleon. 32 00:01:06,620 --> 00:01:09,270 And they continued to be a big thorn in his side, 33 00:01:09,269 --> 00:01:10,719 constantly funding his enemies 34 00:01:10,719 --> 00:01:12,650 and using their powerful navy to wreak havoc 35 00:01:12,650 --> 00:01:15,080 on French trade and overseas colonies. 36 00:01:15,079 --> 00:01:16,670 But what could Napoleon do? 37 00:01:16,670 --> 00:01:19,109 The British were safe across the channel. 38 00:01:19,109 --> 00:01:21,629 Well, he said, "If I can't fight you with guns, 39 00:01:21,629 --> 00:01:23,649 I'll fight you with money." 40 00:01:23,650 --> 00:01:24,900 Earlier in 1806, 41 00:01:24,900 --> 00:01:27,460 Napoleon had announced the Continental System, 42 00:01:27,459 --> 00:01:30,689 a total shut off of the UK from continental trade. 43 00:01:30,689 --> 00:01:33,109 No one in Europe was to trade with Britain, 44 00:01:33,109 --> 00:01:35,140 and Napoleon hoped that by hitting their economy 45 00:01:35,140 --> 00:01:36,849 he could force them to negotiate. 46 00:01:36,849 --> 00:01:38,640 The British economy did take a hit, 47 00:01:38,640 --> 00:01:40,709 and they responded in their typical fashion 48 00:01:40,709 --> 00:01:43,489 by going to Copenhagen and blowing a bunch of stuff up. 49 00:01:43,489 --> 00:01:45,849 But in general, the British managed to stay afloat 50 00:01:45,849 --> 00:01:47,259 by simply increasing their trade 51 00:01:47,260 --> 00:01:48,730 with other parts of the world. 52 00:01:48,730 --> 00:01:50,609 Many neutral countries found themselves stuck 53 00:01:50,609 --> 00:01:52,099 between a rock and a hard place 54 00:01:52,099 --> 00:01:54,199 as the two European superpowers demanded 55 00:01:54,200 --> 00:01:56,090 they ceased trade with the enemy. 56 00:01:56,090 --> 00:01:58,048 Hey America, you better not trade with the French 57 00:01:58,048 --> 00:01:59,820 or else I'll come burn down the White House. 58 00:01:59,819 --> 00:02:02,179 What? 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Why not? 106 00:03:41,400 --> 00:03:43,270 Well, it appears, they've been trying to find a way out 107 00:03:43,270 --> 00:03:45,900 of being your ally since they lost their fleet at Trafalgar. 108 00:03:45,900 --> 00:03:47,430 What is with these people? 109 00:03:47,430 --> 00:03:49,950 It's almost like everyone's only pretending to be my ally 110 00:03:49,949 --> 00:03:52,109 because they know otherwise I'd beat them up. 111 00:03:52,110 --> 00:03:54,190 Do I even have any real friends? 112 00:03:54,189 --> 00:03:55,550 Are you my friend, Pierre? 113 00:03:55,550 --> 00:03:56,719 Say yes or I'll slap you. 114 00:03:56,719 --> 00:03:59,310 Napoleon had come to mistrust his ally to the south. 115 00:03:59,310 --> 00:04:00,240 And in particular, 116 00:04:00,240 --> 00:04:02,280 Napoleon thought the Spanish royal family 117 00:04:02,280 --> 00:04:03,860 were an incompetent mess. 118 00:04:03,860 --> 00:04:06,530 All right, Carlos, you've got to get it together. 119 00:04:06,530 --> 00:04:08,810 How can I trust you when all you do is go hunting? 120 00:04:08,810 --> 00:04:10,770 Meanwhile, you let this ambitious nobody 121 00:04:10,770 --> 00:04:12,540 who dislikes me run the country. 122 00:04:12,539 --> 00:04:13,729 And you seem to be the only person 123 00:04:13,729 --> 00:04:16,909 in the universe who doesn't realize he's boinking your wife. 124 00:04:16,910 --> 00:04:18,430 And what's worse... 125 00:04:18,430 --> 00:04:19,550 Who the heck are you? 126 00:04:19,550 --> 00:04:20,569 I'm the king's son. 127 00:04:20,569 --> 00:04:21,740 I just overthrew my dad, 128 00:04:21,740 --> 00:04:23,763 so, actually, now I'm the king. 129 00:04:25,060 --> 00:04:27,269 You people are the biggest cluster 130 00:04:27,269 --> 00:04:29,479 of shameless, narcissistic idiots 131 00:04:29,480 --> 00:04:32,780 and all around just the worst people I've ever met. 132 00:04:32,779 --> 00:04:33,849 Here, have a Kids' Choice Award. 133 00:04:33,850 --> 00:04:36,290 French forces, many having conveniently already 134 00:04:36,290 --> 00:04:37,970 entered Spain to invade Portugal, 135 00:04:37,970 --> 00:04:39,550 occupied Spanish forts 136 00:04:39,550 --> 00:04:41,210 and Napoleon invited the Spanish royals 137 00:04:41,209 --> 00:04:43,926 to France to help mediate their differences. 138 00:04:43,927 --> 00:04:46,450 (audience cheering) 139 00:04:46,449 --> 00:04:49,810 All right, we're here with the royal family of Spain. 140 00:04:49,810 --> 00:04:52,379 So, Fernando, you've been accused of plotting 141 00:04:52,379 --> 00:04:54,713 against your father and vying for the Spanish throne. 142 00:04:54,713 --> 00:04:55,546 (audience gasps) 143 00:04:55,545 --> 00:04:56,560 What do you have to say for yourself? 144 00:04:56,560 --> 00:04:57,393 Well, Napoleon... 145 00:04:57,392 --> 00:04:58,399 That's great. 146 00:04:58,399 --> 00:05:00,920 Well, I've got the test results right here. 147 00:05:00,920 --> 00:05:01,754 - [Audience Member] All right! 148 00:05:01,754 --> 00:05:04,450 - [Narrator] Fernando, in the case of the Spanish throne, 149 00:05:04,449 --> 00:05:06,005 you are not the king. 150 00:05:06,005 --> 00:05:08,129 - Ha ha! (audience laughing) 151 00:05:08,129 --> 00:05:11,526 - [Narrator] And Carlos, you are also not the king. 152 00:05:11,526 --> 00:05:14,323 (audience laughing) (air whooshes) 153 00:05:14,322 --> 00:05:15,457 I'm the king. 154 00:05:15,458 --> 00:05:18,458 (audience cheering) 155 00:05:19,699 --> 00:05:21,909 Actually, Napoleon made his brother the king, 156 00:05:21,910 --> 00:05:25,550 but for all intents and purposes, Spain was now his puppet. 157 00:05:25,550 --> 00:05:27,780 He expected the Spanish people to be over the moon 158 00:05:27,779 --> 00:05:30,529 at the removal of their unpopular royal family. 159 00:05:30,529 --> 00:05:32,599 Imagine his surprise when it turned out 160 00:05:32,600 --> 00:05:34,670 that people don't really like to be subjugated 161 00:05:34,670 --> 00:05:36,420 by a foreign power, least of all one 162 00:05:36,420 --> 00:05:38,980 who had previously attacked the Catholic church. 163 00:05:38,980 --> 00:05:41,900 And so the people of Spain revolted. 164 00:05:41,899 --> 00:05:44,009 Brutal fighting broke out as bands 165 00:05:44,009 --> 00:05:46,199 of armed Spaniards ambushed French troops 166 00:05:46,199 --> 00:05:49,569 across the kingdom and vicious atrocities were committed 167 00:05:49,569 --> 00:05:50,709 on both sides. 168 00:05:50,709 --> 00:05:52,589 In addition to fighting the regular Spanish 169 00:05:52,589 --> 00:05:53,819 and Portuguese forces, 170 00:05:53,819 --> 00:05:55,990 the French had to contend with tens of thousands 171 00:05:55,990 --> 00:05:58,840 of guerrilla fighters throughout the Spanish countryside. 172 00:05:58,839 --> 00:06:00,739 The British even took the opportunity 173 00:06:00,740 --> 00:06:03,480 to land an army led by the future Duke of Wellington. 174 00:06:03,480 --> 00:06:07,170 And now British forces were defeating French ones on land. 175 00:06:07,170 --> 00:06:09,410 Napoleon briefly went to Spain in person, 176 00:06:09,410 --> 00:06:11,340 and he did drive back the allied armies, 177 00:06:11,339 --> 00:06:14,359 but before long, his attention was needed elsewhere. 