Michael Broers is a British historian specializing in Napoleonic Europe. A professor at the University of Oxford, he has authored several acclaimed works on Napoleon, including Napoleon: The Decline and Fall of an Empire, 1811–1821.

In this interview clip, we explore a fascinating historical question: why didn't Napoleon Bonaparte escape to America after his defeat at Waterloo? Despite his ambitions, several factors prevented him from seeking refuge in the United States.

After his defeat in 1815, Napoleon considered fleeing to America, and his brother Joseph successfully made the journey. However, Napoleon chose not to board the ship with him, fearing that his fame would make escape impossible and put Joseph at risk. Additionally, the British Royal Navy’s blockade of French ports left him with few options. Hoping for leniency, he surrendered to the British, only to be exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena, where he remained until his death in 1821.

What do you think... Could Napoleon have successfully escaped to America, or was his capture inevitable? Join the discussion in the comments!

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