The Napoleonic Wars were a series of conflicts involving Napoleon Bonaparte's French Empire and various coalitions of European nations from 1803 to 1815. These wars were marked by significant battles, such as the Battle of Austerlitz and the Battle of Waterloo, which ultimately led to the downfall of Napoleon and the restoration of monarchies across Europe. The wars had a profound impact on the political landscape of Europe, leading to the rise of nationalism and the redrawing of borders. The Congress of Vienna in 1815 aimed to establish a balance of power and prevent future conflicts, shaping European politics for decades to come.