The Battle of Waterloo - 1815
French Cuirrassiers attacking a British square
The Battle of Waterloo is arguably the most famous land battle in European history. It is regarded as having ended the Napoleonic Wars which had ravaged Europe for over 20 years and sent Napoleon Bonaparte to his final exile. It is also remembered for bringing together onto the field of conflict two of the most celebrated generals of the day - Napoleon himself and Sir Arthur Wellesley, The Duke of Wellington.
- Background - Napoleon's abdication and subsequent escape from Elba
- Campaign - From the march into Belgium, through the clashes at Ligny and Quatre Bras, to Grouchy's ineffective pursuit of the Prussians
- Battle - The opening attack on Hougemont, the massed cavalry charges and the timely arrival of Blucher
- Aftermath - Napoleon's final exile to St Helena
- Weapons and Tactics - Some of the weapons and tactics used in the Napoleonic Wars, including the use of squares and the roles of infantry, cavalry and artillery
- Generals - Short biographies of Wellington, Napoleon, Blucher and Ney