178 00:06:14,360 --> 00:06:17,060 The whole thing became a nightmare for the emperor. 179 00:06:17,060 --> 00:06:18,899 He excelled at traditional warfare, 180 00:06:18,899 --> 00:06:22,060 but this was something more akin to Napoleon's Vietnam. 181 00:06:22,060 --> 00:06:24,019 The whole conflict would keep hundreds of thousands 182 00:06:24,019 --> 00:06:27,049 of French soldiers and resources bogged down for years. 183 00:06:27,050 --> 00:06:29,259 Napoleon was never able to break the will 184 00:06:29,259 --> 00:06:30,529 of the Spanish people. 185 00:06:30,529 --> 00:06:33,938 And this problem weakened his position in Europe. 186 00:06:33,939 --> 00:06:35,740 (narrator humming) 187 00:06:35,740 --> 00:06:38,343 Hey, Francis, wanna go to war with Napoleon again? 188 00:06:38,343 --> 00:06:39,819 Oh, I don't know Britain. 189 00:06:39,819 --> 00:06:41,800 He's already whomped me three times. 190 00:06:41,800 --> 00:06:43,520 I'll give you a bazillion pounds. 191 00:06:43,519 --> 00:06:44,449 Well, okay. 192 00:06:44,449 --> 00:06:46,839 Seeing that Napoleon was now caught up in Spain, 193 00:06:46,839 --> 00:06:49,329 and with some British funding, Austria decided maybe, 194 00:06:49,329 --> 00:06:52,399 just maybe this time they'd have a chance. 195 00:06:52,399 --> 00:06:53,536 So did they? 196 00:06:53,536 --> 00:06:54,420 No. 197 00:06:54,420 --> 00:06:57,110 Napoleon defeated them in just four months. 198 00:06:57,110 --> 00:06:59,560 It was quick, but it wasn't exactly easy. 199 00:06:59,560 --> 00:07:01,160 The Austrians had been watching Napoleon 200 00:07:01,160 --> 00:07:03,340 and learning, and they had made some reforms, 201 00:07:03,339 --> 00:07:05,239 while Napoleon, after years of war, 202 00:07:05,240 --> 00:07:06,860 was increasingly having to rely 203 00:07:06,860 --> 00:07:08,610 on inexperienced conscripts. 204 00:07:08,610 --> 00:07:11,509 So this time the Austrians gave him a run for his money. 205 00:07:11,509 --> 00:07:14,060 The Fifth Coalition saw some of the bloodiest battles 206 00:07:14,060 --> 00:07:16,740 to date, including Napoleon's first major defeat. 207 00:07:16,740 --> 00:07:18,420 And when he did finally defeat the Austrians 208 00:07:18,420 --> 00:07:21,620 at the Battle of Wagram, it was a very costly victory. 209 00:07:21,620 --> 00:07:24,759 Still, Napoleon had yet again kicked Francis' butt, 210 00:07:24,759 --> 00:07:26,110 and as part of the peace terms, 211 00:07:26,110 --> 00:07:28,080 Austria lost a bunch more land. 212 00:07:28,079 --> 00:07:29,349 Not long after, however, 213 00:07:29,350 --> 00:07:31,860 Napoleon and Francis came to another agreement. 214 00:07:31,860 --> 00:07:33,400 It was decided that Napoleon 215 00:07:33,399 --> 00:07:35,469 would marry Francis' young daughter. 216 00:07:35,470 --> 00:07:38,500 But wait, doesn't Napoleon already have a wife? 217 00:07:38,500 --> 00:07:40,110 Well, yes, he did. 218 00:07:40,110 --> 00:07:42,949 Josephine and Napoleon had become quite fond of one another. 219 00:07:42,949 --> 00:07:45,250 But now that Napoleon was playing the monarch game, 220 00:07:45,250 --> 00:07:46,569 he needed a male heir 221 00:07:46,569 --> 00:07:48,620 and his aging wife wasn't giving him one. 222 00:07:48,620 --> 00:07:51,209 So it was out with the old and in with the new. 223 00:07:51,209 --> 00:07:52,939 At least he didn't behead anyone. 224 00:07:52,939 --> 00:07:55,110 For Austria, they felt that if Napoleon was going 225 00:07:55,110 --> 00:07:55,949 to keep on winning, 226 00:07:55,949 --> 00:07:57,519 they may as well be on his side. 227 00:07:57,519 --> 00:07:58,599 So through the marriage, 228 00:07:58,600 --> 00:08:00,470 Napoleon got an alliance with Austria 229 00:08:00,470 --> 00:08:02,690 and a beautiful baby potato. 230 00:08:02,689 --> 00:08:04,740 Between them failing blockade against Britain, 231 00:08:04,740 --> 00:08:06,220 the ongoing war in Spain, 232 00:08:06,220 --> 00:08:08,270 and now his recent struggles in Austria, 233 00:08:08,269 --> 00:08:11,319 cracks in Napoleon's invincibility were beginning to show. 234 00:08:11,319 --> 00:08:13,540 But still, look at this map. 235 00:08:13,540 --> 00:08:15,530 So blue, so beautiful. 236 00:08:15,529 --> 00:08:18,049 Even Sweden, after being pulverized by Russia, 237 00:08:18,050 --> 00:08:19,170 overthrew their king, 238 00:08:19,170 --> 00:08:21,000 and after an interesting chain of events, 239 00:08:21,000 --> 00:08:23,930 ended up putting one of Napoleon's own marshals in charge. 240 00:08:23,930 --> 00:08:26,480 Marshall Bernadotte took the name Karl Johan 241 00:08:26,480 --> 00:08:28,310 and became crown prince of Sweden. 242 00:08:28,310 --> 00:08:30,990 After agreeing to join Napoleon's Continental System, 243 00:08:30,990 --> 00:08:33,810 for now, Sweden was team France. 244 00:08:33,809 --> 00:08:35,779 Napoleon was on top of the world. 245 00:08:35,779 --> 00:08:38,539 He had won an endless string of victories. 246 00:08:38,539 --> 00:08:40,659 All he had to do now was sit back 247 00:08:40,659 --> 00:08:42,629 and not make any major miscalculations 248 00:08:42,629 --> 00:08:44,629 that could completely turn the tide of war. 249 00:08:44,629 --> 00:08:46,253 So let's see what comes next. 250 00:08:47,962 --> 00:08:50,019 (dramatic music) (air whooshes) 251 00:08:50,019 --> 00:08:53,259 France's alliance with Russia was a terrifying prospect. 252 00:08:53,259 --> 00:08:55,439 Together, the two could've been unstoppable, 253 00:08:55,440 --> 00:08:58,100 but unfortunately, the alliance didn't last. 254 00:08:58,100 --> 00:09:00,139 The Russians felt they weren't getting a fair deal. 255 00:09:00,139 --> 00:09:01,679 Napoleon's Duchy of Warsaw right 256 00:09:01,679 --> 00:09:03,609 on their doorstep was a bit of an insult. 257 00:09:03,610 --> 00:09:05,340 And then their economy began to tank 258 00:09:05,340 --> 00:09:07,430 because of Napoleon's British blockade. 259 00:09:07,429 --> 00:09:09,729 And eventually, they began to open up trade. 260 00:09:09,730 --> 00:09:12,180 Your Majesty, it seems Alexander is no longer abiding 261 00:09:12,179 --> 00:09:13,459 by the Continental System 262 00:09:13,460 --> 00:09:15,310 and has begun trading with the British. 263 00:09:15,309 --> 00:09:18,379 Alexander? But he kissed me. 264 00:09:18,379 --> 00:09:19,659 He kissed you? 265 00:09:19,659 --> 00:09:21,329 You wouldn't get it, Pierre. 266 00:09:21,330 --> 00:09:23,038 No one would ever kiss you. 267 00:09:23,038 --> 00:09:24,320 (narrator bawling) 268 00:09:24,320 --> 00:09:26,170 The security of Napoleon's empire depended 269 00:09:26,169 --> 00:09:27,669 on removing the British threat 270 00:09:27,669 --> 00:09:30,459 and he wasn't happy with Russia's backdoor shenanigans. 271 00:09:30,460 --> 00:09:33,860 And so in 1812, Napoleon decided to go to war. 272 00:09:33,860 --> 00:09:35,950 He gathered together the most massive army 273 00:09:35,950 --> 00:09:38,465 Europe had ever seen, made up of troops from every corner 274 00:09:38,465 --> 00:09:41,410 of his empire, and he prepared to invade. 275 00:09:41,409 --> 00:09:43,620 Okay, it looks like Napoleon's coming for us. 276 00:09:43,620 --> 00:09:45,299 Generals, I need ideas. 