Abdication of Napoleon, 1815 facts for kids

Napoleon on Board the Bellerophon, painted in 1880 by Sir William Quiller Orchardson. This painting shows Napoleon watching the French coast disappear on July 23, 1815.

Napoleon gave up his power (abdicated) on June 22, 1815. He did this in favor of his son, Napoleon II. Two days later, on June 24, the French government announced this to everyone.

After losing the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon went back to Paris. He hoped to keep his power as Emperor of the French. He wanted to continue the war. But things did not go his way. The members of the French parliament created a new government. They demanded that Napoleon step down. Napoleon thought about taking control by force, like he had done before. But he decided against it.

On June 25, Napoleon left Paris for the last time. He stayed at the Palace of Malmaison before heading to the coast. He hoped to sail to the United States of America. Meanwhile, the new government removed his son from power. They tried to make a deal with the countries fighting France. But these countries, called the Coalition, wanted a full surrender. They also wanted to bring back King Louis XVIII. Napoleon realized he could not escape the Royal Navy. So, he surrendered to Captain Frederick Lewis Maitland on board HMS Bellerophon. The British government did not let Napoleon come to England. Instead, they sent him to a far-off island called Saint Helena in the South Atlantic. He died there in 1821.

Napoleon's Return to Paris on June 21

After the defeat at Waterloo, many French people stopped being fascinated by Napoleon. This was especially true as several armies from the Coalition moved into France. They were getting close to Paris.

Napoleon's generals wanted him to stay and lead the army. But Napoleon thought if he stayed, the government in Paris might surrender. This would undo any progress he had made. Napoleon knew his presence in Paris usually helped him. However, his power was now gone. He no longer had the strong control he once did. His power had been given to the elected representatives of the people. He was now under the control of French public opinion. This was a power he feared more than his enemies. When he arrived in Paris on June 21, he had to announce his terrible defeat. It was hard to calm public anger and get support for more fighting.

Napoleon reached Paris just two hours after news of his defeat at Waterloo arrived. This surprised those who were planning against him. Some people saw Napoleon's return to Paris as a mistake. They thought it looked like he was abandoning his soldiers. If he had stayed with the army, the country might have supported him more.

An English woman named Mary, living in Paris, noticed something interesting. The French people were getting used to new governments. They had seen two changes in just 15 months. For many, these changes felt like a simple change in leaders. Most government workers even kept their jobs. Because of this, many people did not want to risk their lives or property for any specific leader. This was very different from the early days of the French Revolution. Back then, changes brought huge upsets and even terror.

Cabinet Meetings and Discussions

Napoleon quickly called a meeting with his top advisors, called the Cabinet Council. He told them how serious the situation was. But he also believed that if the whole nation rose up, they could defeat the enemy. He said if they debated too much, all would be lost. "Now that the enemy is in France," he added, "I need special powers, like a temporary dictator. I could take this power myself. But it would be better if the parliament gave it to me."

His ministers knew the parliament well. They did not directly agree with him. Napoleon saw their hesitation. He asked them to share their ideas for public safety. Lazare Carnot, the Minister of the Interior, thought the country should be declared in danger. He suggested calling up the National Guards and preparing Paris for defense. He also said the army should retreat if needed. Other ministers agreed. But Joseph Fouché, the Minister of Police, and others said the country's safety depended on the parliament. They believed that if Napoleon showed trust, the parliament would work with him.

Fouché's Secret Plans

Fouché's advice was very clever. He knew exactly what people in France were thinking. He understood the different groups in parliament and their leaders. He also knew that most members wanted to remove Napoleon. They wanted more freedom and a new government. Fouché used this knowledge for his own goals. Since Napoleon's return, Fouché had been playing both sides. He wanted everyone to think he was important. He would support or undermine Napoleon based on how well Napoleon was doing.

Fouché saw that the other European powers were determined to defeat Napoleon. He knew that even if Napoleon won a battle, he would eventually lose. Fouché was also secretly talking with King Louis XVIII's advisors. He knew the plans of the countries fighting France.

