Evaluate the reasons for Napoleon’s military defeat.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the different factors that contributed to Napoleon’s defeat during the period up to 1815. Defeat could include the retreat from Russia in 1812, the military and diplomatic events that led to his abdication in April 1814 and defeat at Waterloo in June 1815. Factors could include the scale of the Allied opposition, the extensive nature of his campaigns (he chose to undertake the Russian campaign while the conflict in Spain continued) and the oppressive nature of his rule, which led to rebellions in conquered territories. Some candidates may focus on key strategic and military decisions that led to defeat in Russia, at Leipzig and, finally, at Waterloo. They may also consider non-military factors that contributed to military defeat, including his refusal to sign a peace in 1813, and a decline in domestic support following the invasion of France from Germany and Spain in 1813–1814.