HistoryShelf

The Battle of Waterloo, fought on June 18, 1815, marked a pivotal moment in European history as it brought an end to Napoleon Bonaparte's rule and his ambitions of continental conquest. Located in present-day Belgium, this historic clash saw the British-led coalition forces, under the command of the Duke of Wellington, face off against Napoleon's French army. The battle's outcome, with Wellington's disciplined troops receiving reinforcement from Prussian forces led by Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, resulted in a decisive victory for the allies. Waterloo not only ended Napoleon's rule but also reshaped the political landscape of Europe, contributing to the restoration of monarchy and the establishment of a new balance of power that would shape the continent for decades to come.