277 00:09:45,299 --> 00:09:46,579 We could stand and fight. 278 00:09:46,580 --> 00:09:47,710 No that's stupid. 279 00:09:47,710 --> 00:09:48,590 You're stupid. 280 00:09:48,590 --> 00:09:49,720 We could run away. 281 00:09:49,720 --> 00:09:52,570 You, you're a star. 282 00:09:52,570 --> 00:09:54,410 You remember Napoleon's tactics relied 283 00:09:54,409 --> 00:09:56,549 on astonishing speed to outmaneuver his enemy 284 00:09:56,549 --> 00:09:58,699 and force a quick, decisive battle. 285 00:09:58,700 --> 00:10:00,120 Well, I've got two words for you. 286 00:10:00,120 --> 00:10:01,509 Scorched earth. 287 00:10:01,509 --> 00:10:03,789 If his opponent retreated while scorching the earth, 288 00:10:03,789 --> 00:10:05,349 his men couldn't live off the land. 289 00:10:05,350 --> 00:10:06,769 And if his men couldn't live off the land, 290 00:10:06,769 --> 00:10:08,090 he needed his supply trains. 291 00:10:08,090 --> 00:10:09,350 And if he needed his supply trains, 292 00:10:09,350 --> 00:10:10,250 he couldn't move quickly. 293 00:10:10,250 --> 00:10:11,179 And if he couldn't move quickly, 294 00:10:11,179 --> 00:10:12,319 he couldn't outmaneuver his enemy. 295 00:10:12,320 --> 00:10:13,740 And if he couldn't outmaneuver his enemy, 296 00:10:13,740 --> 00:10:15,100 I think you get the point. 297 00:10:15,100 --> 00:10:17,920 Napoleon launched his invasion and hoped for a quick battle, 298 00:10:17,919 --> 00:10:20,719 but all he could do was try to catch the retreating Russians 299 00:10:20,720 --> 00:10:23,500 while moving deeper and deeper into hostile territory. 300 00:10:23,500 --> 00:10:26,909 As he went, the horribly hot summer devastated his army. 301 00:10:26,909 --> 00:10:29,909 His men died of heat, exhaustion, and disease. 302 00:10:29,909 --> 00:10:33,039 Supplies began to run out and his men began to starve. 303 00:10:33,039 --> 00:10:36,629 Many deserted, and still the Russians continued to retreat. 304 00:10:36,629 --> 00:10:39,309 Numerous times, Napoleon considered turning back. 305 00:10:39,309 --> 00:10:41,596 But that little voice in his head kept on telling him, 306 00:10:41,596 --> 00:10:44,309 "Keep going, just a little further, 307 00:10:44,309 --> 00:10:45,309 and don't worry. 308 00:10:45,309 --> 00:10:48,209 You're definitely average height for the time." 309 00:10:48,210 --> 00:10:50,200 He nearly caught the Russians at Smolensk, 310 00:10:50,200 --> 00:10:52,740 but it was his birthday so he had a party instead. 311 00:10:52,740 --> 00:10:54,230 When he finally reached Moscow, 312 00:10:54,230 --> 00:10:55,759 he predicted the Russians wouldn't be willing 313 00:10:55,759 --> 00:10:58,919 to give up such a historic and holy city without a fight. 314 00:10:58,919 --> 00:11:00,459 And he was right. 315 00:11:00,460 --> 00:11:02,600 The Russians finally turned to face him 316 00:11:02,600 --> 00:11:06,050 for the single deadliest day of the Napoleonic Wars, 317 00:11:06,049 --> 00:11:08,089 the Battle of Borodino. 318 00:11:08,090 --> 00:11:09,740 The Russians fought valiantly. 319 00:11:09,740 --> 00:11:12,289 And as he got older, Napoleon's battle tactics seemed 320 00:11:12,289 --> 00:11:13,799 to become a little less refined 321 00:11:13,799 --> 00:11:16,909 and a little more run straight at the enemy, try not to die. 322 00:11:16,909 --> 00:11:19,719 He launched a full frontal assault at the Russian defenses. 323 00:11:19,720 --> 00:11:22,379 And as a result, the death toll was colossal. 324 00:11:22,379 --> 00:11:24,409 The Russians eventually decided to retreat, 325 00:11:24,409 --> 00:11:27,069 leaving Moscow to fall into Napoleon's hands. 326 00:11:27,070 --> 00:11:28,720 Quick, the French are taking the city. 327 00:11:28,720 --> 00:11:30,470 Release all these prisoners immediately 328 00:11:30,470 --> 00:11:32,830 and tell them to burn it to the ground. 329 00:11:32,830 --> 00:11:34,670 Well, well, Jimmy the arsonist, 330 00:11:34,669 --> 00:11:36,289 you are not gonna believe your luck. 331 00:11:36,289 --> 00:11:37,819 Moscow went up in flames, 332 00:11:37,820 --> 00:11:39,000 and as Napoleon entered, 333 00:11:39,000 --> 00:11:40,919 it became very clear his army wouldn't be able 334 00:11:40,919 --> 00:11:42,490 to stay there very long. 335 00:11:42,490 --> 00:11:44,799 But he had just defeated the Russian army 336 00:11:44,799 --> 00:11:47,129 and taken their most beloved city. 337 00:11:47,129 --> 00:11:49,330 In his mind, he had won, 338 00:11:49,330 --> 00:11:52,420 so he sent Tsar Alexander in St. Petersburg a letter. 339 00:11:52,419 --> 00:11:55,399 Your Imperial Majesty, Napoleon requests your surrender. 340 00:11:55,399 --> 00:11:56,500 How shall I respond? 341 00:11:56,500 --> 00:11:58,269 You shan't, Dimitri. 342 00:11:58,269 --> 00:11:59,102 Ever? 343 00:11:59,102 --> 00:11:59,935 Ever. 344 00:11:59,936 --> 00:12:02,240 But your majesty, it will be winter soon. 345 00:12:02,240 --> 00:12:04,149 The French forces are stuck 500 miles 346 00:12:04,149 --> 00:12:06,409 into Russian territory with dwindling supplies. 347 00:12:06,409 --> 00:12:10,242 If we don't say anything, well, then they'll all die. 348 00:12:10,243 --> 00:12:11,820 Oh! 349 00:12:11,820 --> 00:12:13,980 After waiting for a response for about a month, 350 00:12:13,980 --> 00:12:15,820 the first snow of winter began to fall, 351 00:12:15,820 --> 00:12:17,860 and Napoleon sensed the catastrophe 352 00:12:17,860 --> 00:12:19,389 that was about to unfold. 353 00:12:19,389 --> 00:12:22,779 He decided their only choice now was to get out. 354 00:12:22,779 --> 00:12:24,370 And that's when it happened. 355 00:12:24,370 --> 00:12:27,340 It got cold, stupid cold. 356 00:12:27,340 --> 00:12:30,670 His glorious invasion had just become a race for survival. 357 00:12:30,669 --> 00:12:32,740 As the Russians realized the French were fleeing 358 00:12:32,740 --> 00:12:34,610 for their lives, they began to close in 359 00:12:34,610 --> 00:12:35,690 on their supply line. 360 00:12:35,690 --> 00:12:38,660 Men froze to death, their horses as well. 361 00:12:38,659 --> 00:12:40,799 There was starvation and disease. 362 00:12:40,799 --> 00:12:42,609 The injured and dying could only be left 363 00:12:42,610 --> 00:12:43,740 by the side of the road, 364 00:12:43,740 --> 00:12:45,680 as it was too slow to try to carry them. 365 00:12:45,679 --> 00:12:46,799 And all along the way, 366 00:12:46,799 --> 00:12:48,969 the dreaded Russian Cossacks stalked 367 00:12:48,970 --> 00:12:50,120 the bleeding French army, 368 00:12:50,120 --> 00:12:52,950 and every now and then swept in for a quick attack. 369 00:12:52,950 --> 00:12:54,640 Napoleon, fearing capture, 370 00:12:54,639 --> 00:12:56,710 kept a vial of poison around his neck. 371 00:12:56,710 --> 00:12:58,790 At one point, the Russian armies nearly trapped him 372 00:12:58,789 --> 00:13:00,110 against the Berezina River, 373 00:13:00,110 --> 00:13:01,909 but a little Napoleon cleverness gave him 374 00:13:01,909 --> 00:13:03,509 the old Jeffrey juke, tricking them 375 00:13:03,509 --> 00:13:04,850 into thinking he was going south, 376 00:13:04,850 --> 00:13:07,540 and then escaping across rapidly-built pontoon bridges 377 00:13:07,539 --> 00:13:08,372 to the north. 