The Napoleonic Wars were a series of conflicts involving France, led by Napoleon Bonaparte, against various European coalitions from 1803 to 1815. These wars arose from the unresolved issues of the French Revolution and the expansion of French territory. Major battles included Austerlitz, Waterloo, and Leipzig, which significantly shaped European politics. The wars ended with Napoleon's defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, leading to his exile. The aftermath saw the restoration of monarchies and the establishment of the Congress of Vienna, which aimed to create a balance of power in Europe and prevent future large-scale conflicts.