The significance of the battle at Waterloo in 1815 lies in its decisive ending to the Napoleonic Wars and the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte. This battle took place in present-day Belgium, where the British forces, led by the Duke of Wellington, and the Prussian army, under Marshal Blücher, collaborated to defeat Napoleon's army. The defeat marked the end of Napoleon's rule and exile to Saint Helena, contributing to a significant reshaping of European political landscapes. The Congress of Vienna followed, leading to a balance of power that aimed to prevent future large-scale conflicts in Europe.