48

After the Allied entry into Paris on 30 March 1814, Napoleon took refuge in the palace at Fontainebleau, with his remaining troops. From there, he had planned to attack the capital before changing his mind and deciding to negotiate with his enemies, who clamoured for his abdication. Up until 11 April, date of the signature of the Treaty of Fontainebleau, via which Napoleon abandoned the thrones of France and Italy, Caulaincourt, grand écuyer and minister of foreign affairs, wore down the road travelling ceaselessly between Fontainebleau and Paris. On 4, 6, and 11 April, Napoleon signed three acts of abdication, the minutes and final version of which show the evolution and progressive adjustments in the terms and conditions for the renunciation of the throne which Napoleon attempted to fix himself and which were nevertheless gradually imposed upon him by the circumstances. The history of the originals of these acts of abdication also reveals the extent to which this exceptional event in the history of France has cast its spell over the last two hundred years.