They are two of the greatest generals in world history and two of the most celebrated figures in history. Modern-day generals and professional warriors study their military tactics and campaigns. Napoleon Bonaparte and the Duke of Wellington faced each other on a Belgium battlefield in 1815. The ensuing battle, the Battle of Waterloo, remains one of the most decisive days in the world's history-the day when the world's greatest generals met each other head-on. One general triumphed, and the other was defeated, along with the glory and dominance of the French Empire. Napoleon and Wellington would be useful for classes on World History, European History, Military History and Geography. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• cajoling
• caliber
• cataclysmic
• catastrophic
• charismatic
• diversionary
• epic
• epitome
• euphoria
• exotic
• formidable
• fortuitous
• grandeur
• guise
• impetus
• lethargic
• megalomania
• melancholy
• metamorphosis
• oblivion
• pandemonium
• paradox
• prestigious
• psyche
• rebuffed
• reverberate
• serendipity
• squander
• stamina
• stature
• tepidness
• vendetta

1. England and France, led by the Duke of Wellington and Napoleon Bonaparte, respectively, faced each other at the decisive Battle of Waterloo. But this was not the first time England and France had fought each other. Why did England and France have such a long history of animosity between them? How are their relations today?

2. How has the term "Waterloo" become part of the English language?

3. Napoleon Bonaparte was born and spent his early youth in Corsica, an island off the coast of Italy. How did the dark history of the island influence Napoleon's life and military philosophy?

4. Compare the childhoods and backgrounds of Napoleon and Wellington.

5. How did Napoleon train both his intellect and his body for war? How did this self-imposed training serve him later in his career?

6. The Duke of Wellington fell in love with a beautiful young woman named Catherine. But Catherine rebuffed the Duke. Why did Catherine, at the behest of her family, refuse the Duke's affections? Why and how did Catherine's feelings change?

7. How did the French Revolution catapult Napoleon to fame and prominence in France?

8. Discuss some of the obstacles Napoleon faced when he took command of the French Army in Italy.

9. The army of scholars Napoleon brought into Egypt discovered the Rosetta Stone. What is the Rosetta Stone? Why is this artifact so important to our historical knowledge?

10. Although he was one of the most powerful men in France, Napoleon was also the laughing stock of the country. Why?

11. Discuss the irony of Napoleon becoming emperor of France.

12. Discuss how Napoleon's Continental System brought Napoleon and the Duke of Wellington to their destiny.

13. How did nature help to defeat Napoleon?

14. How did Napoleon recapture France?

15. Discuss how the Duke of Wellington outsmarted Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo.

16. Why did Napoleon lose at Waterloo?

1. On a map of Europe, trace the route of Napoleon's expansion of the French Empire.

2. Draw a battle plan for the Battle of Waterloo.

3. Create a timeline of the 17th and 18th centuries that illustrates Napoleon's rise and fall.

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Air Dates

• September 06, 2001
• September 07, 2001