Which famous battle in 1815 is generally regarded as marking the final end of Napoleon Bonaparte's rule in Europe?

Introduction / Context:
This question is about European military history and focuses on the final defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte. After years of warfare across Europe, one decisive battle in 1815 ended his hopes of maintaining power and brought the Napoleonic era to a close.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• We are asked about a battle that took place in 1815. • The result of the battle ended Napoleon's rule. • The battle was fought after his return from exile on Elba, during the "Hundred Days".

Concept / Approach:
The Battle of Waterloo was fought on 18 June 1815 in present-day Belgium. Napoleon's army was decisively defeated by the allied forces led by the Duke of Wellington and Prussian commander Blücher. After this defeat, Napoleon was exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena, and the Napoleonic era effectively ended.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Napoleon returned from his first exile on Elba and gathered an army in 1815. Step 2: Remember that his final campaign is known as the "Hundred Days". Step 3: Identify the climactic battle in this campaign as the Battle of Waterloo. Step 4: Check the year: Waterloo took place in 1815, matching the question. Step 5: Select "Battle of Waterloo" as the battle that ended Napoleon's rule.

Verification / Alternative check:
All standard histories of Europe emphasise Waterloo as the final defeat of Napoleon. The name "Waterloo" is even used in common language to mean a crushing final defeat. This strong association confirms that the correct answer must be the Battle of Waterloo and not any of the other Napoleonic battles listed.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option Battle of Trafalgar: A major naval battle in 1805 where the British navy defeated the French and Spanish fleets; Napoleon was not personally present and it did not end his rule. Option Battle of Leipzig: Also called the Battle of Nations (1813), this was a huge defeat but Napoleon continued to rule for some time after it. Option Battle of Austerlitz: A great victory for Napoleon in 1805, not his defeat. Option Battle of Borodino: Fought during the Russian campaign in 1812; disastrous overall for Napoleon but not the final blow.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse Trafalgar and Waterloo because both are very famous. A useful distinction is that Trafalgar was a naval battle mainly between fleets, whereas Waterloo was a land battle that directly ended Napoleon's political and military power. Remember: "Everyone meets their Waterloo" means a person meets their final defeat.

Final Answer:
So, the battle that marked the end of Napoleon Bonaparte's era in Europe was the Battle of Waterloo.