The Untold Story: History of the War in France and Belgium in 1815 - 3rd Edition

The year 1815 marked a crucial period in European history, the aftermath of the Napoleonic era. The War in France and Belgium during this time encapsulated the struggle for power and the pursuit of stability in a post-Napoleonic Europe. This captivating conflict witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the courage of soldiers, and the indomitable spirits of the French and Belgian people.

This article unveils the long-desired 3rd edition of the History of the War in France and Belgium in 1815. It uncovers the intricate chronicles, remarkable events, and key individuals that shaped this riveting war.

The Prelude: Rise and Fall of Napoleon Bonaparte

The war that unfolded in 1815 cannot be adequately understood without acquainting ourselves with the enigmatic figure of Napoleon Bonaparte. Born in Corsica in 1769, this ambitious military genius swiftly climbed the ranks, becoming Emperor of France in 1804. The ensuing decade witnessed Napoleon's expansionist campaigns that brought much of Europe under French control.

History Of The War In France And Belgium In 1815. 3rd Edition

by Jack Morris(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15428 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	795 pages

FREE

However, Napoleon's insatiable thirst for power led to his ultimate downfall. After facing defeats in Russia and Leipzig, he abdicated and was exiled to Elba, effectively marking the end of his reign. Yet to the astonishment of the world, he staged a remarkable comeback in 1815, known as the "Hundred Days."

The Congress of Vienna: Setting the Stage for War

The Congress of Vienna, held in 1814-1815, aimed to redraw the political map of Europe and restore balance after the Napoleonic upheaval. Representatives from major European powers gathered to negotiate and forge a new equilibrium.

However, underlying tensions and conflicting interests laid the groundwork for a potential conflict. As the Congress focused on legitimizing the Bourbon monarchy in France, other rulers and nationalists sought to advance their own interests, setting the stage for the brewing storm.

The Battle of Waterloo: A Decisive Turning Point

June 18, 1815, forever etched the Battle of Waterloo into the annals of history. On this fateful day, the French forces, led by Napoleon, faced a coalition of British, Dutch, Belgian, and Prussian troops under the command of the Duke of Wellington.

The battle raged from early morning until late evening, with both sides displaying extraordinary valor. However, the odds turned against Napoleon when the Prussian army arrived to reinforce the coalition forces, leading to his ultimate defeat.

This monumental battle marked the conclusive end of Napoleon's rule and set the stage for the reshaping of European politics.

The Legacy: Impact and Significance

The War in France and Belgium in 1815 left an indelible mark on Europe. It marked the end of an era, reshaping the political landscape of the continent, and paving the way for a new balance of power among European nations.

Furthermore, the war's aftermath led to the implementation of the Concert of Europe, a system of collective security and diplomatic cooperation aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Today, the war carries great historical significance and serves as a testament to the resilience of nations and the courage of individuals. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can endure and triumph.

Unlocking the 3rd Edition

The 3rd edition of the History of the War in France and Belgium in 1815 offers a comprehensive and detailed account of this captivating conflict. It delves deep into the strategies, battles, and human stories that shaped this momentous period in history.

By exploring this edition, readers will gain a profound understanding of the war's intricacies and its enduring impact. It is a treasure trove of knowledge, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the triumphs and tragedies of the brave men and women who lived through these tumultuous times.

Don't miss out on the chance to embrace the 3rd edition of the unraveled History of the War in France and Belgium in 1815! Discover the untold stories, unravel the mysteries, and witness the reverberating echoes of the past.

History Of The War In France And Belgium In 1815. 3rd Edition

by Jack Morris(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15428 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	795 pages

FREE

When Captain Siborne died in 1849, it is unlikely that he was aware of the enduring historical legacy that he was to leave behind. His History of the War in France and Belgium in 1815 has become the most well known English history of the famous campaign and despite being written over 150 years ago is still in print, still eminently readable and remarkably accurate. The book was the result of his life’s work and passionate dedication to the “Waterloo Model” which depicts a stage of the battle in tremendous detail.

The accuracy of the book is accounted for by four tremendously important points; Firstly, Siborne was engaged by the British military establishment to produce a model of the battle of Waterloo, which he did with scrupulous accuracy including painstaking research on the battle ground and environs including surveys of the ground. Secondly, Siborne was a noted topographical engineer who wrote a number of treatises and one of the standard works of the time enabling his appreciation of the battle to be precise and avoid fault of many histories written merely from maps (some produced years afterward)of the area. Thirdly, he undertook what was a the time a ground-breaking “questionnaire” of the surviving officers of the British, King’s German Legion, Hanoverian units involved, to piece together the events of the day. These letters were published in part by Siborne’s son much later. Fourthly he expanded his search for eye-witness testimony to both the Prussian and French army staffs, and although rebuffed by the French, who were understandably tender about the loss of the battle and their Emperor with it, his enquiries were fruitful amongst the Prussian command who supplied a priceless counterbalance to the sometimes jingoistic British accounts.
Siborne and his works were ahead of their time, and his search for an accurate representation of the battle won him few friends at Horse Guards. Funding was difficult to obtain from the British establishment and Siborne’s attempts at self-funding the model which was his life’s work were unsuccessful, Siborne died a broken man. He left behind the “Waterloo Model” and a larger scale model which are housed at the Royal Army Museum in London and this excellent book.
We chose the third edition as it includes the impassioned defence of his work against the plagiarism of Rev R Gleig’s “Story of Waterloo” and a number of notable changes from the first and second editions prompted by further eye-witness testimony gathered by Siborne.
Author - Captain William Siborne (15 October 1797–9 January 1849)