Summary of "Napoleon's Hundred Days" Episode on In Our Time
Released on August 7, 2025, by BBC Radio 4's In Our Time, hosted by Melvyn Bragg, this episode delves into the dramatic and pivotal period known as Napoleon's Hundred Days. Featuring experts Catherine Asterbury, Zach White, and Michael Rowe, the discussion explores Napoleon's return from exile, the political and military maneuvers that followed, and the eventual downfall at Waterloo.
1. The Prelude to the Hundred Days
Escape from Elba
The episode begins with a historical overview of Napoleon Bonaparte's escape from exile on the island of Elba on February 26, 1815. Catherine Asterbury explains, "In 1815, Elba was in the Mediterranean, just quite near Corsica, where he was born and brought up. The British fleet then wasn't there to keep him in Elba. How did he escape and why did he escape?" [03:18].
Melvin Bragg provides context on Napoleon's earlier abdication and exile: “As part of the Treaty of Fontainebleau in early April 1814, Napoleon was exiled to Elba, but he was given sovereignty over the island, making his settlement there problematic and ripe for future conflicts.” [03:03].
Factors Enabling Escape
Zach White elaborates on the logistical aspects that facilitated Napoleon's escape: “There isn't much of a naval cordon to get through. As sovereign of Elba, Napoleon has his own little army and navy, including a brig which he used to facilitate his departure.” [04:10]. He also mentions rumors of French support during his voyage back to France, suggesting internal factions were sympathetic to his return.
2. The March to Paris: Building Momentum
Gathering Support
Upon landing in France with a small contingent, Napoleon swiftly began amassing an army, eventually raising approximately 200,000 men. Zach White recounts a pivotal moment: “On the 7th of March at La Rothière, he faces a royalist army and declares, 'Go on, then, shoot me. Long live the Emperor,' prompting his former soldiers to rally behind him.” [06:27].
Strategic Recruitment and Propaganda
Napoleon's charisma and strategic proclamations played a crucial role in attracting support. Zach White notes, “He taps into the fear that the gains of the Revolution are being lost under Louis XVIII, issuing proclamations like, 'I'm the Savior, grab your tricolor flags,' to position himself as the defender of revolutionary ideals.” [08:21].
3. The Allies React: The Congress of Vienna and Military Mobilization
Formation of the Coalition
Michael Rowe discusses the immediate and unified response from the Allies at the Congress of Vienna, stating, “Within five days of Napoleon's return, the coalition partners—Britain, Prussia, Russia, Austria, Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands—commit to fielding 150,000 men each to defeat Napoleon once more.” [10:56].
Strategic Considerations
Rowe emphasizes the Allies' strategic approach: “They have learned to defeat Napoleon by either avoiding direct confrontation with him and targeting his subordinates or by overwhelming him with superior numbers, as seen in their coordinated efforts resembling a 19th-century NATO.” [20:04].
4. The Waterloo Campaign: Strategies and Battles
Napoleon's Strategy
Melvin Bragg outlines Napoleon's initial strategy to divide and conquer the Allied forces: “His Plan A was political, hoping the coalition wouldn't unite, but failing that, Plan B was to defeat the British and Prussian armies separately.” [21:19]. He aimed to target the British in Belgium first, leveraging the relative weakness and fragility of Wellington's multinational force.
Initiating the Battle
The campaign commenced with the twin battles of Quatre Bras and Ligny. Michael Rowe describes, “Napoleon defeats Blucher at Ligny but fails to decisively destroy his corps, allowing the Prussians to regroup and support Wellington.” [27:00].
Critical Mistakes
Rowe and Zach White highlight key missteps by Napoleon, such as the delayed orders to Marshal Grouchy, which cost him valuable time: “Grouchy did not engage the Prussians promptly, delaying until 4 PM on June 18 at Wavre, by which point a significant portion of the Prussian army had arrived at Waterloo.” [30:02].
The Battle of Waterloo
The decisive confrontation is characterized by intense and fragmented fighting. Zach White reflects on the chaos: “Stendahl's depiction of Waterloo captures the confusion and the elusive presence of Napoleon, symbolizing the disorder of the battle.” [33:49]. Melvin Bragg adds, “Napoleon makes critical errors, such as underutilizing Marshal Grouchy and mismanaging his commanders, which contribute to his downfall.” [29:59].
Michael Rowe elaborates on the final moments: “Despite leading from the front with his Imperial Guard, Napoleon's forces were ultimately repelled, especially after the Prussians reinforced Wellington, leading to his retreat and eventual surrender.” [42:23].
Notable Quotes
- Michael Rowe: “...the most important decision made in the 19th century is the decision made by the Prussians to retreat from Ligny northwards so they remain in touch with the British army...” [29:47].
