1. Slide 1 THE FRENCH REVOLUTION (1789-1815) AND NAPOLEON

2. Slide 2 SOURCES Dupuy, The Evolution of Weapons and Warfare, pp. 154-168 Dupuy, The Evolution of Weapons and Warfare, pp. 154-168 Dupuy and Dupuy, The Encylopedia of Military History; pp. 730-769 Dupuy and Dupuy, The Encylopedia of Military History; pp. 730-769 Fuller, A Military History of the Western World, Vol. II, Chronicles 12, 13, 14, 15; ch. 12-15; pp.370-542 Fuller, A Military History of the Western World, Vol. II, Chronicles 12, 13, 14, 15; ch. 12-15; pp.370-542 Montross, War Through the Ages, pp. 459-554 Montross, War Through the Ages, pp. 459-554 Paret, Makers of Modern Strategy, pp123-142 (1986 Sequel) Paret, Makers of Modern Strategy, pp123-142 (1986 Sequel) Jones, The Art of War in the Western World, pp.320-358 Jones, The Art of War in the Western World, pp.320-358 Preston and Wise, Men in Arms, pp. 179-187 Preston and Wise, Men in Arms, pp. 179-187 Mathews, French Revolution, pp. 2-15 Mathews, French Revolution, pp. 2-15 Roberts, The French Revolution, pp. 21-40 Roberts, The French Revolution, pp. 21-40

3. Slide 3 LEARNING OBJECTIVES Know and trace the transition from limited war to unlimited war during the French Revolution Know and trace the transition from limited war to unlimited war during the French Revolution Comprehend the uniqueness of the Revolution Army, the role of ideology in the levee en masse, & the problems of controlling such an army Comprehend the uniqueness of the Revolution Army, the role of ideology in the levee en masse, & the problems of controlling such an army Comprehend and relate the rise of Napoleon to the failure of the French Revolution Comprehend and relate the rise of Napoleon to the failure of the French Revolution Know and discuss the impact of new technology on warfare in the Napoleonic period Know and discuss the impact of new technology on warfare in the Napoleonic period

4. Slide 4 LEARNING OBJECTIVES Know and contrast Napolean’s victory at Austerlitz and his defeat at Waterloo Know and contrast Napolean’s victory at Austerlitz and his defeat at Waterloo Comprehend and explain how the stalemate at sea and on land in 1805 dictated a strategy of economic warfare Comprehend and explain how the stalemate at sea and on land in 1805 dictated a strategy of economic warfare Comprehend and explain how Napoleon’s Russian campaign underscored his weakness as a “grand strategist” Comprehend and explain how Napoleon’s Russian campaign underscored his weakness as a “grand strategist” Know and list Napoleon’s major contributions to military thought Know and list Napoleon’s major contributions to military thought

5. Slide 5 PERIODS OF THE REVOLUTION Five sub-periods distinguished by form of government Five sub-periods distinguished by form of government –Estates –Legislative Assembly –National Convention –Directory –Consulate –First Empire

6. Slide 6

7. Slide 7ESTATES General and Constituent Assembly General and Constituent Assembly 5 May 1789 - 30 Sep 1791 5 May 1789 - 30 Sep 1791 Government a limited, constitutional monarchy Government a limited, constitutional monarchy Dominance of upper middle class Dominance of upper middle class

8. Slide 8 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 1 Oct 1791 - 21 Sep 1792 1 Oct 1791 - 21 Sep 1792 Monarchy continued as before until suspended Monarchy continued as before until suspended Rising power of the lower class Rising power of the lower class

9. Slide 9 NATIONAL CONVENTION 21 Sep 1792 - 25 Oct 1795 21 Sep 1792 - 25 Oct 1795 Height of revolution Height of revolution Convention called to frame new constitution Convention called to frame new constitution Abolished monarchy Abolished monarchy Supported reign of terror, then overthrew it Supported reign of terror, then overthrew it Led resistance to foreign foes Led resistance to foreign foes War with Austria & Prussia politically endued toward democracy War with Austria & Prussia politically endued toward democracy

