The Campaign of Waterloo: A Military History: Third Edition

"The Campaign of Waterloo: A Military History" by John Codman Ropes is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This detailed examination focuses on the events surrounding the notable decisive battle of Waterloo and seeks to understand the various strategies, decisions, and miscalculations that led to the defeat of Napoleon. The book aims to provide an impartial view of the military operations involved, particularly emphasizing Napoleon's role and intentions throughout the campaign. The opening of the work sets the stage for the historical context leading up to the Battle of Waterloo, touching upon Napoleon's return from Elba and the political dynamics of the time. It introduces the opposing forces under Duke Wellington and Marshal Blücher, detailing the military situation and the plans that each side had as they prepared for impending conflict. Ropes elaborates on Napoleon’s strategic thinking and the challenges he faced, highlighting the complexities that influenced the decisions made by both sides in the lead-up to this pivotal moment in European history. This comprehensive introduction offers readers a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of military history and foreshadows the in-depth analysis to come in subsequent chapters.