WEA Course Information Sheet 2014-15
S:\WEAMISdata\EA\Course Information Sheets 2014.15\C2221305_outline.doc
Course title: The Return of the Emperor - Napoleon
Course reference: C2221305
Tutor(s): John Forster
Venue: Castle Methodist Church (Colchester)
Fee: £68.00
Start date: 05/01/2015
End date: 16/03/2015
Day(s)/time(s): Mon 10:00
Number of sessions: 10
Hours per session: 2 (+1)
Level: 3
Title of qualification to be gained (if any):
Awarding body (if any):
n/a
n/a
Essential materials (e.g. books and equipment to be provided by the student):
Some scrap paper; a writing implement and something to rest paper on.
Course aims:
To consider how Napoleon, forced to abdicate in 1814, absconded from Elba a year later; was nearly
victorious at Waterloo; died on St Helena and was finally returned to France.
Course description:
This introductory course summarises Napoleon's background; his rise to power and his abdication after a
disastrous Russian campaign. It examines the reasons for his flight from Elba and the logistics of the "100
days" culminating in his narrow defeat at Waterloo. The relationships between Napoleon, his small
entourage and St Helena's military governor are considered in detail as is the murder conspiracy theory
and the final return of his body to Paris.
Any prior knowledge or entry requirements?
None.
Course content: what topics will the course cover?
 Introduction: Summary of his career and rise to power: The "Buonaparte" family: Napoleon's skills.
 European politics and economics: The key personalities: Early campaigns: The formation of the
Marshalate: Positions for his family: Marriage and divorce: The "Elephant and Whale" situation –
coalitions for and against him: Trade wars.
 The Russian campaign of 1812: Consequences of failure: Battle for Paris: Defeat and Abdication.
 Exile to Elba and life on the island: Reasons for the "escape".
 His progress to Paris: The 100 days begin: Raising the troops, horses and equipment: Strategic
Options: Funding the campaign: Finding the commanders.
 The campaign opens: the composition and strategies of the opposing armies: The Duchess of
Richmond's ball: Battles of Ligny and Wavre.
 Battle of Waterloo: The stages of the Battle: Why did Napoleon lose? His second abdication: Allied
views on what should happen to him.
 Napoleon's surrender to the Allies. His attempts to remain in Britain. The popular reaction to his
situation. His existence on St Helena: His relationship with the Governor: European attitude to his
exile: The final illness and death: The "retour des cendres" and Les Invalides: His legacy –
education; Code Napoleon; religious tolerance; Military maxims.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods: tick those to be used 
 Group work
 Individual work
Demonstration
Discussion
Project work
Research
Role play
Written work
Activity outside

Question and answer
Observation
Practical work
class time
 Field trip
Presentation
Other (state):
How will I receive feedback on my learning progress and achievement?
Through increasing confidence in discussion, Q&A sessions, small group exercises and the ability
to follow an event without constant reference to a map.
Learning outcomes: these are the intended outcomes and may be revised in discussion with the
class. Students are encouraged to think about and identify their own individual outcomes.
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Explain the causes for Napoleon's flight from Elba.
2. Outline Napoleon's strategy for the Waterloo campaign.
3. List the major factors affecting the Prussian contribution to Waterloo.
4. Explain the Allies reasoning for holding Napoleon on St Helena.
5. Describe the issues Governor Hudson Lowe faced with Napoleon as his prisoner.
6. Give a reasoned opinion on the murder conspiracy theory.
7. Explain why it took so long to return Napoleon's body to France.
Reading and information sources:
Students will be given a reading list and suggestions for accessing appropriate web sites.
Suggestions for progression to further study or for using the skills and knowledge gained:
Those who are interested in continuing the study of this subject will be provided with suggestions
for further reading and accessing relevant websites.
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for Students here http://www.wea.org.uk/courses/information . This includes information on fees,
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