10. Slide 10 DIRECTORY 26 Oct 1795 - 9 Nov 1799 26 Oct 1795 - 9 Nov 1799 Middle classes recovered influence Middle classes recovered influence Party divisions Party divisions General Bonaparte’s coup d-etat General Bonaparte’s coup d-etat Formed republic with Napoleon as Emperor Formed republic with Napoleon as Emperor

11. Slide 11 CONSULATE At first provisional, then definitive At first provisional, then definitive 25 Dec 1799 - 20 May 1804 25 Dec 1799 - 20 May 1804 Civil and military role, virtually of one man Civil and military role, virtually of one man Progress of French arms Progress of French arms Form still nominally republican Form still nominally republican

12. Slide 12 FIRST EMPIRE 20 May 1804 - 22 Jun 1815 20 May 1804 - 22 Jun 1815 Napoleon made France the controlling power on the continent, but was finally overthrown Napoleon made France the controlling power on the continent, but was finally overthrown

13. Slide 13

14. Slide 14 BACKGROUND Spirit of 18th Century Spirit of 18th Century –devoted to destruction and reformation of existing institutions –most notable manifestations: the attacks of French writers upon church and state Agrarian conditions - peasantry mostly free but highly taxed; not downtrodden, but well-off enough to wish to better themselves Agrarian conditions - peasantry mostly free but highly taxed; not downtrodden, but well-off enough to wish to better themselves

15. Slide 15BACKGROUND Rise of the middle class Rise of the middle class –generally excluded from politics; growing richer; read and listened to philosophies Unwieldy and inefficient machinery of government Unwieldy and inefficient machinery of government –irresponsible and unsuited to needs of state –taxation was inequitable –no representative assembly –Letters de Cachet - imprisoning without habeas corpus: served as anti-government propaganda

16. Slide 16 BACKGROUND Ever-growing deficit Ever-growing deficit –proved impossible of reduction –May 1789: Louis XVI convened meeting of Estates General (represented 3 estates of French society - Nobles, Clergy and Commons) –Commons assumed title of National Assembly and undertook to reform government by formulating a constitution for a constitutional monarchy

17. Slide 17 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 5 May 1789 5 May 1789 –Meeting of Estates General –National Assembly formed by Commons –Members of Nobles and Clergy invited to join –Many joined the assembly

18. Slide 18 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 23 Jun 1789 23 Jun 1789 –Fruitless royal sitting –King ordered assembly to meet in 3 houses –Mirabeau (Provencial nobleman) elected principal orator of assembly by 3rd estate –King requested nobles & clergy join 3rd estate

19. Slide 19 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 14 Jul 1789 14 Jul 1789 –Concentration of troops near Paris –Rumors of kings intention to dissolve National Assembly –Dismissal of Necker –Storming and destruction of the Bastille

20. Slide 20 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Necker recalled Necker recalled –Lafayette commander of newly established National Guard –Rising of peasants against feudal lords –Beginning of emigration of nobles

21. Slide 21 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 4 Aug 1789 4 Aug 1789 –Voluntary surrender by representatives of nobles of all feudal rights and privileges to occur over period of years 27 Aug 1789 27 Aug 1789 –Declaration of rights of man, a bill of rights compounded from English and American precedents and from political theories current with the philosophies

22. Slide 22 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 5-6 Oct 1789 - Outbreak of the mob of Paris 5-6 Oct 1789 - Outbreak of the mob of Paris –Liberal monarchical constitution: king could not declare war and conclude peace without consent of chamber –Ecclesiastic estates declared public property and notes issued under security of public lands

23. Slide 23 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 14 Jul 1790 14 Jul 1790 –National federation in Paris –Constitution accepted by king –Abolished hereditary nobility, titles, and coats of arms

