Napoleon Exiled to Elba: The Empire's Brief End
Napoleon abdicated unconditionally on April 11, 1814, signing the Treaty of Fontainebleau that exiled him to Elba, a small Mediterranean island off the coast of Italy. The treaty granted him sovereignty over Elba with an annual income of two million francs from the French government, a personal guard of 400 soldiers, and the title of Emperor. His wife Marie-Louise received the Duchy of Parma. The terms were remarkably generous for a man who had plunged Europe into 12 years of war. Napoleon arrived on Elba in May 1814 and immediately began improving the island's infrastructure, mining industry, and agriculture. Within ten months he grew restless, escaped with 1,000 men, and marched on Paris to begin the Hundred Days.
April 11, 1814
212 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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