378 00:13:08,373 --> 00:13:10,009 When the Russians realized where he was 379 00:13:10,009 --> 00:13:11,230 and began to close in, 380 00:13:11,230 --> 00:13:14,190 the French burned the bridges before everyone could cross. 381 00:13:14,190 --> 00:13:17,340 Hundreds drowned and thousands were captured. 382 00:13:17,340 --> 00:13:19,430 At this point, Napoleon got wind of plots 383 00:13:19,429 --> 00:13:20,829 against him forming in Paris, 384 00:13:20,830 --> 00:13:23,490 so he abandoned his men and went back to France. 385 00:13:23,490 --> 00:13:26,310 The remaining French stragglers made it across the border. 386 00:13:26,309 --> 00:13:30,069 It's been estimated over 600,000 men went into Russia. 387 00:13:30,070 --> 00:13:32,910 Less than 100,000 returned. 388 00:13:32,909 --> 00:13:35,969 Napoleon was now in a very precarious situation. 389 00:13:35,970 --> 00:13:37,940 His army had just been obliterated, 390 00:13:37,940 --> 00:13:40,690 and the other European leaders smelled blood. 391 00:13:40,690 --> 00:13:42,590 Here was an opportunity to take advantage 392 00:13:42,590 --> 00:13:45,210 of a weakened Napoleon, regain territory and influence, 393 00:13:45,210 --> 00:13:47,900 and liberate Europe from his dirty French paws. 394 00:13:47,899 --> 00:13:49,759 And so they began to turn. 395 00:13:49,759 --> 00:13:52,159 Prussia soon broke their Alliance and switched sides, 396 00:13:52,159 --> 00:13:54,089 while Austria declared neutrality. 397 00:13:54,090 --> 00:13:56,990 Even Sweden, led by one of Napoleon's old marshals, 398 00:13:56,990 --> 00:14:00,120 joined the allies, partly due to Napoleon's earlier invasion 399 00:14:00,120 --> 00:14:01,659 of Swedish Pomerania. 400 00:14:01,659 --> 00:14:04,829 The War of the Sixth Coalition had begun. 401 00:14:04,830 --> 00:14:07,210 The Coalition forces had been reforming their armies 402 00:14:07,210 --> 00:14:08,769 and they were now much better. 403 00:14:08,769 --> 00:14:11,069 And the UK had also significantly amped 404 00:14:11,070 --> 00:14:13,800 up its financial aid to its continental allies. 405 00:14:13,799 --> 00:14:16,099 Their armies quickly advanced through Poland 406 00:14:16,100 --> 00:14:17,269 and into Germany. 407 00:14:17,269 --> 00:14:20,110 In Paris, Napoleon was understandably freaking out. 408 00:14:20,110 --> 00:14:22,500 He needed to put together a new army fast, 409 00:14:22,500 --> 00:14:24,960 and he called up over 100,000 new conscripts, 410 00:14:24,960 --> 00:14:26,280 mostly teenagers. 411 00:14:26,279 --> 00:14:28,699 He also put his factories into overdrive, 412 00:14:28,700 --> 00:14:30,690 and he was like, "You, make more rifles! 413 00:14:30,690 --> 00:14:32,040 You, build new cannons! 414 00:14:32,039 --> 00:14:33,309 You, make more horses!" 415 00:14:33,309 --> 00:14:34,419 I don't make horses. 416 00:14:34,419 --> 00:14:35,349 Then who makes horses? 417 00:14:35,350 --> 00:14:36,557 Horses make horses. 418 00:14:36,557 --> 00:14:37,559 Explain how. 419 00:14:37,559 --> 00:14:39,129 Well, when a daddy horse 420 00:14:39,129 --> 00:14:41,519 and a mommy horse love each other very much... 421 00:14:41,519 --> 00:14:42,669 Yes. Go on. 422 00:14:42,669 --> 00:14:45,059 Well, then the daddy horse... 423 00:14:45,059 --> 00:14:47,069 I'm sorry, Napoleon, you're 43, 424 00:14:47,070 --> 00:14:48,250 I thought you'd know this stuff. 425 00:14:48,250 --> 00:14:49,082 Don't touch me. 426 00:14:49,082 --> 00:14:49,949 I'm gonna be sick. 427 00:14:49,950 --> 00:14:51,930 As it turned out, Napoleon's lack of horses 428 00:14:51,929 --> 00:14:53,639 would take the biggest toll on his army 429 00:14:53,639 --> 00:14:55,399 since his tactics relied on speed, 430 00:14:55,399 --> 00:14:57,360 maneuverability, and destruction. 431 00:14:57,360 --> 00:14:59,649 When he took the fight to the allies in 1813, 432 00:14:59,649 --> 00:15:01,870 he did defeat them and sent them running, 433 00:15:01,870 --> 00:15:03,029 but lacking cavalry, 434 00:15:03,029 --> 00:15:05,870 he was unable to effectively pursue and destroy. 435 00:15:05,870 --> 00:15:07,460 He needed horses. 436 00:15:07,460 --> 00:15:09,310 For the allies, being defeated in battle 437 00:15:09,309 --> 00:15:10,669 by a man whose army was now full 438 00:15:10,669 --> 00:15:13,149 of an experienced conscripts was concerning, 439 00:15:13,149 --> 00:15:16,069 so both we're like, "Hold up, time out." 440 00:15:16,070 --> 00:15:17,600 The allies were somewhat cornered, 441 00:15:17,600 --> 00:15:19,029 and had Napoleon kept going, 442 00:15:19,029 --> 00:15:20,539 it's possible he could've won. 443 00:15:20,539 --> 00:15:22,370 But instead he agreed to a brief truce 444 00:15:22,370 --> 00:15:25,200 with the Austrians mediating between the two sides. 445 00:15:25,200 --> 00:15:27,960 When Austria demanded Napoleon make major concessions, 446 00:15:27,960 --> 00:15:30,110 Napoleon told them to shove it. 447 00:15:30,110 --> 00:15:31,580 Having had their terms rejected, 448 00:15:31,580 --> 00:15:33,706 Austria felt now they were justified in saying, 449 00:15:33,706 --> 00:15:36,539 "Well, we tried." and they joined the Coalition. 450 00:15:36,539 --> 00:15:38,189 Okay everyone, look at us. 451 00:15:38,190 --> 00:15:39,700 The boys are back together, 452 00:15:39,700 --> 00:15:41,770 but Napoleon is still dangerous, 453 00:15:41,769 --> 00:15:43,159 so we need a plan. 454 00:15:43,159 --> 00:15:44,449 Any ideas? 455 00:15:44,450 --> 00:15:46,090 Hmm. 456 00:15:46,090 --> 00:15:48,280 Oh, I know! Ah, no forget it. 457 00:15:48,279 --> 00:15:49,112 That's stupid. 458 00:15:50,169 --> 00:15:52,322 Ah! Ah no, no, no, no. 459 00:15:54,309 --> 00:15:55,639 I've got it! 460 00:15:55,639 --> 00:16:00,100 When he approaches, we run away! 461 00:16:00,100 --> 00:16:01,690 Genius. He's a genius. 462 00:16:01,690 --> 00:16:03,220 The plan was as follows: 463 00:16:03,220 --> 00:16:04,779 wherever Napoleon advanced, 464 00:16:04,779 --> 00:16:07,279 whoever he advanced on would avoid battle, 465 00:16:07,279 --> 00:16:09,389 allowing the others to sweep in from the sides 466 00:16:09,389 --> 00:16:12,250 and attack the French marshals guarding his flanks. 467 00:16:12,250 --> 00:16:15,440 Essentially, the plan was don't try to fight Napoleon. 468 00:16:15,440 --> 00:16:17,530 And this plan worked tremendously. 469 00:16:17,529 --> 00:16:19,299 The allies scored a number of victories 470 00:16:19,299 --> 00:16:22,009 that saw Napoleon move back to the city of Leipzig, 471 00:16:22,009 --> 00:16:24,549 where he would make one last major stand 472 00:16:24,549 --> 00:16:27,559 as the allied armies converged in on him from all sides. 473 00:16:27,559 --> 00:16:30,069 The stage was set for the biggest 474 00:16:30,070 --> 00:16:33,060 and bloodiest battle of the Napoleonic Wars, 475 00:16:33,059 --> 00:16:35,379 the Battle of Leipzig. 476 00:16:35,379 --> 00:16:36,750 Almost half a million troops 477 00:16:36,750 --> 00:16:39,720 from over a dozen nations stretched across the battlefield. 478 00:16:39,720 --> 00:16:41,009 The French found themselves fighting 479 00:16:41,009 --> 00:16:42,970 on all sides for four days 480 00:16:42,970 --> 00:16:46,350 against the Austrians, Prussians, Swedes, and Russians. 