24. Slide 24 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Power of clubs grow Power of clubs grow –Jacobins under Robespierre –Cordeliers under Danton, Marat, Desmoulins, Hebert –Feuillants - moderate monarchists separated from Jacobins - Lafayette and Bailly

25. Slide 25 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Sep 1790 Sep 1790 – Fall of Necker –alliance between Mirabeau and court, who endeavored to stem revolution and prevent overthrow of throne 2 Apr 1791 - Death of Mirabeau 2 Apr 1791 - Death of Mirabeau 20 - 25 Jun 1791 - Flight of the king 20 - 25 Jun 1791 - Flight of the king

26. Slide 26 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 14 Sep 1791 14 Sep 1791 –King accepts constitution –Annexation of Avignon and Benaissin to France 30 Sep 1791 30 Sep 1791 –Dissolution of Assembly

27. Slide 27 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 1 Oct 1791 1 Oct 1791 –Legislative Assembly, 745 members elected by active citizens –still represented primarily middle class 7 Feb 1792 7 Feb 1792 –Alliance of Austria and Prussia against France

28. Slide 28 NATIONAL CONVENTION War of First Coalition against France War of First Coalition against France –20 Apr 1792 - France declares war on Austria - increases revolutionary excitement in Paris –10 Aug 1792 - Storming of Tuileries by mob - king suspended from functions and confined –20 Aug 1792 - Lafayette, impeached and proscribed, fled from army - Verdun taken by Prussians –2-7 Sep 1792 - September massacres at Paris –20 Sep 1792 - Battle of Valmy - French, under Dumouriey and Kellermann, defeated Prussians

29. Slide 29 NATIONAL CONVENTION 21 Sep 1792 21 Sep 1792 –National Convention convened –Abolition of Monarchy - France declared a Republic Dec 1792 - Trial of Louis XVI Dec 1792 - Trial of Louis XVI 21 Jan 1793 - Execution of Louis XVI 21 Jan 1793 - Execution of Louis XVI 1 Feb 1793 - War declared against Great Britain, Holland, Spain 1 Feb 1793 - War declared against Great Britain, Holland, Spain

30. Slide 30 NATIONAL CONVENTION Reign of Terror - Robespierre gradually came to dominate the whole government Reign of Terror - Robespierre gradually came to dominate the whole government –23 Aug 1793-Levy of males; 14 armies raised –16 Oct 1793 - Execution of Marie Antoinette –Nov 1793 - New army under Jourdan, Hoche & Pichegru –Dec 1793 - Retreat of Allies across the Rhine. French captured Worms and Speier, and took Toulon from British (first appearance of Napoleon Bonaparte as young artillery officer)

31. Slide 31 NATIONAL CONVENTION Mar 1794 - Robespierre succeeded in crushing rival powers Mar 1794 - Robespierre succeeded in crushing rival powers 27 Jul 1794 - Fall of Robespierre 27 Jul 1794 - Fall of Robespierre 5 Mar 1795 - Treaty of Bassel between France and Prussia 5 Mar 1795 - Treaty of Bassel between France and Prussia

32. Slide 32 NATIONAL CONVENTION 22 Aug 1795 - Constitution of 1797 - 3rd of revolution 22 Aug 1795 - Constitution of 1797 - 3rd of revolution –Executing power: Directory of five, Council of Elders, and Council of 500 –First Term: 2/3 of each council taken from Nat. Conv. –General Bonaparte placed in charge of troops

33. Slide 33 NATIONAL CONVENTION 5 Oct 1795 5 Oct 1795 –Paris royalists instigated outbreak of sections in opposition of 2/3 self protection measure of convention for 1st term council –Napoleon’s “whiff of grapeshot” led to complete victory for convention 26 Oct 1795 26 Oct 1795 –Convention dissolved –1797 - Moderate legislative elected –End of war - coup d’etat

