Source A: Account of the Battle of Waterloo

"The Battle of Waterloo was a decisive confrontation that marked the end of Napoleon's rule in France. According to eyewitness reports, the French army faced overwhelming Allied forces, with heavy casualties and loss of morale. The terrain was muddy and difficult, which hampered Napoleon's tactics. The Prussian army's arrival was a critical turning point, tipping the balance against Napoleon. Many soldiers described the chaos of the battle, with cannons firing relentlessly and soldiers fighting fiercely. This defeat led to Napoleon's abdication and exile to Saint Helena, ending his ambitions for European domination. The battle is often viewed as a pivotal moment in European history, symbolizing the end of an era of revolutionary wars."* Provenance: Anonymous eyewitness, 1815, battlefield report