481 00:16:46,350 --> 00:16:48,639 It's no wonder this battle is also sometimes referred 482 00:16:48,639 --> 00:16:50,919 to as the Battle of the Nations. 483 00:16:50,919 --> 00:16:52,649 The French fought ferociously, 484 00:16:52,649 --> 00:16:55,139 but ultimately, were no match for the coordinated efforts 485 00:16:55,139 --> 00:16:56,269 of the Coalition. 486 00:16:56,269 --> 00:16:57,960 At one point in the midst of battle, 487 00:16:57,960 --> 00:17:00,550 Saxon troops allied with the French had a team huddle, 488 00:17:00,549 --> 00:17:01,729 and we're like, "Hey guys. 489 00:17:01,730 --> 00:17:03,200 I'm pretty sure the French are losing. 490 00:17:03,200 --> 00:17:04,160 Let's switch sides." 491 00:17:04,160 --> 00:17:05,259 And so they did. 492 00:17:05,259 --> 00:17:07,349 When it became clear that Napoleon couldn't win, 493 00:17:07,349 --> 00:17:09,980 he ordered a retreat across the only bridge over the river. 494 00:17:09,980 --> 00:17:11,660 The allies swarmed into the city 495 00:17:11,660 --> 00:17:14,170 and desperate fighting raged in the streets. 496 00:17:14,170 --> 00:17:16,410 Okay corporal, after everyone has crossed the river, 497 00:17:16,410 --> 00:17:18,160 I need you to blow up the bridge. 498 00:17:18,160 --> 00:17:21,100 Okay? Not before everyone's crossed. 499 00:17:21,099 --> 00:17:22,889 After. You got that? 500 00:17:22,890 --> 00:17:25,670 Yes, Colonel. I'm not five, I can comprehend time. 501 00:17:25,670 --> 00:17:26,503 Good. 502 00:17:27,569 --> 00:17:31,482 Wait, did he say before or after? 503 00:17:31,482 --> 00:17:33,691 Well, fortune favors the bold. 504 00:17:33,691 --> 00:17:34,524 (bridge explodes) 505 00:17:34,523 --> 00:17:35,799 The bridge was blown early 506 00:17:35,799 --> 00:17:38,815 and 30,000 French troops were stranded and captured. 507 00:17:38,815 --> 00:17:40,309 A disaster. 508 00:17:40,309 --> 00:17:42,190 And with that, the dominoes were beginning 509 00:17:42,190 --> 00:17:44,650 to come crashing down on Napoleon. 510 00:17:44,650 --> 00:17:45,870 In the south, an army 511 00:17:45,869 --> 00:17:47,629 under the British Duke of Wellington had been pushing 512 00:17:47,630 --> 00:17:49,850 the French out of Spain for the past few years 513 00:17:49,849 --> 00:17:51,909 and were now crossing into France. 514 00:17:51,910 --> 00:17:53,779 Austrian armies had pushed into Italy, 515 00:17:53,779 --> 00:17:56,000 while Napoleon's old, flamboyant cavalry commander, 516 00:17:56,000 --> 00:17:58,319 Murat, who Napoleon had made King of Naples, 517 00:17:58,319 --> 00:18:00,019 decided to switch sides. 518 00:18:00,019 --> 00:18:02,220 German states, many resentful after years 519 00:18:02,220 --> 00:18:04,400 under Napoleon's thumb, turned against him 520 00:18:04,400 --> 00:18:06,540 and the Confederation of the Rhine collapsed. 521 00:18:06,539 --> 00:18:08,139 Bernadotte invaded Denmark 522 00:18:08,140 --> 00:18:09,710 and they were forced to join the Coalition, 523 00:18:09,710 --> 00:18:11,930 while the Netherlands were liberated. 524 00:18:11,930 --> 00:18:14,610 You'd think Napoleon might've seen the writing on the wall, 525 00:18:14,609 --> 00:18:16,276 but he was Napoleon. 526 00:18:16,277 --> 00:18:19,130 And so instead, he prepared to keep fighting. 527 00:18:19,130 --> 00:18:21,070 As attitudes in Paris were already beginning 528 00:18:21,069 --> 00:18:21,980 to turn against him, 529 00:18:21,980 --> 00:18:25,140 he called up more conscripts to defend the exhausted nation. 530 00:18:25,140 --> 00:18:26,180 As for the allies, 531 00:18:26,180 --> 00:18:28,750 they weren't sure exactly what they were aiming for here. 532 00:18:28,750 --> 00:18:30,190 A few peace offers were floated 533 00:18:30,190 --> 00:18:32,230 that may have let Napoleon keep his position, 534 00:18:32,230 --> 00:18:34,250 but the British kept throwing around even more money. 535 00:18:34,250 --> 00:18:35,759 And eventually, they all agreed 536 00:18:35,759 --> 00:18:37,740 that the ultimate aim was the deposition 537 00:18:37,740 --> 00:18:39,450 of Napoleon entirely. 538 00:18:39,450 --> 00:18:43,009 And so Napoleon embarked on one of his most famous campaigns 539 00:18:43,009 --> 00:18:44,700 to defend the homeland. 540 00:18:44,700 --> 00:18:46,259 He was completely outnumbered, 541 00:18:46,259 --> 00:18:49,210 but the allied armies had split up and spread out. 542 00:18:49,210 --> 00:18:52,200 His army was so small that he could move at lightning speed. 543 00:18:52,200 --> 00:18:54,200 And he used this to his advantage. 544 00:18:54,200 --> 00:18:55,860 In the famous Six Days' Campaign 545 00:18:55,859 --> 00:18:57,519 against Prussian General Blucher, 546 00:18:57,519 --> 00:18:59,220 he attacked from all directions 547 00:18:59,220 --> 00:19:01,779 and defeated Blucher's forces four times, 548 00:19:01,779 --> 00:19:04,700 only suffering a tenth of the casualties he inflicted. 549 00:19:04,700 --> 00:19:07,220 Even with his back completely to the wall, 550 00:19:07,220 --> 00:19:09,420 Napoleon was still Napoleon. 551 00:19:09,420 --> 00:19:10,500 Then he turned south to take 552 00:19:10,500 --> 00:19:12,279 on Schwarzenberg's Army of Bohemia 553 00:19:12,279 --> 00:19:14,099 and enjoyed even more victories. 554 00:19:14,099 --> 00:19:16,189 However, Napoleon's problem was 555 00:19:16,190 --> 00:19:17,880 that he couldn't be everywhere at once. 556 00:19:17,880 --> 00:19:18,980 And wherever he wasn't, 557 00:19:18,980 --> 00:19:21,480 the allies continued to push towards Paris. 558 00:19:21,480 --> 00:19:23,630 He made one last ditch attempt at moving in 559 00:19:23,630 --> 00:19:26,540 behind the enemy lines and cutting off their communications, 560 00:19:26,539 --> 00:19:28,529 but Paris was in disarray 561 00:19:28,529 --> 00:19:30,450 and the people were sick of war. 562 00:19:30,450 --> 00:19:33,640 One ambitious and slightly treacherous politician sent 563 00:19:33,640 --> 00:19:35,607 the allied armies a letter basically saying, 564 00:19:35,606 --> 00:19:37,569 "Hey guys, come on in." 565 00:19:37,569 --> 00:19:39,299 And so they did. 566 00:19:39,299 --> 00:19:40,950 The city's defenders surrendered, 567 00:19:40,950 --> 00:19:42,890 and as the allied leaders entered Paris, 568 00:19:42,890 --> 00:19:46,130 the people cheered them as bringers of peace. 569 00:19:46,130 --> 00:19:48,070 Paris had fallen. 570 00:19:48,069 --> 00:19:50,369 Quick, marshals, gather your men. 571 00:19:50,369 --> 00:19:53,409 We're gonna launch an assault on Paris. 572 00:19:53,410 --> 00:19:54,570 Where are my marshals? 573 00:19:54,569 --> 00:19:56,970 They all left and told me to give you this note. 574 00:19:58,619 --> 00:20:01,549 Napoleon's marshals had realized what he hadn't. 575 00:20:01,549 --> 00:20:02,750 It was over. 576 00:20:02,750 --> 00:20:04,819 And they insisted all that was left now, 577 00:20:04,819 --> 00:20:08,179 for the good of France, was for him to abdicate. 578 00:20:08,180 --> 00:20:12,440 And without the support of his army, Napoleon had no choice. 