34. Slide 34 IMPACT OF REVOLUTION Larger armies led to unlimited warfare Larger armies led to unlimited warfare –Emergence of democratic ideal; emphasis on individual freedom, equality & popular government John LockeJohn Locke Jean Jacques Rousseau - citizen had responsibility to fight in defense of country (not a logical thought for 18th century monarchies)Jean Jacques Rousseau - citizen had responsibility to fight in defense of country (not a logical thought for 18th century monarchies) American Revolution and apologistsAmerican Revolution and apologists Conscription is unthinkable without this ideology (governed were now governing, had affirmative obligation to defend government)Conscription is unthinkable without this ideology (governed were now governing, had affirmative obligation to defend government)

35. Slide 35 IMPACT OF REVOLUTION Ability to man, control, arm, feed large armies Ability to man, control, arm, feed large armies –Larger populations –Improved communications systems –Beginnings of mass production –Improved agricultural methods Line formation of battle vs. the column Line formation of battle vs. the column –Line provided more firepower (muskets) –Column could break the line

36. Slide 36 IMPACT OF REVOLUTION Military theories of Comptee Jacques de Guibert Military theories of Comptee Jacques de Guibert –Ordre mixte; combo of column (approach and maneuver) and line (fighting) –Breaking army into smaller units or divisions advance along several routesadvance along several routes mass forces at precise time and placemass forces at precise time and place –Dispersion then concentration at critical time and place

37. Slide 37 IMPACT OF REVOLUTION 13 Jul 1789 13 Jul 1789 –Crowd seizes 28,000 muskets and some cannon from military storage depot 14 Jul 1789 14 Jul 1789 –Bastille stormed and governor lynched Jul 1792 Jul 1792 –Paris mob storms palace, massacres Swiss guard –Lafayette tries to get men to save king, they refuse and Lafayette goes over to Austrians –Louis XVI executed in 1793

38. Slide 38 IMPACT OF REVOLUTION Lazare Carnot succeeded in gaining control of Revolutionary Army Lazare Carnot succeeded in gaining control of Revolutionary Army –Aug 1793 in charge of military affairs for committee of Public Safety –Emphasis on offensive in mass –Organized National Army –Foraging enhanced mobility –By 1794 French Army enjoyed both Mass and Mobility, Napoleon and 8 of his future marshals made general @ average age of 33

39. Slide 39 IMPACT OF REVOLUTION Armies created by revolution eventually made Bonaparte Emperor of France (back to autocracy) Armies created by revolution eventually made Bonaparte Emperor of France (back to autocracy) –Moderate legislature elected in 1797 desired end of war –3 radical directors conspired with Bonaparte to arrange coup d’etat –In ensuing coup, Carnot escaped to Switzerland

40. Slide 40 IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY Gribeauval’s artillery reforms Gribeauval’s artillery reforms –interchangeable parts –improved cartridges (ball and charge packed together) –Tangent sight –Ammunition wagons –By time of revolution, constant drill had made French clearly superior

41. Slide 41 IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY Mobility and communication enhanced by improved roads and maps and signal telegraph Mobility and communication enhanced by improved roads and maps and signal telegraph Napoleon, resistant to new weapons and technology, failed to make use of balloons and shrapnel Napoleon, resistant to new weapons and technology, failed to make use of balloons and shrapnel

42. Slide 42 NAPOLEON First gained renown at age 24 First gained renown at age 24 –Command of artillery in 1794 siege of Toulon –Awarded temporary rank of Brigadier General (from Captain) –Oct 1795 - saved government of Directory by using guns against Paris mob (“whiff of grapeshot”) –Promoted by Directory - promised command of Army of Italy in 1796 –Read incessantly - Guibert, Voltaire, Rousseau, Frederick the Great

43. Slide 43 FRENCH COLUMN VS. LINE

44. Slide 44 ITALIAN CAMPAIGN Directors feared his ambition - in Mar 1796 given command of Army of Italy Directors feared his ambition - in Mar 1796 given command of Army of Italy 45,000, ill fed, poorly equipped, four dispersed divisions and two smaller detachments 45,000, ill fed, poorly equipped, four dispersed divisions and two smaller detachments British blockaded coast, 2 smaller allied armies were widely separated beyond hills to north British blockaded coast, 2 smaller allied armies were widely separated beyond hills to north Improved logistical organization & motivated men with promises of booty and glory Improved logistical organization & motivated men with promises of booty and glory

