Napoleon: How He Conquered Europe and Lost His Empire

In September 1812, Napoleon reached Moscow expecting Russia to seek peace. The city was burning, but no offer came. How had a man who had forced so many rulers to negotiate reached a point where victory no longer brought the answer he needed? This documentary follows Napoleon from Corsica and the French Revolution through his Italian and Egyptian campaigns, the coup of 1799, Marengo, and his rise to emperor. It traces the victories that extended his power—and the limits they could not remove: Britain at sea, resistance in Spain, an uneasy relationship with Austria, and Russia's refusal to make peace. The story continues through the retreat from Moscow, the coalition campaigns of 1813 and 1814, his return from Elba, Waterloo, and Saint Helena. Alongside the battles, it examines the government he built, the reforms that outlasted him, and the coercion and colonial policies that were part of his rule. Which turning point mattered most to Napoleon's fall: Spain, Russia, or his opponents learning how to fight him? Subscribe to War History & Mystery for evidence-led documentaries about the battles, decisions, and mysteries that shaped our world. CHAPTERS 00:00 Moscow: a victory without peace 00:44 Corsica and the Revolution 02:19 Italy and Egypt 04:47 The coup and Marengo 09:00 Emperor of the French 09:36 Austerlitz and Britain 12:44 Spain resists 14:10 Austria's return to war 16:23 The invasion of Russia 18:43 The retreat from Moscow 19:56 The coalition closes in 22:31 Abdication 23:26 Elba and the return 24:50 Waterloo 25:47 Saint Helena and legacy #Napoleon #NapoleonicWars #HistoryDocumentary