579 00:20:12,440 --> 00:20:14,259 He hoped his son could take his place, 580 00:20:14,259 --> 00:20:15,670 but it was decided instead 581 00:20:15,670 --> 00:20:17,560 to restore the old Bourbon monarchy. 582 00:20:17,559 --> 00:20:19,440 Old King Louis XVI's brother 583 00:20:19,440 --> 00:20:21,220 would become the King of France. 584 00:20:21,220 --> 00:20:23,120 It was almost like the French Revolution 585 00:20:23,119 --> 00:20:24,679 had never even happened. 586 00:20:24,680 --> 00:20:26,150 But what will we do with Napoleon? 587 00:20:26,150 --> 00:20:28,540 We can't have a hyperactive, 44-year-old menace running 588 00:20:28,539 --> 00:20:30,210 around reigniting revolutionary ideals 589 00:20:30,210 --> 00:20:31,319 and plotting his return. 590 00:20:31,319 --> 00:20:35,429 Well, why don't we send him, mm, I don't know, there. 591 00:20:35,430 --> 00:20:37,460 The location chosen for Napoleon's exile 592 00:20:37,460 --> 00:20:39,380 was the small island of Elba, 593 00:20:39,380 --> 00:20:40,920 just off the coast of Italy. 594 00:20:40,920 --> 00:20:43,050 Napoleon was to rule over the island 595 00:20:43,049 --> 00:20:46,069 and even got to keep the title Emperor of Elba. 596 00:20:46,069 --> 00:20:47,829 The allies must have been in stitches 597 00:20:47,829 --> 00:20:49,210 when they came up with that. 598 00:20:49,210 --> 00:20:50,900 When he learned what his fate was to be, 599 00:20:50,900 --> 00:20:53,509 he drank the poison he'd been keeping around his neck, 600 00:20:53,509 --> 00:20:55,220 but it had gone out of date. 601 00:20:55,220 --> 00:20:57,089 So instead of a quick and painless death, 602 00:20:57,089 --> 00:20:59,439 he got a painful stummy wummy instead. 603 00:20:59,440 --> 00:21:00,519 Before he left France, 604 00:21:00,519 --> 00:21:04,029 he addressed his oldest and closest guard one last time, 605 00:21:04,029 --> 00:21:05,559 making an emotional speech 606 00:21:05,559 --> 00:21:07,649 that ended with him kissing their flag, 607 00:21:07,650 --> 00:21:09,900 and off he went to exile. 608 00:21:09,900 --> 00:21:12,790 The deal that was given to him was actually quite generous. 609 00:21:12,789 --> 00:21:14,409 His family were given titles, 610 00:21:14,410 --> 00:21:16,610 he was to receive a state pension from France, 611 00:21:16,609 --> 00:21:19,229 and he was able to receive many distinguished visitors, 612 00:21:19,230 --> 00:21:21,289 all eager to come and meet the famed emperor. 613 00:21:21,289 --> 00:21:22,940 And he ruled over Elba well, 614 00:21:22,940 --> 00:21:25,390 improving infrastructure and introducing many legal 615 00:21:25,390 --> 00:21:28,500 and social reforms aimed at improving life on the island. 616 00:21:28,500 --> 00:21:29,730 Hey, Napoleon, just coming in 617 00:21:29,730 --> 00:21:30,910 to check on how it's all going. 618 00:21:30,910 --> 00:21:32,160 Holy smokes. 619 00:21:32,160 --> 00:21:33,750 But it wasn't all good. 620 00:21:33,750 --> 00:21:35,390 For one thing, he learned of the death 621 00:21:35,390 --> 00:21:38,440 of his first wife Josephine and was deeply saddened. 622 00:21:38,440 --> 00:21:39,890 He was forbidden from seeing his son 623 00:21:39,890 --> 00:21:41,600 and current wife, and in Austria, 624 00:21:41,599 --> 00:21:44,359 Emperor Francis had ordered a local count to seduce her 625 00:21:44,359 --> 00:21:46,229 so she would forget about Napoleon. 626 00:21:46,230 --> 00:21:48,640 Then, the new King Louis XVIII refused 627 00:21:48,640 --> 00:21:50,290 to give Napoleon his agreed pension. 628 00:21:50,289 --> 00:21:52,710 He was under constant threat of assassination 629 00:21:52,710 --> 00:21:54,930 and there were even rumors that the allies were thinking 630 00:21:54,930 --> 00:21:57,660 of relocating him somewhere even more remote. 631 00:21:57,660 --> 00:21:59,210 But the biggest problem was 632 00:21:59,210 --> 00:22:01,970 that Napoleon was once the master of Europe. 633 00:22:01,970 --> 00:22:04,569 He had lived at three really life of adventure, 634 00:22:04,569 --> 00:22:06,419 fame, and glory. 635 00:22:06,420 --> 00:22:08,930 Now, he found himself on a tiny island 636 00:22:08,930 --> 00:22:12,580 in the Mediterranean and he was bored. 637 00:22:12,579 --> 00:22:14,369 Wouldn't it be nice if he could somehow return 638 00:22:14,369 --> 00:22:16,839 to France and reclaim his throne? 639 00:22:16,839 --> 00:22:18,079 Hey, Napoleon, wanna go back 640 00:22:18,079 --> 00:22:19,939 to France and reclaim your throne? 641 00:22:19,940 --> 00:22:21,950 I would, Pierre, but how? 642 00:22:21,950 --> 00:22:24,970 Well, I was thinking we could just take this boat. 643 00:22:24,970 --> 00:22:26,019 Will that work? 644 00:22:26,019 --> 00:22:27,960 Surprisingly, yes. 645 00:22:27,960 --> 00:22:30,980 Pierre, remember when I told you no one would ever kiss you? 646 00:22:30,980 --> 00:22:31,970 Yes, sire. 647 00:22:31,970 --> 00:22:34,269 Well, pucker up, boyo! 648 00:22:34,269 --> 00:22:35,103 Yay! 649 00:22:35,103 --> 00:22:36,450 When Napoleon left Elba, 650 00:22:36,450 --> 00:22:38,720 it wasn't really the daring escape you might think. 651 00:22:38,720 --> 00:22:41,110 He basically had kind of a leaving ceremony, 652 00:22:41,109 --> 00:22:43,500 hopped on a ship, and sailed back to France. 653 00:22:43,500 --> 00:22:45,809 He brought with him an army of about 1,000 men 654 00:22:45,809 --> 00:22:47,779 and he began his journey to Paris. 655 00:22:47,779 --> 00:22:50,639 However, in Paris, there was now a new king. 656 00:22:50,640 --> 00:22:52,910 And at first, the people largely accepted him 657 00:22:52,910 --> 00:22:54,259 because the last few years of war 658 00:22:54,259 --> 00:22:56,329 under Napoleon had brought immense death 659 00:22:56,329 --> 00:22:57,980 and economic suffering. 660 00:22:57,980 --> 00:22:58,819 That's right! 661 00:22:58,819 --> 00:23:00,539 The king is back, baby! 662 00:23:00,539 --> 00:23:02,220 Divine right to rule! 663 00:23:02,220 --> 00:23:03,279 Don't worry, everyone. 664 00:23:03,279 --> 00:23:04,819 I know the economy is caput, 665 00:23:04,819 --> 00:23:08,480 but I and my courtiers will withdraw into this palace 666 00:23:08,480 --> 00:23:10,309 and we will definitely work as hard 667 00:23:10,309 --> 00:23:12,193 as we can to fix everything. 668 00:23:12,193 --> 00:23:13,527 (air whooshes) (crowd cheering) 669 00:23:13,527 --> 00:23:17,527 (energetic music) - [Crowd] Huh? 670 00:23:18,486 --> 00:23:19,319 (glass shatters) 671 00:23:19,318 --> 00:23:20,859 (partiers laughing) - Oh yeah, 672 00:23:20,859 --> 00:23:22,119 that's why we got rid of the king. 673 00:23:22,119 --> 00:23:24,009 As the Bourbon monarchy began to look more 674 00:23:24,009 --> 00:23:25,569 and more like a return to the past, 675 00:23:25,569 --> 00:23:27,470 and the returning nobility seemed hell-bent 676 00:23:27,470 --> 00:23:29,360 on regaining their lost privileges, 677 00:23:29,359 --> 00:23:31,240 the people weren't too happy. 678 00:23:31,240 --> 00:23:32,690 And so Napoleon hoped 679 00:23:32,690 --> 00:23:35,610 that his glorious return would be met with jubilation. 680 00:23:35,609 --> 00:23:37,919 In the end, the reaction was a little mixed, 681 00:23:37,920 --> 00:23:40,640 but many were happy to see their old emperor. 