45. Slide 45 ITALIAN CAMPAIGN –Commenced campaign Burst from position along coast & separated two allied armiesBurst from position along coast & separated two allied armies fist surrendered, second fell back to Lombardyfist surrendered, second fell back to Lombardy Remained on strategic defensiveRemained on strategic defensive Blockaded Austrian force at Mantua, and defeated several Austrian armies approaching Mantua to give relief (used interior lines)Blockaded Austrian force at Mantua, and defeated several Austrian armies approaching Mantua to give relief (used interior lines) After seizing Mantua, moved into Austria quickly bringing them to termsAfter seizing Mantua, moved into Austria quickly bringing them to terms –Won 12 victories in 12 months using rapid marches, flexibility in maneuver, & concentration of force

46. Slide 46 NAPOLEON IN ITALY

47. Slide 47 EGYPTION CAMPAIGN Couldn’t defeat England at sea Couldn’t defeat England at sea Directory agreed to seize Egypt as base for further operations against England’s oriental empire Directory agreed to seize Egypt as base for further operations against England’s oriental empire May 1798 - Sailed from Toulon w/35,000 veterans from Italian campaign May 1798 - Sailed from Toulon w/35,000 veterans from Italian campaign Captured Malta and arrived @ Alexandria on 1 July Captured Malta and arrived @ Alexandria on 1 July

48. Slide 48 DURING MARCH ON CAIRO Encountered 60,000 Mamelukes (superb cavalry force) in battle of pyramids Encountered 60,000 Mamelukes (superb cavalry force) in battle of pyramids Napoleon’s efficient volleys of infantry and guns in checkerboard formation prevailed Napoleon’s efficient volleys of infantry and guns in checkerboard formation prevailed Loaded muskets in inner ranks & passed up to soldiers in front, producing devastating fire Loaded muskets in inner ranks & passed up to soldiers in front, producing devastating fire

49. Slide 49 EGYPTION CAMPAIGN Fought in Egypt and Syria another 12 months Fought in Egypt and Syria another 12 months –Realized further glory unlikely without reinforcements from France –Had received info that Directory was failing –Aug 1799 - relinquished command & returned to France Strategically, Egyptian expedition made no sense Strategically, Egyptian expedition made no sense –Victory offset by Nelson’s victory @ Aboukir Bay; Weak French Navy doomed campaign (SLOC)

50. Slide 50 ULM and AUSTERLITZ Napoleon turned Eastward Napoleon turned Eastward Third Coalition (Britain, Austria, Russia) formed against him, but forces still scattered Third Coalition (Britain, Austria, Russia) formed against him, but forces still scattered Main axis: Danube Valley running through Austria towards Prussia Main axis: Danube Valley running through Austria towards Prussia Napoleon needed to strike first to prevent massing of 140,000 men at Ulm Napoleon needed to strike first to prevent massing of 140,000 men at Ulm Decided to strike Austrians at Ulm first, then move down Danube to deal with Russians Decided to strike Austrians at Ulm first, then move down Danube to deal with Russians

51. Slide 51 ULM - Oct 1805 Grand Army (200,000) secretly marched in 7 columns from Boulogne Grand Army (200,000) secretly marched in 7 columns from Boulogne Cavalry force demonstrated West while 6 columns swept North & East behind Austrians Cavalry force demonstrated West while 6 columns swept North & East behind Austrians After one futile attempt to break out, Austrians surrendered 30,000 troops After one futile attempt to break out, Austrians surrendered 30,000 troops One of finest examples of turning movement - strategic victory so overwhelming it was never seriously contested in tactical combat One of finest examples of turning movement - strategic victory so overwhelming it was never seriously contested in tactical combat

