The Battle of Waterloo: A Joint Victory or a British Triumph?

The Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815, is often regarded as a British victory. However, a closer look at the events of that day reveals a more complex story that celebrates the contributions of multiple forces working together. Wellington, Blücher, and the Prussian army, along with Belgian and Dutch units, combined to ensure a decisive defeat for Napoleon. This article explores the roles of these key figures and armies and challenges the notion that Waterloo was solely a British triumph.

The Prussian Arrivals at Waterloo

After the prolonged and harrowing battles against the Prussians at Ligny on June 16, Napoleon managed to retreat in good order. Despite this initial setback, the Prussian army regrouped swiftly and marched to the aid of the Allied forces under the Duke of Wellington and Prince Blücher. The Prussian arrival marked a turning point in the battle. Napoleon had previously defeated the Prussians at Ligny, but their orderly retreat allowed them to reconstitute and march to support Wellington's position.

Combined Forces vs. Napoleon's Army

The French forces significantly outnumbered the separate components of the allied armies present on the battlefield. However, the combined strength of the British, Belgian, Dutch, and Prussian forces proved formidable. The allied armies, totaling around 217,000 men, outnumbered Napoleon's army of approximately 73,000, many of whom were hastily trained. The presence of these forces allowed the Allies to hold off Napoleon's invading forces and ultimately win the battle.

The Controversy Over Who Was the Real Loser

The question remains: who was the true loser at Waterloo—Napoleon or Wellington and Blücher? The answer depends on who you ask. The generally accepted view is that Wellington had just about gained the upper hand when the Prussians arrived, solidifying the victory for the Allies. According to this narrative, Blücher's arrival was the final push that tipped the scales. Curt Fleming, a German historian, famously said: 'The English owe the victory entirely to the silent Prussians!' However, this perspective can be contested.

Napoleon's Strategic Failure

Napoleon's main objectives at Waterloo were to separate the Prussian and British/Allied armies and to defeat them piecemeal. Despite the heroic efforts of the Old Guard and other elite units, Napoleon ultimately failed in this strategy. The combination of Wellington's and Blücher's forces meant that Napoleon could not achieve his goals. His defeat on the battlefield was partially due to the strategic blunders of both French and Russian invasions on the Iberian Peninsula and elsewhere.

Conclusion: A Joint Effort or a British Triumph?

While credit is often given to Wellington for the victory, it is important to recognize the contributions of all Allied forces, including the Prussian army, Belgian and Dutch units, and even the British. The success at Waterloo was a result of a joint effort, and it was the collective strength of these armies that led to Napoleon's defeat. The battle ended not just a military campaign but also a defining period in European history, marking the end of the Napoleonic era and the restoration of the balance of power in Europe.