Napoleon and the Battle of Waterloo It is 2015 and we are fast approaching 18th June, which is exactly 200 years after the Battle of Waterloo. This is one of the most famous of all battles in British history and, although only lasting one day, brought an end to years of fighting and the final downfall of Napoleon. Napoleon is considered as one of the very greatest military leaders in world history. Born in Corsica, he was educated in France and rapidly gained a great reputation as a military leader. He used his popularity with the people to gain control of France and from there attempted to gain control of the whole of Europe. He was almost successful. The Duke of Wellington was the leader of the British forces and with a mixture of good tactics, brave fighting and luck, managed to defeat Napoleon at Waterloo. He went on to become Prime Minister. To commemorate the battle we have just published two comprehensions; one on the life of Napoleon and one on the Battle of Waterloo. Go to Napoleon Go to The Battle of Waterloo