Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica. (more) Today in History—February 26: Napoleon’s Escape from Exile Written by Michele Metych Michele Metych is the lead editor for Today in History at Encyclopædia Britannica. Michele Metych Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Feb. 24, 2026 •History On this evening in 1815, a man boarded a ship and attempted one of history’s most audacious comebacks. It ended with his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica.Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Want to learn more about what happened on February 26, or any other day of the year? Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox every morning. The man, of course, was Gen. Napoleon Bonaparte, exiled emperor...

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