Sir Arthur Wellesley's Role In The Defeat Of Napoleon

Sir Arthur Wellesley the 1st Duke of Wellington, often called the ‘Iron Duke’ because of his iron will and demeanour, was an Anglo-Irish military leader and statesman that rose to prominence in a time of great upheaval in Europe, the Napoleonic wars. This was a time when all the major kingdoms in Europe were either subjugated to Napoleon Bonaparte or to afraid to fight against him. He gained his title as the duke of wellington after (some say during) the peninsular campaign, because of his exemplary service to the crown of England. Though often considered the inferior of Napoleon Bonaparte (who he is always compared against) in military genius, he ultimately defeated napoleon and had a major role in reshaping 19th century Europe and restoring France to some level of stability.

Arthur Wellesley (then Wesley) was born on the 1st of May 1769 in Dublin Ireland. He was born into the protestant ascendancy in Ireland. He was born into an aristocratic family, as the 3rd living son of the first earl of Mornington. His birthplace is debated, but is most likely the families’ townhouse at 24 upper
He became British prime minister in 1828-1830 then again in 1834-1834(his least successful term). He was not the greatest politician. Though he ran the country well enough he couldn’t deal with the public displays and crowds. Wellington was shy, disliked people cheering him and his way of speaking bluntly seemed rude to many of the aristocracy. His second term as prime minister is considered largely unsuccessful as he was aged 75 and quite deaf. Wellingtons major rise to prominence though was during his wars against the French empire the the 19th century. His military talent and genius was shown during the peninsular war in Spain. In this campaign Wellington is said to have never lost a battle (though even he admits that there where draws and