St Helena Island - Part 3

Napoleon Bonaparte and St. Helena: His Exile, Stay, and Legacy

Napoleon during his exile.
(image: Google)

Napoleon Bonaparte, the renowned military genius and former Emperor of the French, spent the final years of his life in exile on the remote island of St. Helena. This period marked a significant chapter in Napoleon's life, as it witnessed his physical and mental decline, while also providing an intriguing backdrop for anecdotes and stories. In this article, we will explore the relationship between Napoleon Bonaparte and St. Helena, his stay on the island, his age at the time, the reasons behind his exile, the date of his death, and even delve into some entertaining and humorous tales from his time on St. Helena.

Exile to St. Helena:

After his defeat in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to the island of St. Helena by the British government. Located in the South Atlantic Ocean, St. Helena was chosen due to its isolation and difficult access, making it an ideal place to hold a captive of such significance. Napoleon was considered a threat to the balance of power in Europe, and the British authorities aimed to prevent any potential resurgence of his political influence.

Life on St. Helena:

Napoleon Bonaparte arrived on St. Helena on October 15, 1815, at the age of 46. He was accompanied by a small entourage, including loyal servants, military officers, and a physician. Despite being confined to the island, Napoleon maintained an active daily routine, involving walks, reading, dictating his memoirs, and engaging in conversations with his companions. He also devoted time to studying and writing about military tactics and history.

Longwood House - Napoleon's "Prison"
(Image: Google)

Reasons for Exile:

Napoleon's exile to St. Helena was primarily motivated by the fear of his return to power. The British government, along with other European nations, wanted to ensure that the Napoleonic era had come to an end. They believed that the remote island would restrict his ability to communicate and conspire with his supporters, thereby neutralizing any potential threat he posed to the established order.

His Death:

Napoleon Bonaparte's time on St. Helena was marked by declining health. His physical condition worsened as he suffered from various ailments, including stomach ulcers, chronic bronchitis, and possibly even stomach cancer. On May 5, 1821, at the age of 51, Napoleon breathed his last breath on the island, surrounded by his faithful companions. His death marked the end of an era and left a lasting impact on the world.

Funny Stories from St. Helena:

Despite the somber circumstances surrounding his exile, a few amusing anecdotes have emerged from Napoleon's time on St. Helena. One such tale involves Napoleon and his companions engaging in friendly games of billiards. It is said that Napoleon, renowned for his competitive nature, would often play against his entourage and display little skill. However, he would occasionally cheat by discreetly placing his hand on the table to adjust the balls in his favor.

(Image: Pinterest)

Another humorous story relates to Napoleon's fondness for animals. It is rumored but not verified that he kept several pets on the island. These animals provided companionship and entertainment during his exile. Legend has it that Napoleon taught a monkey to play cards and even trained her to shuffle the deck. Although this tale might be more fictional than factual, it reflects the lighter side of Napoleon's character during his challenging stay on St. Helena.

Napoleon Bonaparte's exile to St. Helena was a significant period in his life, marking the end of his political ambitions and the beginning of his decline. Despite the hardships he faced, he maintained a disciplined routine and continued to contribute intellectually. His death on the island brought an end to an extraordinary era, leaving a lasting impact on history as well as the island. The amusing stories that emerged from his time on St. Helena remind us that even in the face of adversity, humor can provide a source of relief and moments of levity.