In those decades of slow recovery, in which Europe was gradually getting back on its feet from the debilitating effects of the Napoleonic Wars, the world was making bold steps towards modern times. Napoleon was defeated once and for all in 1815 and died just a few years later in 1821. His legacy has been grim – Europe suffered immensely in an all-out war that claimed millions of lives. Such a great loss required a long period of recovery – one that Europe would not receive. Just a few decades after, a new and deadly conflict erupted. It was known as the Crimean War and would last from 1853 to 1856, pitting the sons and grandsons of those veterans of the Napoleonic Wars in another war of the major global powers.