Jane Austen's Novel Persuasion

Europe from 1789 to post Napoleon Jane Austen’s novel, Persuasion, takes place in England from 1814 to 1815. During this time period, a lot is going on in Europe that impacts this novel. Prior to this novel, the French Revolution and then the Napoleonic Wars take up much of Europe’s history from about 1789 until this novel’s time period. With the beginning of the French Revolution, all of Europe begins to go through a lot of changes.

Although no one cause can be placed on the beginning of the French Revolution, that does not stop it from being one of the most violent revolutions in history. This violence officially starting with the attack and tear down of the Bastille in Paris in July of 1789. From that point on, the fighting back against

The Treaty of Chaumont was put together by the four main powers that took down Napoleon, Great Britain, Russia, Prussia, and Austria. This treaty states that if France were to ever try and take more European power than what is allowed, each country would “ put 150,000 men each in the field, and to guarantee Europe against French aggression for 20 years” (“Treaty of Chaumont”). Then comes the real talks of peace. While Napoleon is exiled in Elba, the Congress of Vienna comes together. The Congress of Vienna is mainly brought together to redistribute the land Napoleon had taken over during his reign and to keep peace among all nations in

Along with Napoleon being back in power, the Treaty of Chaumont came into effect. The four countries, Great Britain, Russia, Prussia, and Austria, began their preparations for a fight against Napoleon. Napoleon was prepared to fight back with “an army of 280,000 men” and he wanted to make the first move before any of the Allied forces against him could bring more men than him (“100 Days”). This then started then battles against the Allies in June 1815. The first battle was at Ligny against the Prussians. Napoleon came out victorious at this battle, but his victories would not last much longer because two days later the Battle of Waterloo took place. This battle caused great losses to both sides of the fighting, but Napoleon realized his loss was too much and knew he could not win. When he tried to flee for Paris, he gave up the fight altogether. Once again, Napoleon was sentenced to exile, but this time on St. Helena. Defeated and lacking any possible escape, Napoleon stayed on St. Helena until his death in May of