682 00:23:40,640 --> 00:23:43,020 Your Majesty, it seems that Napoleon is back 683 00:23:43,019 --> 00:23:45,029 and marching this way with 1,000 men. 684 00:23:45,029 --> 00:23:47,119 That guy? No problem. 685 00:23:47,119 --> 00:23:48,750 I have hundreds of thousands of men. 686 00:23:48,750 --> 00:23:49,972 Send them to arrest him. 687 00:23:51,859 --> 00:23:52,959 Ugh, Your Majesty, 688 00:23:52,960 --> 00:23:54,620 it seems the thousands of men we sent 689 00:23:54,619 --> 00:23:57,359 to arrest Napoleon have all joined his side. 690 00:23:57,359 --> 00:23:59,199 Well, I'm off to Belgium. 691 00:23:59,200 --> 00:24:02,299 If you ever need a king again, be sure to let me know. 692 00:24:02,299 --> 00:24:04,099 As Napoleon continued his journey, 693 00:24:04,099 --> 00:24:06,219 the king had sent battalions of men to stop him, 694 00:24:06,220 --> 00:24:08,730 but they largely comprised of Napoleon's old soldiers, 695 00:24:08,730 --> 00:24:11,779 many unhappy with King Louis' military reforms. 696 00:24:11,779 --> 00:24:13,829 And so when ordered to arrest him, 697 00:24:13,829 --> 00:24:15,359 they simply couldn't do it. 698 00:24:15,359 --> 00:24:18,306 In one famous incident, the troops began to cry out, 699 00:24:18,307 --> 00:24:20,099 "Long live the emperor!" 700 00:24:20,099 --> 00:24:21,529 When Napoleon reached Paris, 701 00:24:21,529 --> 00:24:24,309 with King Louis having fled, he entered unopposed 702 00:24:24,309 --> 00:24:25,779 to reclaim his throne. 703 00:24:25,779 --> 00:24:28,109 Napoleon was back from the dead. 704 00:24:28,109 --> 00:24:28,942 Okay, everyone. 705 00:24:28,942 --> 00:24:30,670 Now that we've finally gotten rid of that guy, 706 00:24:30,670 --> 00:24:31,700 let's try to make sure something 707 00:24:31,700 --> 00:24:33,908 like this can never happen again. 708 00:24:33,907 --> 00:24:35,659 (air whooshes) 709 00:24:35,660 --> 00:24:36,730 What's that doing there? 710 00:24:36,730 --> 00:24:37,771 Hey, fellow monarchs. 711 00:24:37,771 --> 00:24:40,980 (all screaming) 712 00:24:40,980 --> 00:24:43,230 I pooed my pants again! Ah! 713 00:24:44,839 --> 00:24:46,250 This time Napoleon promised he would be 714 00:24:46,250 --> 00:24:48,839 a mucho, mucho good boy and not start any wars, 715 00:24:48,839 --> 00:24:51,079 but the allied leaders were having none of it. 716 00:24:51,079 --> 00:24:52,669 They declared Napoleon an outlaw 717 00:24:52,670 --> 00:24:54,710 and the illegitimate ruler of France. 718 00:24:54,710 --> 00:24:57,610 Then, they declared war, not on France, 719 00:24:57,609 --> 00:24:59,399 but on Napoleon himself. 720 00:24:59,400 --> 00:25:01,410 And when you have multiple empires declaring war 721 00:25:01,410 --> 00:25:02,740 on you as an individual, 722 00:25:02,740 --> 00:25:05,059 that's how you know you're a very naughty boy. 723 00:25:05,059 --> 00:25:06,889 The allied powers began making plans 724 00:25:06,890 --> 00:25:10,040 to combine their forces and once again invade France. 725 00:25:10,039 --> 00:25:11,079 The most immediate threat 726 00:25:11,079 --> 00:25:13,369 to Napoleon were the British and Prussians hanging 727 00:25:13,369 --> 00:25:14,529 out in nearby Belgium. 728 00:25:14,529 --> 00:25:16,619 If Napoleon could knock them out quickly, 729 00:25:16,619 --> 00:25:18,809 maybe he could force the allies to negotiate 730 00:25:18,809 --> 00:25:21,480 and maybe he could hold on to his power. 731 00:25:21,480 --> 00:25:23,940 Together, the two armies to the north outnumbered him, 732 00:25:23,940 --> 00:25:25,559 so he made a plan to divide them 733 00:25:25,559 --> 00:25:27,200 and take them on separately. 734 00:25:27,200 --> 00:25:30,240 Historians debate how much of a chance Napoleon had here, 735 00:25:30,240 --> 00:25:32,170 but this same strategy of dividing 736 00:25:32,170 --> 00:25:35,060 and conquering had worked for him multiple times. 737 00:25:35,059 --> 00:25:38,549 He marched north with 125,000 men and took on the allies 738 00:25:38,549 --> 00:25:40,129 in a number of initial engagements, 739 00:25:40,130 --> 00:25:41,330 defeating the Prussians 740 00:25:41,329 --> 00:25:43,569 before turning to take on the British. 741 00:25:43,569 --> 00:25:47,129 But to Napoleon's dismay, miscommunication and hesitation 742 00:25:47,130 --> 00:25:49,310 among his marshals allowed both enemy armies 743 00:25:49,309 --> 00:25:52,269 to retreat and crucially, rather than fleeing east, 744 00:25:52,269 --> 00:25:54,609 the Prussians moved north where they could remain 745 00:25:54,609 --> 00:25:56,119 in contact with the British. 746 00:25:56,119 --> 00:25:58,429 Napoleon sent a force to hold off the Prussians 747 00:25:58,430 --> 00:25:59,850 as he moved in on the British, 748 00:25:59,849 --> 00:26:02,579 now holding a defensive position at Waterloo. 749 00:26:02,579 --> 00:26:04,220 Prussian General Blucher sent word 750 00:26:04,220 --> 00:26:05,690 that he would come to Wellington's aid 751 00:26:05,690 --> 00:26:08,190 if he could just hold off the French for long enough. 752 00:26:08,190 --> 00:26:09,890 Napoleon had to defeat Wellington 753 00:26:09,890 --> 00:26:12,150 before the Prussian Army could arrive in force. 754 00:26:12,150 --> 00:26:14,030 And it was close. 755 00:26:14,029 --> 00:26:15,339 The British held the high ground 756 00:26:15,339 --> 00:26:16,970 and a number of key defensive buildings 757 00:26:16,970 --> 00:26:18,100 across the battlefield. 758 00:26:18,099 --> 00:26:19,899 After waiting some hours he didn't have 759 00:26:19,900 --> 00:26:21,050 for the ground to dry, 760 00:26:21,049 --> 00:26:23,609 Napoleon sent men to assault the Hougoumont farm. 761 00:26:23,609 --> 00:26:26,229 But the British-German garrison there held up. 762 00:26:26,230 --> 00:26:27,940 French Marshall Ney launched a number 763 00:26:27,940 --> 00:26:30,710 of miscalculated cavalry charges at the British lines. 764 00:26:30,710 --> 00:26:33,100 The British formed defensive square formations, 765 00:26:33,099 --> 00:26:35,490 and they tore the French cavalry to shreds, 766 00:26:35,490 --> 00:26:37,490 while one guy chose the absolute worst time 767 00:26:37,490 --> 00:26:38,470 to go on a bender. 768 00:26:38,470 --> 00:26:40,940 The French did manage to capture a farmhouse directly 769 00:26:40,940 --> 00:26:42,130 in front of the British line. 770 00:26:42,130 --> 00:26:44,520 And from there, they unleashed artillery hellfire 771 00:26:44,519 --> 00:26:46,339 on the British square formations. 772 00:26:46,339 --> 00:26:48,399 And as Napoleon sent his Imperial Guard in 773 00:26:48,400 --> 00:26:49,769 to finish the British off, 774 00:26:49,769 --> 00:26:53,089 a nervous Wellington knew his lines were at breaking point. 775 00:26:53,089 --> 00:26:55,740 But the Prussians had earlier begun to arrive, 776 00:26:55,740 --> 00:26:58,420 and now they were arriving in large numbers. 777 00:26:58,420 --> 00:26:59,779 And after the British held out 778 00:26:59,779 --> 00:27:01,619 and sent the French Imperial Guard running, 779 00:27:01,619 --> 00:27:02,959 the French lines panicked, 780 00:27:02,960 --> 00:27:05,980 fearing they had been encircled, and they began to flee. 781 00:27:05,980 --> 00:27:09,130 The Battle of Waterloo was an allied victory. 