So, when Napoleon's plan failed, Fouché knew Paris would be taken over. He believed that if Napoleon tried to take total control and raise a huge new army, it would lead to chaos. There would be disorder and more deaths. To stop this, Fouché needed to make Napoleon trust the parliament. Fouché knew what the parliament was planning. So, he gave Napoleon the advice he did to buy time.

Fouché strongly disagreed with Napoleon taking over and dissolving parliament. He said it would cause distrust and even a revolt. At the same time, his agents were spreading news in Paris about Napoleon's defeat. The representatives were quickly gathering to make a big decision.

By hiding the truth from Napoleon, Fouché betrayed his trust. But it is also true that Fouché's actions likely saved France from even worse problems.

The Cabinet Council kept discussing. Some supported Napoleon, others did not. Finally, Napoleon listened to Fouché and Carnot. He said he would trust the parliament. He would talk with them about what the country needed.

Parliament's Decisions

Meanwhile, the representatives had met early on June 21, 1815. They began talking about the situation. Marquis de Lafayette, a leader for freedom, knew what Napoleon was discussing. He knew they had no time to lose to protect their freedoms. He stood up and spoke to the parliament. Everyone listened quietly.

Representatives! For the first time in many years, you hear a voice that old friends of liberty will recognize. I am here to talk about the dangers facing our country. The bad news from the last two days is true. Now is the time to unite under our national flag—the Tricolored Standard of 1788. This flag stands for liberty, equality, and order. Only you can protect the country from outside attacks and internal problems. Only you can keep France independent and honorable.

Please allow an old fighter for liberty, who has always avoided political groups, to suggest some ideas. I believe these ideas are needed because of the public danger and our love for our country. I am sure you will see the need to adopt them:

• I. The Chamber of Deputies declares that the nation's independence is in danger.
• II. The Chamber declares its meetings will continue without stopping. Any attempt to close it will be considered high treason. Anyone guilty of such an attempt will be seen as a traitor and treated as such.
• III. The Army and the National Guards, who have fought for France's freedom, independence, and land, have served the country well.
• IV. The Minister of the Interior is asked to gather the main officers of the Parisian National Guard. They should discuss how to arm them and complete this group of citizens. Their proven patriotism and dedication guarantee the capital's freedom, success, and peace, and the safety of the national representatives.
• V. The Ministers of War, Foreign Affairs, Police, and Interior are asked to come to the Chamber's meetings right away.

No one dared to oppose these strong ideas. Napoleon's supporters were surprised. Their main leaders were with Napoleon. Others did not have the courage to speak up. After a short talk, these ideas were quickly approved. Only the fourth point was put on hold. It seemed to make a difference between the regular army and the National Guards.

These decisions were then sent to the Chamber of Peers (the other part of parliament). After a short talk, they also approved them without changes.

More Cabinet Talks

The message from the parliament, with these decisions, reached Napoleon's council. Napoleon was shocked. He saw it as the parliament taking over his power. He had controlled the country for so long. He had led armies to victory and ruled powerful nations. This sudden, strong voice of the people, through their representatives, made him realize how much things had changed. He was angry at what he saw as a bold move. He was also upset that he had called the parliament together in the first place. He thought, "I should have gotten rid of these people before I left."

Napoleon's Message to the Parliament

After thinking, Napoleon decided to try and gain time with the parliament. He sent Regnaud de Saint Jean d'Angely to the Chamber of Representatives. Regnaud was a member there. His job was to calm things down. He was to say that the army was about to win a big victory. But then, some disloyal people caused a panic. He was to say the troops had since regrouped. And that the Emperor had rushed to Paris to plan with his ministers and parliament. Carnot was told to give a similar message to the Chamber of Peers.

Regnaud tried his best, but it did not work. The representatives had lost patience. They demanded that the ministers come to the parliament. The ministers finally obeyed. Napoleon agreed, though he did not want to. He asked his brother Lucien Bonaparte to go with them. Lucien was to be a special representative to answer the parliament's questions.

At 6:00 PM on June 21, Lucien Bonaparte and the ministers arrived. Lucien announced that Napoleon had sent him to work with the assembly. He then gave the President a message from his brother. It briefly described the disaster at Mont St Jean. It asked the representatives to work with Napoleon to save the country from the fate of Poland. It also asked them to avoid being controlled by others again. The message also suggested that the two parts of parliament should choose five members. These members would work with the ministers. Their job would be to plan for public safety. They would also find ways to make peace with the Coalition Powers.

