About Duke of Wellington
Anglo-Irish soldier and Tory statesman Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington lived from 1 May 1769 to 14 September 1852. His estimated net worth is $4 billion. The Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, was one of the most well-known British military leaders of the 19th century. When the allied forces defeated the French at the Battle of Vitoria in 1813, Wellesley gained notoriety during the Napoleonic Wars.
He is best known for leading the coalition force that defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, which was part of the Hundred Days War. Later, during the reigns of King George IV and King William IV, Wellesley rose to the position of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Childhood and Career
Wellesley was raised in an aristocratic environment, was schooled at Eton, and was born in Ireland. But he did not find personal distinction until he started a military career.
He was given responsibility for campaigns in the Netherlands, India, and Denmark but rapidly rose to prominence for leading allied forces during the Peninsular War. He is credited with liberating Spain, and in appreciation for his work, Spanish King Ferdinand gave him a piece of the royal art collection.
Battle of Waterloo
But the Duke’s performance at Waterloo cemented his place in history. Wellesley commanded the German-Allied army in a campaign against Napoleon in February 1815. Napoleon had hoped to split the allied troops and annihilate them one by one.
Over 70,000 soldiers were under Wellesley’s command as they attacked Napoleon’s army. Napoleon advanced quickly during the Battle of Waterloo, dealing Wellesley’s men a heavy defeat. However, as the conflict continued, Wellesley’s multifaceted attack plan ultimately prevailed. Napoleon lost the war.
In November 1815, the Treaty of Paris was formally ratified. Wellesley later rose through the ranks to hold the positions of Constable of the Tower of London and Commander-in-Chief of the British Army.
Service as Prime Minister
He joined the Tory party and accepted the office of prime minister in 1828, but the following year he angered his own political allies by forcing through the Catholic Emancipation Act. He turned down a second opportunity to serve as prime minister in 1834.
At the age of 83, he passed away in 1852. Despite the fact that numerous people have held the title since and are still holding it now, he is still referred to as The Duke of Wellington. While there are numerous Dukes of Wellington, only one of them is referred to as “The” Duke of Wellington.
And there you have it—a profile of the first Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley.