52. Slide 52

53. Slide 53 AUSTERLITZ - Dec 1805 Napoleon marched down Danube through Vienna, Moravia, and Bohemia Napoleon marched down Danube through Vienna, Moravia, and Bohemia –90,000 enemy @ Olmutz with secure communications –Napoleon (65,000) was overextended –Another enemy force of 90,000 was approaching Olmutz Napoleon needed to retreat or win a decisive victory Napoleon needed to retreat or win a decisive victory

54. Slide 54 AUSTERLITZ - Dec 1805 Napoleon’s plan - Lure Russians into attack by showing weak front and apparently exposed flank Napoleon’s plan - Lure Russians into attack by showing weak front and apparently exposed flank Allies’ plans - Attack French from flank and front, while holding in position further North Allies’ plans - Attack French from flank and front, while holding in position further North Napoleon’s advantage - forced plan on opponents Napoleon’s advantage - forced plan on opponents

55. Slide 55 AUSTERLITZ - Dec 1805 The battle The battle –Dawn 2 Dec, Allied main attack on right flank –By 9:00 am, 1/3 of allied army on right flank –French center (under Soult) then assaulted, splitting allied front and encircling left –French drown Russians on frozen ponds w/arty –Bernadotte assaulted through gap caused by Soult –Lannes’ Corps drove Allied right until enveloped by Bernadotte –Over by 5:00pm, Allies lost 27,000, French 8,000

56. Slide 56

57. Slide 57 AUSTERLITZ - Dec 1805 Napoleon considered Austerlitz his masterpiece Napoleon considered Austerlitz his masterpiece Gained complete local superiority @ decisive point Gained complete local superiority @ decisive point Maneuvered to obtain victory Maneuvered to obtain victory Austerlitz ranks with Arbela, Cannae, and Leuthen as tactical masterpieces Austerlitz ranks with Arbela, Cannae, and Leuthen as tactical masterpieces

58. Slide 58 CONFLICT WITH ENGLAND Victories had created many valuable reforms Victories had created many valuable reforms –1/2 million sq mi, 44 million people in kingdom –Equality before law –Abolition of serfdom –Religious toleration –Secular education –Unified systems of justice –Road building

59. Slide 59 CONFLICT WITH ENGLAND Britain problem remains unsolved - War at sea Britain problem remains unsolved - War at sea –Early 1798 ordered construction of fleet –Strike England’s Eastern trade by seizing Malta –Nelson destroyed French fleet in Battle of the Nile –Trafalgar, last major battle of Age of Sail, made England totally dominant at sea Lost fleet - Napoleon attempted economic war Lost fleet - Napoleon attempted economic war –Continental system: no trade w/England, prevent her ability to service debt and raise enemies against Napoleon

60. Slide 60 WEAKNESS IN STRATEGY A federated Europe would threaten England’s dominance as sea power A federated Europe would threaten England’s dominance as sea power England needed Allies on continent, Napoleon couldn’t subjugate entire continent England needed Allies on continent, Napoleon couldn’t subjugate entire continent Deprived continent of England’s goods - involved entire continent in war Deprived continent of England’s goods - involved entire continent in war Portugal was main POE for England’s goods - French control in Spain led to revolt Portugal was main POE for England’s goods - French control in Spain led to revolt

61. Slide 61 THE SPANISH PROBLEM 1807 - Napoleon turns attention to Portugal 1807 - Napoleon turns attention to Portugal Britain set example by attacking Portugal and seizing Danish fleet - Portuguese ignored Napoleon’s threats Britain set example by attacking Portugal and seizing Danish fleet - Portuguese ignored Napoleon’s threats Oct 1807 - Weak Spanish government allowed Napoleon to attack Portugal Oct 1807 - Weak Spanish government allowed Napoleon to attack Portugal French captured Lisbon French captured Lisbon Napoleon had brother placed on Spanish throne Napoleon had brother placed on Spanish throne Revolt ensued in Spain Revolt ensued in Spain