782 00:27:09,130 --> 00:27:10,880 And with that, Napoleon's hopes 783 00:27:10,880 --> 00:27:13,050 of returning to glory were vanquished. 784 00:27:13,049 --> 00:27:14,829 He knew he was defeated. 785 00:27:14,829 --> 00:27:16,386 He went to the British and said, 786 00:27:16,386 --> 00:27:18,492 "Can I please have a house near London?" 787 00:27:18,492 --> 00:27:20,569 And the British replied, "No." 788 00:27:20,569 --> 00:27:23,159 Instead, to make sure Napoleon was put away once 789 00:27:23,160 --> 00:27:25,490 and for all, they sent him to one of the most isolated 790 00:27:25,490 --> 00:27:27,789 and remote places they could think of. 791 00:27:27,789 --> 00:27:31,329 A tiny island in the Atlantic Ocean, Saint Helena. 792 00:27:31,329 --> 00:27:33,009 Here, a deeply isolated 793 00:27:33,009 --> 00:27:34,460 and depressed Emperor Napoleon 794 00:27:34,460 --> 00:27:36,840 would live the remaining years of his life. 795 00:27:36,839 --> 00:27:38,359 His house was a wooden bungalow, 796 00:27:38,359 --> 00:27:40,899 not exactly on par with the Tuileries Palace. 797 00:27:40,900 --> 00:27:42,150 Much to his frustration, 798 00:27:42,150 --> 00:27:44,340 his captains referred to him as general, 799 00:27:44,339 --> 00:27:45,750 rather than calling him emperor. 800 00:27:45,750 --> 00:27:47,069 His mail was censored. 801 00:27:47,069 --> 00:27:48,500 His visitors were vetted. 802 00:27:48,500 --> 00:27:50,670 There was almost no way he could escape such 803 00:27:50,670 --> 00:27:52,640 an isolated island, but just to be sure, 804 00:27:52,640 --> 00:27:54,840 he was guarded by 2,000 British soldiers 805 00:27:54,839 --> 00:27:58,059 and two ships that circled the island 24 hours a day. 806 00:27:58,059 --> 00:28:00,599 He had once been the most powerful man alive, 807 00:28:00,599 --> 00:28:03,299 and images of the victorious Napoleon depict 808 00:28:03,299 --> 00:28:06,299 a strong leader, hand firmly in jacket. 809 00:28:06,299 --> 00:28:08,529 Depictions of Napoleon on Saint Helena show 810 00:28:08,529 --> 00:28:11,889 a disheveled, old man, hand firmly in pants. 811 00:28:11,890 --> 00:28:13,680 He had lost everything. 812 00:28:13,680 --> 00:28:15,880 And by the way, he was only 46. 813 00:28:15,880 --> 00:28:17,540 So maybe it's about time you... 814 00:28:18,539 --> 00:28:19,430 You know what? 815 00:28:19,430 --> 00:28:21,170 You're doing all right kid. 816 00:28:21,170 --> 00:28:23,980 Napoleon fought one last battle while on the island. 817 00:28:23,980 --> 00:28:26,120 The battle for his reputation. 818 00:28:26,119 --> 00:28:27,989 He spent hours writing his memoirs, 819 00:28:27,990 --> 00:28:30,960 espousing his achievements, recording his greatness, 820 00:28:30,960 --> 00:28:34,940 and turning himself and his story into a phenomenal legend. 821 00:28:34,940 --> 00:28:37,660 And in this battle, he certainly succeeded. 822 00:28:37,660 --> 00:28:40,060 His mark on history can not be denied. 823 00:28:40,059 --> 00:28:42,529 After his defeat, the European monarchs had got 824 00:28:42,529 --> 00:28:44,920 to work restoring Europe to its traditional balance 825 00:28:44,920 --> 00:28:46,570 and reasserting their dominance. 826 00:28:46,569 --> 00:28:48,439 But after Napoleon had spread the influence 827 00:28:48,440 --> 00:28:49,650 of the French Revolution, 828 00:28:49,650 --> 00:28:51,070 these returning monarchs would have 829 00:28:51,069 --> 00:28:54,019 a difficult time regaining their absolute control. 830 00:28:54,019 --> 00:28:56,200 France returned to the rule of the Bourbons, 831 00:28:56,200 --> 00:28:58,789 but it would go on to stage another revolution, 832 00:28:58,789 --> 00:28:59,690 and then another one. 833 00:28:59,690 --> 00:29:01,680 Reaction to Napoleon's rule in places 834 00:29:01,680 --> 00:29:04,289 like Germany and Italy propelled forward the ideas 835 00:29:04,289 --> 00:29:07,109 and feelings of modern unity and nationalism, 836 00:29:07,109 --> 00:29:09,759 and his "Napoleonic Code" still remains the basis 837 00:29:09,759 --> 00:29:12,349 of law in various modern countries. 838 00:29:12,349 --> 00:29:15,469 The modern world owes a lot to Napoleon's legacy. 839 00:29:15,470 --> 00:29:16,769 He remains, statistically, 840 00:29:16,769 --> 00:29:19,299 possibly the greatest military general in history 841 00:29:19,299 --> 00:29:21,529 and his revolutionary military tactics 842 00:29:21,529 --> 00:29:23,500 changed the face of warfare. 843 00:29:23,500 --> 00:29:26,660 He was the last truly great leader to both lead his armies 844 00:29:26,660 --> 00:29:29,509 in battle while retaining total political control 845 00:29:29,509 --> 00:29:31,269 over a vast empire. 846 00:29:31,269 --> 00:29:32,930 There's still hope for Joe Biden. 847 00:29:32,930 --> 00:29:34,900 But the man remained somewhat of an enigma, 848 00:29:34,900 --> 00:29:36,200 and we still aren't sure exactly what 849 00:29:36,200 --> 00:29:38,069 to make of him in some regards. 850 00:29:38,069 --> 00:29:40,490 Was he the champion of the French Revolution, 851 00:29:40,490 --> 00:29:42,440 spreading equality wherever he went 852 00:29:42,440 --> 00:29:45,450 or did betray it by making himself an absolute Monarch 853 00:29:45,450 --> 00:29:47,319 and restricting certain liberties? 854 00:29:47,319 --> 00:29:50,409 Was he an ambitious and aggressive conqueror hell-bent 855 00:29:50,410 --> 00:29:52,210 on bringing Europe to its knees 856 00:29:52,210 --> 00:29:53,799 or was he simply defending himself 857 00:29:53,799 --> 00:29:55,909 against an aggressive Europe hell-bent 858 00:29:55,910 --> 00:29:57,420 on reducing his power? 859 00:29:57,420 --> 00:29:59,900 Some things will continue to be debated. 860 00:29:59,900 --> 00:30:02,550 Napoleon died at the age of 51, 861 00:30:02,549 --> 00:30:03,869 officially of stomach cancer, 862 00:30:03,869 --> 00:30:05,879 but some believe he may have been poisoned. 863 00:30:05,880 --> 00:30:07,970 The British buried him in a tin coffin 864 00:30:07,970 --> 00:30:10,519 inside a mahogany coffin inside a lead coffin 865 00:30:10,519 --> 00:30:12,329 inside another mahogany coffin. 866 00:30:12,329 --> 00:30:13,689 I guess this time they wanted 867 00:30:13,690 --> 00:30:15,610 to make sure he stayed where they put him. 868 00:30:15,609 --> 00:30:18,059 In 1840, his remains were moved to Paris 869 00:30:18,059 --> 00:30:21,359 where they now rest under the Dome of Les Invalides. 870 00:30:21,359 --> 00:30:24,569 The man from humble origins, with huge ambition, 871 00:30:24,569 --> 00:30:28,230 ruthless determination, immaculate skill on the battlefield, 872 00:30:28,230 --> 00:30:31,700 and a hefty dose of luck who was determined to make his mark 873 00:30:31,700 --> 00:30:34,586 on history did just that. 874 00:30:34,586 --> 00:30:36,737 "There is no immortality," he said, 875 00:30:36,737 --> 00:30:39,420 "but the memory that is left in the minds of men." 876 00:30:39,420 --> 00:30:43,452 And in that sense, Napoleon knew he would live on forever. 877 00:30:44,299 --> 00:30:46,069 Oh, and to reiterate, 878 00:30:46,069 --> 00:30:49,187 he was definitely average height for the time. 879 00:30:49,188 --> 00:30:51,771 (upbeat music)