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Speech upon returning from exile at Elba

Napoleon · 1815

Napoleon's speech to his soldiers in 1815 after returning from exile on Elba, beginning the Hundred Days.

Napoleon's own speech on his dramatic return from exile, marking the start of the Hundred Days.

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About this source

What it is

This speech was delivered by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815 upon his return to France from exile on the island of Elba, reportedly spoken at the Tuileries palace. It addresses the officers and soldiers who had accompanied him and calls on the army to rally behind him again.

Why it matters

This speech marks the beginning of the Hundred Days, Napoleon's brief return to power after his first exile. It shows his continued ability to inspire loyalty among soldiers even after defeat, and his emotional appeals to shared memory and sacrifice.

Look closer

  • How does Napoleon use emotion and memory to connect with his soldiers?
  • What does his language suggest about the loyalty he expects from the army?
  • Why might this speech matter to historians studying his return to power?

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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