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What was the Hundred Days in Napoleon’s history?

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Historical battle map showing troop positions at the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815, near Brussels, Belgium. Red lines represent Anglo-Dutch infantry and cavalry under Wellington, positioned north of French forces. Blue lines show French infantry and cavalry under Napoleon, with both armies facing each other across a central road. Key locations like Chateau de Goumont (Hougoumont) and Plancenoit are labeled, and an inset map highlights the location within present-day Belgium and Europe. — Battle of Waterloo Battle of Waterloo, June 18, 1815.

The "Hundred Days" refers to the period in 1815 between Napoleon Bonaparte’s return to Paris from exile on Elba and the restoration of King Louis XVIII.1

Following his initial abdication in 1814 and the subsequent Bourbon Restoration, Napoleon escaped his island exile and landed in France on March 1, 1815. He marched on Paris, causing Louis XVIII to flee, and resumed control of the government on March 20. During this time, Napoleon attempted to broaden his political support by introducing liberal reforms to the Imperial Constitution.12

However, European powers—including Austria, Britain, Prussia, and Russia—quickly formed an alliance against him. This conflict culminated in Napoleon’s decisive defeat at the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815. Napoleon abdicated for a second time on June 22 and was subsequently exiled to the remote island of St. Helena, where he remained until his death. The period concluded on July 8, 1815, with the return of Louis XVIII to Paris.12