1811. George, prince of Wales, appointed regent. The English defeated the French at Barrosa (Mar. 5), Fuentes d’Onore (May 5), and Albuera (May 16).
1812. Wellington took Ciudad Rodrigo (Jan, 19), and Badajoz (April 7), by storm, and gained a great victory at Salamanca (July 22). Perceval shot by an assassin, and Lord Liverpool made premier. United States declared war against England on account of our searching their vessels for deserted seamen, and other alleged grievances. Napoleon invaded Russia; but, as the Russians burnt Moscow, he was compelled to retreat,—during this campaign and retreat, his army was almost destroyed.
1813. Wellington completely routed the French at Vittoria (June 21), and defeated them in the Battles of the Pyrenees. Wellington crossed the Bidassoa, and thus England was the first of the powers of Europe which succeeded in planting its victorious standard on the soil of France.
1814. The Russians, Prussians, and Austrians invaded France. Wellington defeated the French at Orthes (Feb. 27) and Toulouse (April 10). NAPOLEON ABDICATED, and was allowed to retire to Elba. Louis XVIII. acknowledged king. Treaty of Paris (May 30). Washington taken by the English. Peace concluded between England and the United States at Ghent (Dec. 24).
By the treaty of Paris, France was reduced to its limits as they stood in 1792. Malta was ceded to England, and England restored all the colonies taken from France and her allies except Tobago, St. Lucia, and the Isle of France.
During the war with the United States many engagements took place at sea; and as the Americans usually attacked much smaller vessels than their own, they gained several victories; but the superiority of the British navy was unmistakably proved in the ocean duel between the Shannon and Chesapeake, for the latter, though containing a much larger crew, was taken in fifteen minutes.
1815. The English, shortly after the peace was signed in Europe, defeated at New Orleans (Jan. 8). Napoleon escaped from Elba, and returned to France; and the allies declared war against him. The Prussians were defeated by the French at Ligny (June 16), but Wellington repulsed them at Quatre Bras (June 16), and gained a decisive victory at WATERLOO (June 18). Second abdication of Napoleon, who was sent to St. Helena. Second treaty of Paris (Nov. 20). Enactment of a corn law.
This treaty further restricted the limits of France, provided for the occupation of the northern and eastern frontier, and certain fortresses, by the allies for three years, and fixed the amount to be paid towards the expenses of the war. At the end of this war the total national debt reached nearly £900,000,000.
1816. Algiers bombarded by Lord Exmouth.