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Trafalgar and Waterloo (Nelson and Wellington)

Study note

Two famous British military leaders helped defeat France during the wars against Napoleon. At sea, Admiral Nelson commanded the British fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and won a great victory against the combined French and Spanish navies. Nelson himself was killed during that battle, which is why he is remembered as a national hero. Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square is named after him.

On land, the Duke of Wellington led the British and allied armies that finally defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. It is easy to mix these two up, so remember the pairing clearly: Nelson at sea at Trafalgar in 1805, and Wellington on land at Waterloo in 1815. Nelson did not fight at Waterloo, because he had already died at Trafalgar ten years earlier.

Memory tip: Nelson at sea (Trafalgar 1805), Wellington on land (Waterloo 1815) beats Napoleon.

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Question 1 of 4

Who defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815?

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Show all questions and answers for Trafalgar and Waterloo (Nelson and Wellington)(4 questions with explanations)

Trafalgar and Waterloo (Nelson and Wellington): questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Who defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815?

    • William the Conqueror
    • The Duke of Wellington
    • Admiral Nelson
    • Oliver Cromwell

    Correct answer: The Duke of Wellington

    The Duke of Wellington defeated Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815.

  2. 2. Admiral Nelson is famous for which 1805 naval battle?

    • The Battle of Hastings
    • The Battle of Britain
    • The Battle of Trafalgar
    • The Battle of Bosworth

    Correct answer: The Battle of Trafalgar

    Nelson won, and died at, the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

  3. 3. Which of these statements is correct?

    • The Duke of Wellington commanded the British fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar
    • Admiral Nelson commanded the British fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar

    Correct answer: Admiral Nelson commanded the British fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar

    Nelson commanded at Trafalgar; Wellington led on land at Waterloo.

  4. 4. Which of these statements is NOT true?

    • The Duke of Wellington defeated Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815
    • Admiral Nelson won the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805
    • Admiral Nelson defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo

    Correct answer: Admiral Nelson defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo

    Wellington, not Nelson, defeated Napoleon at Waterloo; Nelson had died at Trafalgar in 1805.

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