napoleonic wars

5 articles

Jun18

1815Who chose the moniker for the 'Battle of Waterloo' in 1815?

The famous name "Battle of Waterloo" was chosen by the Duke of Wellington, who penned his victory report at his Waterloo headquarters after the pivotal clash on June 18, 1815, near present-day Belgium. Despite the fighting occurring largely in Braine-l'Alleud and Plancenoit, and other armies naming the battle differently, Wellington's title prevailed in history. A remarkable survivor of the brutal conflict, James Quinn of the 27th (Inniskilling) Regiment of Foot, later emigrated to Prince Edward Island, Canada—one of only 261 men of his 747-strong regiment to march away unwounded, following a staggering 64% casualty rate. This anniversary not only remembers one of Europe’s deadliest days, but also commemorates the monumental lion memorial erected by King William I, completed nearly two centuries ago, which still marks the site today.

May31

1809Which of Napoléon Bonaparte's generals did he nicknamed the "Achilles" of the Grande Armée?

Jean Lannes, famously nicknamed the "Achilles" of the Grande Armée by Napoléon Bonaparte, was a key general whose fearless leadership shaped the fate of the French Empire. Born in Lectoure in 1769, Lannes rose from humble beginnings to become a Maréchal d'Empire, distinguishing himself in pivotal battles such as Arcole and Montebello. His close companionship with Napoléon and his legendary bravery — documented by his multiple battlefield wounds and his ultimate sacrifice at Aspern-Essling in 1809 — set him apart as a symbol of frontline valor. Lannes was the first Maréchal d'Empire to die in combat, and his remains rest in the crypt at Les Invalides in Paris, commemorated to this day for his extraordinary contributions.

Dec2

1805What monument was erected in Paris in honour of what is considered Napoléon's greatest military victory?

The Colonne Vendôme, standing proudly in the Place Vendôme of Paris, was erected in 1810 to honor Napoléon's monumental triumph at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805. This iconic monument, inspired by Rome’s ancient Trajan Column, became a symbol of military glory, resilience, and changing eras in French history. Uniquely, its bronze bas-relief was cast from 1,200 captured enemy cannons, spiraling up the granite shaft to recount the dramatic victories and homecoming of the Grand Army. Today, more than 217 years since its completion, the restored column remains an enduring testament to Napoléon's legacy and France's evolving heritage.

Apr4

1791What is the significance of the Panthéon on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève in Paris?

The Panthéon on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève in Paris stands as a neoclassical masterpiece designed by architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot, originally built between 1764 and 1790 to honor Sainte-Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. Its transformation from church to national mausoleum during the French Revolution marked a dramatic shift in its significance, housing the remains of France’s most celebrated thinkers, leaders, and heroes. The Panthéon’s first interment occurred on 4 April 1791 with the revolutionary orator Mirabeau—only for his body to be removed amid scandal three years later, illustrating the memorial's turbulent history. Today, seventy men and five women are entombed within its crypt, embodying the ideals and diversity of the French Republic.

Aug15

1769Was Napoleon Bonaparte born French and was he really short?

Napoleon Bonaparte, born in Ajaccio, Corsica in 1769, became one of Europe's most influential military leaders and Emperors. His rise from artillery officer to ruler of an empire affecting 70 million people reshaped the continent’s history and left a lasting legacy. While famously thought to be short, Napoleon was actually of average height for his time at 1.70 m (5 feet 7 inches)—a myth created in part because his Imperial Guard towered over him. The Church of La Madeleine, not his final resting place, became a unique site for anniversary tributes, boasting the only Parisian church mural to feature Napoleon himself in its grand cupola.