This message was not well received. A heated discussion followed. It quickly became clear that the representatives wanted Napoleon to be more direct. They wanted him to agree with what most of them wanted. One member said to the ministers,

You know as well as we do, that Europe has declared war only against Napoleon. From this moment, separate Napoleon's cause from the Nation's. In my opinion, only one person stands between us and peace. Let him speak the word, and the country will be saved!

Many members spoke similarly. The debate was lively. Finally, they agreed to appoint a committee of five members, as the Emperor's message suggested.

Committee of Ten Members

On June 21, a committee of five members was created. These were the President and Vice Presidents of the Chamber of Representatives. Their job was to gather information about France. They would work with the Cabinet and a committee from the Chamber of Peers. They would then suggest ways to ensure safety. The committee members were Mr. Lanjuinais (President of the Chamber of Peers), La Fayette, Dupont de l'Eure, Flaugergues, and Grenier.

At 8:30 PM, Lucien Bonaparte also went to the Chamber of Peers. He was there as a special representative. After hearing the message, the Peers also chose a committee. This committee included Generals Drouot, Dejean, Andreossy, and Messrs Boissy d'Anglas and Thibaudeau.

At 11:00 PM that evening, La Fayette spoke to the ten members of the combined committee. He proposed two main ideas. The first was for Napoleon to step down. The second was for a special group to talk with the allied countries. Both ideas were approved. They agreed to give Napoleon one hour to respond to their demand.

Napoleon knew what was happening in the Chamber of Representatives. He knew what most people were saying. He thought for a long time about whether to close the parliament or give up his power. Some of his ministers told him that the parliament had too much public support to be forced out. They said if he did not step down, he might lose the chance to give the throne to his son. Still, he wanted to wait until the last moment. He hoped something good would happen to change the parliament's mind.

Morning of June 22

The representatives met again at 9:30 AM the next morning, June 22. They were very impatient for the committee's report. After two hours, the members became very agitated. Some suggested that the country's situation was so urgent that they should act immediately. They felt they should not wait for the report.

Finally, in the middle of the noise and excitement, General Grenier, the committee's reporter, appeared. He said that after five hours of discussion, the committee had decided:

That the country's safety required the Emperor to agree to the two Chambers choosing a group. This group would talk directly with the allied powers. They would only ask that the allies respect France's independence, its land, and its right to choose its own government. These talks should be supported by quickly building up France's military strength.

This statement caused many grumbles of disapproval. But General Grenier knew what the Chamber expected. He continued:

This point, gentlemen, seems not enough to me. It does not achieve what the Chamber wants. This is because your representatives might not be allowed to talk. So, I would not push for this idea. But I have reason to believe you will soon get a message. In it, the Emperor will say he wants this idea tried first. If he then proves to be a barrier to the nation getting its independence, he will be ready to make any sacrifice needed.

This caused a huge reaction in the Chamber. It seemed like a clever plan by Napoleon to cause delays. He was proposing something he knew would fail. Then, he would use the first chance to destroy their independence and take total control again. It felt like he wanted to repeat his earlier takeover. The noise in the room became very loud. Many members strongly spoke against the report.

Finally, a representative from Isère, Antoine Louis Hippolyte Duchesne, stood up. He spoke in a strong and clear way:

I do not believe the committee's plan can reach the goal. The size of our disasters cannot be denied. The presence of our Army Chief in the capital proves it enough. If there are no limits to the nation's energy, there are limits to its resources. The Chambers cannot offer talks to the Allied Powers. The documents we have seen show that they have always refused all offers. They have said they will not deal with the French as long as the Emperor leads them.

The President interrupted Duchesne. He announced that the Emperor's message would arrive before 3:00 PM that afternoon. This interruption, at such an important point, made the noise in the Chamber worse. Some shouted, "It's a plan to waste our time!" Others cried, "Some plot is being planned!" Most yelled, "Go on, go on! There's no middle ground!"

