Why didn't they just execute Napoleon? Was it a respect thing?

 Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military and political leader, was not immediately executed after his defeat in 1815 for several reasons, and the decision was influenced by a combination of political, practical, and legal considerations.

1. **Political Considerations:** After Napoleon's defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, he abdicated and was subsequently exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. The major European powers, including Britain, Austria, Prussia, and Russia, were involved in the decision-making process regarding Napoleon's fate. There were differing opinions among these powers regarding the appropriate course of action.

2. **Legal Process:** Instead of summarily executing Napoleon, the victorious allies chose to subject him to a legal process. The Treaty of Paris in 1814, which ended the Napoleonic Wars before his return from exile, had included provisions that granted Napoleon the title of Emperor with sovereignty over the small island of Elba. His escape from Elba and return to power led to the resumption of hostilities.

3. **Exile to Saint Helena:** The decision to exile Napoleon to Saint Helena was seen as a way to remove him from Europe and prevent any further attempts at reclaiming power. Saint Helena was chosen for its isolation, making it difficult for Napoleon to escape or receive support.

4. **Fear of Martyrdom:** Some European leaders were concerned that executing Napoleon might turn him into a martyr, potentially inspiring future uprisings or causing unrest. By exiling him to a remote island, they aimed to minimize the risk of him becoming a symbol of resistance.

5. **Humanitarian Concerns:** Despite his status as a defeated military leader, there were humanitarian considerations. Execution could have been seen as a violation of the principles of justice and international law. The decision to exile him was seen as a compromise that avoided outright violence.

Napoleon spent the last years of his life in exile on Saint Helena until his death in 1821. While there were discussions about the possibility of bringing him to trial, the logistics and potential political consequences of executing him were factors that influenced the decision to keep him in exile. The allies' choice to exile rather than execute Napoleon demonstrated a mix of strategic, legal, and humanitarian considerations in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars.