Although he seemed invincible, Napoleon was finally defeated. His downfall was due to a combination of multiple factors.

First and foremost, since he had been unable to do battle with Britain before 1815, he could not overthrow British financial and naval power. In Europe, the emergence of national sentiment in defeated countries was another threat. In Spain, Germany and Russia, the people rose up against the French occupation. The reigning monarchies were quick to exploit and encourage this movement and thus protect themselves from Napoleon.

European governments learned the lessons of French success and reformed their armies to make them capable of confronting Napoleon. Following the retreat from Russia, they also understood that only a vast coalition underpinned by a concerted strategy could overcome French military supremacy. Confronted by increasingly numerous armies, Napoleon could no longer achieve decisive victories. His political legitimacy was compromised. Both at home and abroad, the Emperor found himself isolated.