The Battle of Waterloo (eBook)

John Codman Ropes (1836–1899) was an esteemed American military historian and lawyer, renowned for his scholarly work on the Napoleonic Wars and the American Civil War. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Ropes was a Harvard-educated legal practitioner with an affinity for history. His deep interest in military affairs is reflected in his writings, where he showcased meticulous research and a lucid style that appealed to both scholars and general readers. Among his notable contributions is 'The Battle of Waterloo' (1894), a precise and thorough account of the 1815 conflict that shaped European history. In this work, Ropes meticulously dissected the strategic and tactical aspects of the battle, employing a rigorous analysis that has been a valuable resource for historians examining the Napoleonic era. His contributions to the historiography of military conflicts are marked by an attempt to objectively evaluate the decisions of commanders and the consequences thereof. Ropes was co-founder of the Military Historical Society of Massachusetts and a member of the Massachusetts Historical Society, reflecting his dedication to the study and dissemination of military history. His works continue to be cited for their clarity, attention to detail, and unbiased approach to military history.