Duke of Wellington
1769–1852 · British (Dublin / London) · Napoleonic Wars
Known for: Defeated Napoleon at Waterloo—Britain's greatest military hero and twice Prime Minister
Wellington defeated Napoleon at Waterloo (1815)—the most consequential battle in European history. He also conquered India's Maratha Empire, served as PM twice, and was so revered that he's buried in St Paul's Cathedral.
He was cold, aristocratic, and dismissive. When asked about Waterloo, he said: 'It was the nearest-run thing you ever saw in your life.' When asked if his soldiers were brave, he said: 'I don't know what effect these men will have on the enemy, but by God, they frighten me.'
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