Duchesne continued:

We need to be sure that our national strength can defend us enough. This strength must support our talks and help us secure our honor and independence. Can that strength be built up fast enough? Might victorious armies come to the capital again? Then, under their protection, the old royal family will return. ("Never! Never!" several voices shouted.) I speak my mind freely. What might happen from these events? We have only one sure way left. That is to ask the Emperor, for the safety of the State, for the sacred name of a suffering country, to declare his Abdication.

As soon as he said "Abdication," the whole assembly stood up. Amidst the shouting, a hundred voices cried, "Seconded! Seconded!"

When the President finally brought some order, he said:

I cannot hope to get any result unless the assembly calms down. The country's safety depends on today's decision. I beg the Chamber to wait for the Emperor's message.

Duchesne's idea was immediately supported by General Jean-Baptiste Solignac. This officer had suffered greatly for five years. Napoleon hated him because he refused to serve Napoleon's ambition. So, the Chamber was curious to hear what Solignac would do. General Solignac said:

I also share the worry of the speaker before me. Yes! We must think about the Empire's safety and keeping our free government. While the Government wants to show you plans for this goal, it seems important for the Chamber to let the Monarch freely give up his power. I suggest that five members be chosen to go to the Emperor. This group should tell His Majesty how urgent his decision is. Their report, I trust, will satisfy both the assembly and the nation.

This idea was very well received. The President was about to put it to a vote. But Solignac appeared again.

I want to add something to my idea. Several people have told me that we will soon know His Majesty's decision. So, I think we should wait for one hour to get the message. It seems it will be sent to the Chambers. Therefore, I suggest we adjourn for that time. (This part of his speech was met with much disapproval.) Gentlemen! We all want to save our country. But can we not combine this shared feeling with the good desire that the Chamber should protect the Chief of State's honor? (Cries of "Yes! Yes!") If I asked to wait until this evening or tomorrow, there might be objections. But, one hour...

This speech was met with cries of "Yes! Yes! To the vote!" Marshal Davout then came to the Chamber. He read from a message from Marshal Soult. Davout said the situation was serious but not hopeless. He added that declaring any soldier who left his post a traitor might still save the country. A member asked if this was true, given reports that enemy forces had reached Laon. Davout denied it. He repeated that, in his expert view, the military situation was not hopeless. Shortly after his speech, at 11:00 AM, the Chamber paused its meeting.

Napoleon Gives Up Power on June 22

Meanwhile, Napoleon learned about the parliament's mood from Regnaud de Saint Jean d'Angely. Regnaud quickly warned him that if he did not step down right away, he would likely be removed from power.

Napoleon was furious at the idea of being forced out. He said,

Since that is the case, I will not give up my power at all. The Chamber is made up of troublemakers and schemers. They are looking for chaos or power. I should have told the Nation about them and fired them. The time that has been lost can still be recovered.

However, Regnaud strongly urged him to accept the situation. He told Napoleon to make the same noble sacrifice he made in 1814. He assured him that if he did not step down, the parliament and the whole nation would blame him. They would say he prevented peace for his own reasons.

Solignac and other representatives then arrived. They bravely told him that he had no choice but to agree to the nation's representatives' wishes. Solignac described what happened in the Chamber of Representatives. He explained how hard it was to get them to wait, even for one hour. If Napoleon did not step down voluntarily, he would face the shame of being removed. Even his brothers, Lucien and Joseph, now agreed that it was too late to resist.

After his fit of rage passed, Napoleon decided to step down in favor of his son. He asked his brother Lucien to write down his declaration of abdication. He named his son, Napoleon II, Emperor of the French.

The parliament's meeting had started again at noon. At 1:00 PM, Joseph Fouché, Caulaincourt, Davout, and Carnot brought the declaration to the house. The President read it aloud. Everyone listened respectfully. Many opposition members were relieved. They had feared a last-minute attempt by Napoleon to take control.

This resignation was Napoleon's last big political act. He was defeated by foreign enemies. He was controlled by the nation's representatives. He was forced to step down from a throne where he once controlled the fate of kings. Most of the big changes in his amazing life had been dramatic. But this time, the change happened quietly. It was surprising that such a powerful man's political life ended so calmly. People might have expected it to end in battle or a huge government crisis.

