Treaty of Fontainebleau (1814)
Palace of Fontainebleau, Seine-et-Marne, France
What happened
Napoleon's representatives Caulaincourt, Macdonald and Ney agreed terms with Metternich of Austria, Nesselrode of Russia and Hardenberg of Prussia. With Paris taken by the allies, Napoleon's marshals pressed him to give up. Under the treaty he gave up his power over France but kept the title of emperor. He was given the small island of Elba to rule for life, with a guard of 400 men.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It ended Napoleon's rule over France and sent him into exile. His family was barred from power in France.
What came next
Napoleon said farewell to his Old Guard in the palace courtyard on 20 April.
Did you know?
Two Americans were charged in France for stealing a copy of this treaty from the national archives; it was returned in 2002.
Timeline
- 4 April 1814Napoleon signs his abdication at Fontainebleau.
- 11 April 1814The treaty is concluded.
- 13 April 1814Napoleon ratifies it.
- 20 April 1814Napoleon's farewell to the Old Guard.