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474 General History of Europe of enthusiastic followers, who joined him on the way, he reached Paris, March i, 1815. Napoleon counted on the loyalty of the French people and trusted that the divisions between the nations would prevent a combined attack on him. But the allies quickly forgot their rivalry in the face of common danger and joined to overthrow once more "the destroyer of the world's peace." 838. Defeat of Napoleon. The Duke of Wellington assembled an army of one hundred thousand British, Germans, and Dutch in the Netherlands, and Bliicher with another large army of Prussians was ready to assist him. The Austrians also had a considerable force near the Rhine. Napoleon hastily collected such an army as he could and with his old daring marched to the Belgian frontier, hoping to divide his enemies and deal with them separately. Although he managed at first to drive back the Prus- sians, he was overcome by Wellington's forces at Waterloo and completely routed by Bliicher's troops, who arrived to assist the British general. There was now no hope for Napoleon, for the allies had combined to send indefinite numbers into the field against him. Hopelessly defeated at last, the career of the mighty con- queror had come to an end. Banished to St. Helena, a lonely island in the South Atlantic, Napoleon spent his few remaining years writing his Memoirs, in which he sought to justify his deeds and hand down to posterity the story of his achievements. QUESTIONS I. Tell something of the early life of Napoleon Bonaparte. What powers were at war with France when Bonaparte took command of the Italian army ? With what success did Bonaparte meet in Italy ? De- scribe Bonaparte's character. What were the chief sources of his power ? What were Bonaparte's motives in going to Egypt ? How did Bonaparte become First Consul? What is the origin of the word "consul"? Why was Bonaparte popular? What were his first measures ? II. Describe Bonaparte's second expedition to Italy and its results. Describe the general nature of the Holy Roman Empire. Had the em- perors tried in previous centuries to strengthen Germany ? What were the circumstances that led to the consolidation of Germany in 1803 ? What is meant by "secularization"? Give some examples.