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Primary sourceSpeech20 April 1814

Speech to his soldiers at Fontainebleau after abdication

Napoleon · 20 April 1814

Napoleon's farewell speech to the Imperial Guard at Fontainebleau in April 1814, after his first abdication.

Napoleon's own farewell speech to his Imperial Guard after his abdication, marking the fall of his empire.

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Source: Wikisource

About this source

What it is

This speech was given by Napoleon Bonaparte on 20 April 1814 to his soldiers at Fontainebleau, shortly after his abdication as Emperor. In it, he bids farewell to the Imperial Guard, embraces General Petit, and speaks emotionally of the army's eagle standard.

Why it matters

This speech is one of the most famous moments of Napoleon's fall from power, showing the emotional bond between him and his soldiers even as his empire collapsed. It captures a dramatic turning point in European history and reveals how Napoleon wished to be remembered by his men.

Look closer

  • What emotions does Napoleon express toward his soldiers in this farewell?
  • Why might he focus on the army's eagle standard as a symbol?
  • What does this speech suggest about how Napoleon wanted history to remember him?

This speech is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Napoleon Bonaparte on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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