62. Slide 62 THE SPANISH PROBLEM Spanish Guerrillas and English Army allied Spanish Guerrillas and English Army allied 1810 - French troops increased to 370,000 1810 - French troops increased to 370,000 Guerillas successful - about 100 French casualties/day Guerillas successful - about 100 French casualties/day More casualties/equipment loss than defeats in battle More casualties/equipment loss than defeats in battle Napoleon’s first serious reverse - encouragement for other Europeans, denied him of forces for Russian operations Napoleon’s first serious reverse - encouragement for other Europeans, denied him of forces for Russian operations

63. Slide 63 British Line Superior to French Column in Spain

64. Slide 64 RUSSIAN CAMPAIGN Due to setbacks @ Friedland and Eylan, Czar sought alliance with Napoleon Due to setbacks @ Friedland and Eylan, Czar sought alliance with Napoleon Alliance short lived due to Russian desire to trade w/Britain Alliance short lived due to Russian desire to trade w/Britain 1812 - Secret agreement between Czar & London 1812 - Secret agreement between Czar & London Napoleon raised army of 680,000 from all of Europe Napoleon raised army of 680,000 from all of Europe –Size of Army dictated direct approach –Only 200,000 French - depending on support of defeated nations

65. Slide 65 RUSSIAN CAMPAIGN Numerous logistics setbacks in beginning of campaign Numerous logistics setbacks in beginning of campaign Dilemma Dilemma –Couldn’t winter over at Smolensk (unable to provision army & Sweden threatened rear) –Retreat before Winter or advance to Moscow –Napoleon advanced toward Moscow hoping for decisive victory

66. Slide 66 RUSSIAN CAMPAIGN Despite some brilliant battles, most were frontal assaults w/no effort to maneuver Despite some brilliant battles, most were frontal assaults w/no effort to maneuver –Napoleon’s personal illness - no vigorous pursuits and on one occasion gave up control of battle –Needless cruelty enraged Russians –Russian Guerrilla campaign against communications

67. Slide 67 RUSSIAN CAMPAIGN –Poor roads/hostile population didn’t support mass/mobility –Russian “scorched earth” policy prevented foraging –Weakened army fell prey to disease (lost 1/4 combat effectiveness before contact with enemy) –Unwilling warriors deserted in droves

68. Slide 68 RUSSIAN CAMPAIGN Sept 14th - entered Moscow - hollow victory since Russians had burned city & retreated Sept 14th - entered Moscow - hollow victory since Russians had burned city & retreated Oct 19th - began retreat, hampered by: Oct 19th - began retreat, hampered by: –Snow & bitter cold –Russian Regular/Irregular Forces –Ineffective supply system –40,000 vehicles loaded with “loot” vice supplies –Breakdown of discipline wasted supplies

69. Slide 69 RUSSIAN CAMPAIGN Weakness - Resupply (poor preparation) & Timing (time of year & still involved in Spain) Weakness - Resupply (poor preparation) & Timing (time of year & still involved in Spain)

70. Slide 70 Napoleon in Russia

71. Slide 71 POST RUSSIAN CAMPAIGNS French disposition French disposition –50,000 in German garrisons –100,000 fighting in Spain –50,000 fighting Austrians in Northeastern Italy –118,000 mustered in France Allied disposition Allied disposition –Bernadotte - 60,000 moving through Low Countries –Blucher - 75,000 advancing up Moselle Valley –Schwarzenberg - 210,000, moving from Switzerland through Belfort Gap –Combined objective was Paris

72. Slide 72 WATERLOO - 18 June 1815 Napoleon raises army to battle allies gathering to depose him Napoleon raises army to battle allies gathering to depose him 16 June - initiates contact w/Prussians @ Ligny 16 June - initiates contact w/Prussians @ Ligny –Sent Marshal Ney to defeat British Brigade and flank Blucher while Napoleon drove him back –British held, preventing flanking maneuver and allowing Prussians to retreat