There is no doubt he thought about taking control again by force. But the strong words in the National Assembly, his friends' pleas, and the hope of keeping the throne for his family made him give up that idea. Also, he knew that many people in parliament and the country disliked King Louis XVIII. He also knew the different political groups disagreed. So, he probably thought that chaos might happen. Then, he might be called upon to restore order.

Think about this: most of the army was loyal to Napoleon. The Army of the North was falling back to Paris. It would gather its strength there and get more soldiers. Also, the armies on the Eastern border were still holding their positions. Even in La Vendée, Napoleon's troops had stopped a rebellion. On top of all this, Napoleon had a huge influence on most of the nation. People were amazed by his many victories. They blamed his defeats only on the combined power of the great European Coalition against France.

Considering all this, the British historian William Siborne found it amazing how firm and brave the French Parliament was. On this critical day, it showed one of the best examples of how strong a constitutional government can be. It was a remarkable victory for free institutions over a king's total power.

Choosing the Government Leaders

After Napoleon officially stepped down, the parliament discussed what to do next. Some supported a government led by Napoleon II, his son. Others wanted a republic. Most were against bringing back King Louis XVIII. But they knew they had to make a deal with the Coalition powers. They also did not want the army, which still liked Napoleon, to try to take control. The Chamber decided not to declare themselves a national assembly. They felt that would be taking too much power. It would also destroy the constitution they were working under. So, the Chamber decided to elect a group to form a new government under the constitution. They also decided that this new government would talk with the Coalition armies.

Five hundred eleven members were present for the first vote for the new government leaders:

• Lazare, Count Carnot received 304 votes.
• Joseph Fouché, Duke of Otranto received 293 votes.
• General Paul Grenier received 204 votes.
• General Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette received 142 votes.
• Marshal Jacques MacDonald received 137 votes.
• Pierre Flaugergues received 46 votes.
• Charles Lambrechts received 42 votes.

So, Carnot and Fouché were chosen as two of the three members. During the second vote, a motion was made to keep the meeting going. Grenier was chosen as the third member with 350 votes. Then the meeting was paused until 11:00 AM the next morning.

The Chamber of Peers met around 1:30 PM. Carnot read Napoleon's abdication announcement. Everyone listened quietly. But when the count then reported on the army's condition, a heated debate began. Marshal Ney said that Marshal Grouchy and the Duke of Dalmatia could not gather sixty thousand men. He said that number could not be brought together on the northern border. Marshal Grouchy had only gathered seven or eight thousand men. The Duke of Dalmatia had not been able to hold his ground at Rocroy. Ney concluded, "You have no other way to save your country but by talking."

The Peers were told what the Chamber of Representatives had decided. Prince Lucien and other supporters of Napoleon pointed out that Napoleon had stepped down for his son. They said if his son was not recognized, then the abdication could be considered invalid. The Chamber decided not to support Napoleon's family. They agreed to send two of their members to be government leaders. In the first vote, Armand Caulaincourt, Duke of Vicenza, was elected with 51 votes. In the second vote, Nicolas Quinette, Baron Quinnette, got 48 votes and was named the fifth member of the commission. The Peers finally ended their meeting at 2:30 AM on June 23.

New Government Forms on June 23

On the morning of June 23, the chosen leaders named Joseph Fouché, Duke of Otranto, as their president. Marshal André Masséna was made commander of the Parisian National Guard. Count Andreossy became commander of the first military division. Count Drouot took charge of the Imperial Guard. Baron Bignon was chosen as the temporary minister for foreign affairs. General Carnot became the minister of the interior. Count Pelet de la Lozère was made minister of police.

That evening, representatives were sent to talk on behalf of the nation. They were to negotiate with the European powers for peace. The powers had promised peace if Napoleon Bonaparte was no longer recognized as Emperor. This condition had now been met. However, as Representative Bigonnet had pointed out, the Coalition was fighting to enforce the Treaty of Paris of 1814. This treaty excluded Napoleon and his family from the throne. The representatives sent to talk with the allies were Messrs. Lafayette, Sebastiani, D’Argenson, Count Laforêt, and Count Pontecoulant. Benjamin Constant went with them as secretary. They left Paris on the evening of June 24.

