Campaign of France

The Campaign of France in 1814 was Napoleon’s attempt to defend his empire after coalition armies crossed France’s eastern frontiers. Although heavily outnumbered, he won a series of sharp actions, including victories during the Six Days’ Campaign, while trying to prevent the allied armies from concentrating on Paris.

The strategic balance nevertheless favoured the coalition. Allied forces entered Paris at the end of March, political support for Napoleon collapsed, and he abdicated in April before being sent into exile on Elba. The campaign marked the first fall of the Napoleonic Empire.