00:00most powerful rulers in Europe. He ruled much of Europe. Then, in a few devastating years,
00:06his empire began to collapse. From a young French officer, Napoleon rose through military victories
00:13to become one of the most powerful rulers in Europe. His victories redrew borders and shook
00:18kingdoms. Every conquest brought more enemies and another war to fight. In 1812, Napoleon made a
00:26decision. He marched into Russia with a massive army, expecting another great victory. Russia
00:32became a nightmare. Hunger, disease, and freezing conditions devastated his army. The retreat turned
00:38ambition into disaster. By 1814, a once-powerful ruler had lost his throne. Exiled to a small
00:45Mediterranean island, he faced an uncertain future. But Napoleon was not finished. He escaped Elba,
00:51returned to France, and reclaimed power. His comeback shocked Europe. Then came Waterloo.
00:57On June 18, 1815, Napoleon suffered his final defeat. His return to power was over, and this time,
01:04Napoleon spent his final years in exile on Saint Helena. Was his downfall caused by enemies or his
01:10own ambition.