Government Announcement in Paris on June 24

On June 24, the new government in Paris made an announcement. This government had been chosen the day before. It had five members: Joseph Fouché, Armand Caulaincourt, Lazare Carnot, General Paul Grenier, and Nicolas Quinette. They announced that Napoleon was stepping down for the "peace [of France] and that of the World." He was doing this in favor of his son, Napoleon II.

Napoleon Goes to Malmaison on June 25

The Château de Malmaison

On June 25, Napoleon left Paris and went to the country Palace of Malmaison. It was about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) east of the city center. From there, he sent a message to the army. In it, he encouraged the soldiers to keep fighting.

Napoleon II Removed from Power on June 26

On June 26, the government sent a report to the parliament. It said that the army's situation was better than expected. They promised not to hide or exaggerate dangers. They would always be loyal to their country. On the same day, the government made a public announcement. It explained that laws would now operate "In the name of the French people." This meant they would no longer be in the name of Napoleon II. So, after only three days, Napoleon II was replaced by the French people.

Napoleon Leaves Malmaison for America on June 29

To help Napoleon leave the country, the government asked for a passport and safety guarantees. This would allow Napoleon and his family to go to the United States of America. General Blücher ignored the request. Wellington, another general, referred them to his earlier note about stopping fighting. He also said he had no authority to give a passport for Napoleon.

The government's representatives told Napoleon that Wellington and Blücher had refused his request. They said he had to leave immediately.

Napoleon almost got caught by the Prussians while at Malmaison. Blücher heard he was there. On June 28, he sent Major von Colomb with soldiers to secure a bridge. This bridge led directly to Napoleon's palace. Luckily for Napoleon, Marshal Davout had ordered General Becker to destroy the bridge. So, Major von Colomb was disappointed to find no way across. The bridge was only about 730 metres (800 yd) from the palace where Napoleon was staying.

Napoleon finally accepted what he felt was his fate. His travel preparations were finished. He got into his carriage around 5:00 PM on June 29. Generals Bertrand, Gourgaud, and other loyal friends joined him. They took the road to Rochefort. Two French ships were waiting there to take him and his group to America.

Captured by the British on July 10

Napoleon on the Bellerophon at Plymouth, by Sir Charles Lock Eastlake, 1815. Eastlake sketched Napoleon on the Bellerophon to paint this portrait.

As agreed in the Convention of St. Cloud, on July 3, the French Army left Paris. They marched towards the Loire River. On July 7, the two Coalition armies entered Paris. The Chamber of Peers was told what had happened by the government. They ended their meetings. The Chamber of Representatives protested, but it was useless. Their President resigned. The next day, the doors were closed, and foreign troops guarded the entrances.

On July 8, the French King, Louis XVIII, entered his capital. People cheered, and he took back his throne. Also that day, Napoleon Bonaparte boarded the French frigate Saale at Rochefort. He sailed, with his small group on the Méduse, to an anchorage near the Isle of Aix. He planned to sail to America.

On July 10, the wind became favorable. But a British fleet appeared. Napoleon saw it would be hard to avoid their ships. So, after talking with Captain Maitland, he decided to place himself under Maitland's protection. He boarded HMS Bellerophon on July 15. The next day, Captain Maitland sailed for England. He arrived at Torbay with Napoleon on July 24. Despite his protests, Napoleon was not allowed to land in England. The British Government had decided to send him to the island of Saint Helena. On July 26, Bellerophon was ordered to sail to Plymouth. Napoleon stayed there for several days. On August 4, he was moved to HMS Northumberland. This was a large warship under Rear Admiral Sir George Cockburn. On this ship, he sailed to his prison on the remote South Atlantic island. Napoleon remained a prisoner on Saint Helena until he died in 1821.

Images for kids

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  Napoleon on Board the Bellerophon, painted in 1880 by Sir William Quiller Orchardson. This painting shows Napoleon watching the French coast disappear on July 23, 1815.

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  The Château de Malmaison

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  Napoleon on the Bellerophon at Plymouth, by Sir Charles Lock Eastlake, 1815. Eastlake sketched Napoleon on the Bellerophon to paint this portrait.

See Also

• Napoleon
• Battle of Waterloo
• Hundred Days