73. Slide 73 WATERLOO - 18 June 1815 17 June - Napoleon unsuccessful in reaching Blucher before he reconstituted forces and headed West to aid Wellington and British forces 17 June - Napoleon unsuccessful in reaching Blucher before he reconstituted forces and headed West to aid Wellington and British forces 18 June - Napoleon attacks Wellington 18 June - Napoleon attacks Wellington –Cavalry attempted breakthrough (failed due to not enough infantry support) –Later, infantry attempts breakthrough without artillery support and fails –Wellington counterattacked, sending French into panic 21 June 1815 - Napoleon surrenders and exiled to St. Helena, dies on 5 May 1821 21 June 1815 - Napoleon surrenders and exiled to St. Helena, dies on 5 May 1821

74. Slide 74

75. Slide 75 NAPOLEON’S IMPACT Elements of Napoleonic warfare Elements of Napoleonic warfare –Unity of Command –Generalship and Soldiership –Planning

76. Slide 76 NAPOLEON’S IMPACT Principles of Napoleonic warfare Principles of Napoleonic warfare –Mass “Distribute your troops in such a way that, whatever the enemy does, you will be able to unite your forces within a few days”“Distribute your troops in such a way that, whatever the enemy does, you will be able to unite your forces within a few days” “God is on the side of the heavier battalions”“God is on the side of the heavier battalions” –Offensive - invariably seized initiative –Objective - always main body of army –Simplicity - recognized importance of simple plan –Economy of force - used small numbers in defense and concentrated combat power at critical point

77. Slide 77 NAPOLEON’S IMPACT Principles of Napoleonic warfare Principles of Napoleonic warfare –Maneuver - (strategic and tactical) Napoleon’s hallmark –Unity of Command - essential –Surprise - greatest moral force (Austerlitz; 1814 campaign) –Security For army and plansFor army and plans Precautions for all-around defensePrecautions for all-around defense

78. Slide 78 NAPOLEON’S IMPACT Three variations in pattern of strategy Three variations in pattern of strategy –“Maneuver in the rear” (flanking attack and envelopment) –“The Central Position: (interior lines) –Frontal attack - if other two options not possible due to time, terrain, or enemy disposition

79. Slide 79 NAPOLENIC STRATEGY Get astride the enemy’s line of communications Get astride the enemy’s line of communications Superiority of numbers at the crucial point Superiority of numbers at the crucial point Move rapidly Move rapidly If superior in force, envelop; If inferior, defeat the enemy in detail by use of interior lines If superior in force, envelop; If inferior, defeat the enemy in detail by use of interior lines Unity of Command Unity of Command

80. Slide 80 NAPOLENIC TACTICS Feel out the soft spot with skirmishers Feel out the soft spot with skirmishers Concentrate artillery at that point Concentrate artillery at that point Pour troops through that point in column Pour troops through that point in column Pursue with mobile forces Pursue with mobile forces

81. Slide 81 NAPOLEON’S FAILURE Inability to make peace with England Inability to make peace with England Armies spread revolutionary zeal Armies spread revolutionary zeal Economic problems with protectionist attitude Economic problems with protectionist attitude Over-centralization of command Over-centralization of command –Widespread, complex and considerable forces couldn’t be controlled without well-organized general staff –Didn’t include staff in planning –Stifled subordinates

82. Slide 82 SUMMARY Transition from limited war to unlimited war during the French Revolution Transition from limited war to unlimited war during the French Revolution Revolution Army unique, the role of ideology in the levee en masse, problems of controlling such an army Revolution Army unique, the role of ideology in the levee en masse, problems of controlling such an army Impact of new technology on warfare in the Napoleonic period Impact of new technology on warfare in the Napoleonic period

83. Slide 83 SUMMARY Napolean victorous at Austerlitz but defeated at Waterloo Stalemate at sea and on land in 1805 dictated a strategy of economic warfare Napoleon’s Russian campaign underscored his weakness as a “grand strategist” Napoleon major contributer to military thought

84. Slide 84 QUESTIONS?