The Generals
The battle pitted two brilliant generals against one another: Napoleon Bonaparte (far left), known for his skill in offensive warfare, and Arthur Wellesley (the Duke of Wellington, near left), known as a master of defensive action. Aided by Prussian general Gebhard von Blücher, the British-led Allied forces emerged victorious, though Wellington later described the battle as "the closest run thing you ever saw."
Napoleon Bonaparte
Known for his strategic skill and personal charisma, Napoleon Bonaparte was loved by his followers and bitterly hated by his enemies. Despite differences of opinion, it is universally agreed that Napoleon was a brilliant general; of sixty battles, he lost only nine. In later years, his rival Wellington declared his presence on the field was "worth 40,000 men." After his defeat at Waterloo, he was exiled to the island of St. Helena, where he died in 1821.
Duke of Wellington
Arthur Wellesley, remembered as the Duke of Wellington, was a serious and aristocratic general. He had high expectations for his soldiers, and his cool head and defensive strategies at Waterloo ultimately defeated Napoleon. Twice elected Prime Minister of England, Wellington died in 1852.
Gebhard von Blücher
While not celebrated as a strategic genius in the mold of Napoleon or Wellington, Gebhard von Blücher, leader of the Prussian forces, is remembered as an aggressive and dedicated warrior. His personal vendetta against Napoleon brought him back to the military at the age of 73 for the Battle of Waterloo. Blücher and his troops arrived at Waterloo at a decisive moment, and the Prussian support for Wellington guaranteed a victory for the Allies.