Napoleon's escape from Elba and the Battle of Waterloo

Background. After his first abdication in 1814, Napoleon spent nearly ten months in exile on Elba. Rumors of further banishment and financial cutoffs prompted his escape on 26 February 1815. He returned to France, initiating the Hundred Days. The Great Powers at the Congress of Vienna declared him an outlaw on 13 March, forming the Seventh Coalition to oppose his renewed rule.

Coalition Formation. Upon Napoleon's return, states previously opposed to him formed the Seventh Coalition. The powers at the Congress of Vienna declared him an outlaw on 13 March 1815, six days before he reached Paris. This declaration marked the beginning of the War of the Seventh Coalition, as armies hurriedly mobilized to oppose his restoration.

Allied Commanders. Wellington, promoted to field marshal after victories in 1813, commanded British-led forces during the Hundred Days. Blücher, who had led Prussian forces in 1814, took command of the Prussian Army of the Lower Rhine in 1815. He coordinated his force with Wellington's army, setting the stage for the decisive engagement at Waterloo.