- Zach White: “...it's a most ridiculous, astonishing achievement. Chateaubriand, the writer, said, how is it possible for one man to invade a country?” [07:51].
- Melvin Bragg: “He is not as sharp and not as, you know, you would have loved to have seen the Napoleon of a 1790s campaign...” [32:13].
5. The Aftermath: Napoleon's Final Decline and Legacy
Political Maneuvering and Abdication
Upon retreating to Paris, Napoleon's political situation deteriorates rapidly. Zach White explains, “In Paris, the Chamber of Representatives refuses to acknowledge his authority, forcing him to abdicate for the second time and attempting to name his son as heir.” [43:51].
Exile to St. Helena
Melvin Bragg discusses his final exile: “Sailing to St. Helena, a remote island in the South Atlantic, Napoleon is confined under strict British guard, ensuring he cannot escape and continue his influence.” [45:51].
Legacy and Impact on France
Zach White assesses the long-term effects: “Napoleon's administrative legacy, including the education and legal systems, remains intact. However, his defeat leads to harsher treatment of France, including territorial losses and significant reparations, exacerbating national humiliation.” [47:35].
Aftermath for Europe
Michael Rowe reflects on the broader implications: “The Congress of Vienna's successful coordination during the Hundred Days laid the groundwork for a century of relative peace in Europe, avoiding the large-scale wars seen between 1814 and 1914.” [56:36].
Notable Quotes
- Melvin Bragg: “Losers do sometimes, you know, write their own history. And it's not just the winners.” [47:15].
- Michael Rowe: “Waterloo becomes embedded in popular culture. Figures of Napoleon and dolls of Napoleon and Wellington is nowhere to be seen...” [57:19].
- Zach White: “It enables him to reinforce that sense of the charismatic, legendary, remarkable by emphasizing precisely the arrival in Paris in 1815 as part of a broader legend of him as the savior figure.” [47:32].
6. Bonus Material: Symbolism and Cultural Impact
In the post-main discussion, the guests delve into the symbolic representations and cultural legacies of the Hundred Days and Waterloo.
Theatrical and Propaganda Efforts
Zach White highlights Napoleon's use of theatre and cultural productions as propaganda: “Theatres in Paris reverted to empire-era operas like 'The Triumph of Trajan' to portray Napoleon as a benevolent ruler, reinforcing his revolutionary hero image.” [52:53].
British Portrayal of Napoleon
Michael Rowe discusses British propaganda: “British caricatures, such as those by James Gillray, perpetuated the myth of Napoleon's short stature and depicted him as a bumbling adversary, undermining his legendary status.” [55:12].
Cultural Embedding of Waterloo
Melvin Bragg notes the enduring legacy of Waterloo in places and popular culture: “Despite being called by different names in various countries, Waterloo is universally recognized and symbolized in numerous landmarks and cultural references worldwide.” [58:21].
Notable Quotes
- Zach White: “Theatres will carry on showing things that we might understand as royalists or the audiences would see as royalists. But in Paris, there's very much an attempt to reframe Napoleon as the revolutionary hero...” [54:31].
- Michael Rowe: “...Napoleon was not short. He was just a fraction above average height for the time. But the British very much play that game again after Waterloo...” [55:12].
7. Conclusion: Assessing the Gains from the Hundred Days
Perspectives on Victory and Legacy
The guests conclude by evaluating who benefited most from the events of the Hundred Days. Zach White asserts, “Napoleon gains by being able to portray himself as a victim persecuted by reactionary forces, influencing French politics long after his defeat.” [49:41].
Michael Rowe provides a broader view: “Wellington emerges as a key victor, enhancing Britain's reputation and contributing to a more stable European diplomatic landscape through the Congress of Vienna's systemic approaches to conflict resolution.” [50:05].
Final Reflections
Melvin Bragg wraps up with insights on historical narratives: “The Battle of Waterloo is remembered differently across cultures, underscoring the multifaceted legacy of Napoleon and Wellington.” [52:28].
Notable Quotes Overview
- Melvin Bragg: “He is not as sharp and not as, you know, you would have loved to have seen the Napoleon of a 1790s campaign...” [32:13].
- Zach White: “It is a messy. There's bits happening all over the place... And that's the end of the decision.” [35:40].
- Michael Rowe: “The British very much play that game equally well, both before Napoleon's return and after. James Gillray is the most obvious proponent of this through the form of caricatures.” [55:12].
Closing Remarks
The episode concludes with acknowledgments and previews of upcoming topics, reinforcing the enduring fascination with Napoleon's legacy and the Battle of Waterloo's place in history.
This comprehensive exploration of Napoleon's Hundred Days offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the political intrigue, military strategies, and personal dynamics that culminated in one of history's most famous downfalls. Through expert analysis and vivid recounting, the episode encapsulates the complexity and enduring impact of Napoleon's final bid for power.