Clue: Napoleon’s punishment during the 1810s (twice!)
Answer: EXILE
We have the answer here for March 23, 2025.
Explanation:
The crossword clue “Napoleon’s punishment during the 1810s (twice!)” refers to exile. Napoleon Bonaparte, the renowned French military leader and emperor, faced exile on two separate occasions during the 1810s.
First Exile: Elba (1814-1815)
In 1814, after a series of military defeats and facing pressure from a coalition of European powers, Napoleon abdicated the throne. He was subsequently exiled to the island of Elba, located in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Italy. Despite his reduced circumstances, Napoleon maintained a miniature court and continued to engage in administrative activities on the island. However, his ambition and the political unrest in France led to his daring escape in February 1815, marking the beginning of the period known as the Hundred Days.
Second Exile: Saint Helena (1815-1821)
Following his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815, Napoleon was captured and exiled once more, this time to the remote island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. Unlike Elba, Saint Helena was isolated and under strict British supervision, making escape virtually impossible. Napoleon spent the remainder of his life on Saint Helena, where he died in 1821.
Significance of the Exiles
Napoleon’s exiles were pivotal events in European history. His first exile to Elba was relatively lenient, allowing him to retain the title of emperor and maintain a small personal guard. However, his return to power during the Hundred Days alarmed the European powers, leading them to impose a more severe and secure exile after Waterloo. The second exile to Saint Helena ensured that Napoleon would no longer pose a threat to the stability of Europe.
In summary, the answer to the crossword clue is exile, reflecting the two periods during the 1810s when Napoleon Bonaparte was banished from France following his abdicati
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