Principality of Elba

This article is about the former principality. For the island, see Elba.
Principality of Elba
Principato d'Elba
←
1814–1815 →
Flag Coat of arms
Location of the Principality of Elba within Europe
Capital Portoferraio
Languages Italian
Religion Roman Catholic
Government Non-hereditary Monarchy
Prince of Elba
 -  1814-1815 Napoleon Bonaparte
Historical era Napoleonic Wars
 -  Treaty of Fontainebleau April 13, 1814
 - Napoleon's Departure February 26, 1815
 -  Congress of Vienna June 9, 1815
Area
 -  1814 224 km² (86 sq mi)
Population
 -  1814 est. 12,000 
     Density 53.6 /km²  (138.7 /sq mi)
Currency French Franc

The Principality of Elba (Italian: Principato d'Elba) was a non-hereditary monarchy established by the Treaty of Fontainebleau in 1814. Control over the island was given to Napoleon I of France after his defeat in the War of the Sixth Coalition. His rule was to persist until his death, at which point control of the Principality would return to Tuscany. The former emperor was also granted a stipend of two million francs per year.

On 26 February, Napoleon left Elba and escaped to lead the French again, beginning the War of the Seventh Coalition. After his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, the delegates of the Congress of Vienna agreed to exile Napoleon to the Island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic, and the Principality was returned to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

References