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Napoleon also knew that many in Belgium's French-speaking community were sympathetic to him, and a French victory could trigger a revolution in that country. French Intelligence was very well-informed of the strengths and weaknesses of the British troops in Belgium. Napoleon knew that the army under General Wellington was mostly second-line troops as most veterans had been dispatched to fight in North America. Napoleon gathered his forces together in a rapid period. Many of his old soldiers and generals rallied to his cause, and soon they were on the march.

The French advance's speed stunned the British, and Wellington was forced to adopt a defensive posture south of Brussels at Waterloo.<ref> Adkins, p. 67</ref> By this time, the advanced Prussian units had arrived in Belgium, but the French surprised and defeated them at the Battle of Ligny. Wellington decided to retreat towards Waterloo and wait for the main Prussian army under General Blucher to reinforce him. Once again, Napoleon’s speed caught everyone by surprise, and before the Prussians could meet up with Wellington, he had arrived at Waterloo and was determined to force the British into a decisive battle.