slide 1 the french revolution (1789-1815) and napoleon

THE FRENCH REVOLUTION THE FRENCH REVOLUTION (1789-1815)(1789-1815)

AND NAPOLEONAND NAPOLEON

SOURCESSOURCES Dupuy, Dupuy, The Evolution of Weapons and WarfareThe Evolution of Weapons and Warfare, , pp. 154-168pp. 154-168 Dupuy and Dupuy, Dupuy and Dupuy, The Encylopedia of Military History; The Encylopedia of Military History; pp. 730- pp. 730-

769769 Fuller, Fuller, A Military History of the Western World,A Military History of the Western World, Vol. II, Chronicles Vol. II, Chronicles

12, 13, 14, 15; ch. 12-15; pp.370-54212, 13, 14, 15; ch. 12-15; pp.370-542 Montross, Montross, War Through the Ages, War Through the Ages, pp. 459-554 pp. 459-554 Paret, Paret, Makers of Modern Makers of Modern Strategy, pp123-142 (1986 Sequel)Strategy, pp123-142 (1986 Sequel) Jones, Jones, The Art of War in the Western WorldThe Art of War in the Western World, pp.320-358, pp.320-358 Preston and Wise, Preston and Wise, Men in Arms,Men in Arms, pp. 179-187 pp. 179-187 Mathews, Mathews, French Revolution,French Revolution, pp. 2-15 pp. 2-15 Roberts, Roberts, The French Revolution, The French Revolution, pp. 21-40 pp. 21-40

LEARNING OBJECTIVESLEARNING OBJECTIVES

Know and trace the transition from limited war to Know and trace the transition from limited war to unlimited war during the French Revolutionunlimited war during the French Revolution

Comprehend the uniqueness of the Revolution Comprehend the uniqueness of the Revolution Army, the role of ideology in the Army, the role of ideology in the levee en levee en massemasse, & the problems of controlling such an , & the problems of controlling such an armyarmy

Comprehend and relate the rise of Napoleon to Comprehend and relate the rise of Napoleon to the failure of the French Revolutionthe failure of the French Revolution

Know and discuss the impact of new technology Know and discuss the impact of new technology on warfare in the Napoleonic periodon warfare in the Napoleonic period

LEARNING OBJECTIVESLEARNING OBJECTIVES

Know and contrast Napolean’s victory at Know and contrast Napolean’s victory at Austerlitz and his defeat at WaterlooAusterlitz and his defeat at Waterloo

Comprehend and explain how the stalemate Comprehend and explain how the stalemate at sea and on land in 1805 dictated a strategy at sea and on land in 1805 dictated a strategy of economic warfareof economic warfare

Comprehend and explain how Napoleon’s Comprehend and explain how Napoleon’s Russian campaign underscored his weakness Russian campaign underscored his weakness as a “grand strategist”as a “grand strategist”

Know and list Napoleon’s major contributions Know and list Napoleon’s major contributions to military thoughtto military thought

PERIODS OF THE PERIODS OF THE REVOLUTIONREVOLUTIONFive sub-periods distinguished by form of Five sub-periods distinguished by form of

governmentgovernment– EstatesEstates– Legislative AssemblyLegislative Assembly– National ConventionNational Convention– DirectoryDirectory– ConsulateConsulate– First EmpireFirst Empire

ESTATESESTATES

General and Constituent AssemblyGeneral and Constituent Assembly5 May 1789 - 30 Sep 17915 May 1789 - 30 Sep 1791Government a limited, constitutional Government a limited, constitutional

monarchymonarchyDominance of upper middle classDominance of upper middle class

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLYLEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

1 Oct 1791 - 21 Sep 17921 Oct 1791 - 21 Sep 1792Monarchy continued as before until Monarchy continued as before until

suspendedsuspendedRising power of the lower classRising power of the lower class

NATIONAL NATIONAL CONVENTIONCONVENTION

21 Sep 1792 - 25 Oct 179521 Sep 1792 - 25 Oct 1795Height of revolutionHeight of revolutionConvention called to frame new constitutionConvention called to frame new constitutionAbolished monarchyAbolished monarchySupported reign of terror, then overthrew itSupported reign of terror, then overthrew itLed resistance to foreign foesLed resistance to foreign foesWar with Austria & Prussia politically endued War with Austria & Prussia politically endued

toward democracy toward democracy

DIRECTORYDIRECTORY

26 Oct 1795 - 9 Nov 179926 Oct 1795 - 9 Nov 1799Middle classes recovered influenceMiddle classes recovered influenceParty divisionsParty divisionsGeneral Bonaparte’s coup d-etatGeneral Bonaparte’s coup d-etatFormed republic with Napoleon as EmperorFormed republic with Napoleon as Emperor

CONSULATECONSULATE

At first provisional, then At first provisional, then definitivedefinitive

25 Dec 1799 - 20 May 25 Dec 1799 - 20 May 18041804

Civil and military role, Civil and military role, virtually of one manvirtually of one man

Progress of French Progress of French armsarms

Form still nominally Form still nominally republican republican

FIRST EMPIREFIRST EMPIRE

20 May 1804 - 22 Jun 181520 May 1804 - 22 Jun 1815Napoleon made France the controlling power Napoleon made France the controlling power

on the continent, but was finally overthrownon the continent, but was finally overthrown

BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND

Spirit of 18th CenturySpirit of 18th Century– devoted to destruction and reformation of devoted to destruction and reformation of

existing institutionsexisting institutions– most notable manifestations: the attacks of most notable manifestations: the attacks of

French writers upon church and stateFrench writers upon church and stateAgrarian conditions - peasantry mostly free Agrarian conditions - peasantry mostly free

but highly taxed; not downtrodden, but but highly taxed; not downtrodden, but well-off enough to wish to better well-off enough to wish to better themselvesthemselves


Rise of the middle classRise of the middle class– generally excluded from politics; growing richer; generally excluded from politics; growing richer;

read and listened to philosophiesread and listened to philosophiesUnwieldy and inefficient machinery of Unwieldy and inefficient machinery of

governmentgovernment– irresponsible and unsuited to needs of stateirresponsible and unsuited to needs of state– taxation was inequitabletaxation was inequitable– no representative assemblyno representative assembly– Letters de CachetLetters de Cachet - imprisoning without habeas - imprisoning without habeas

corpus: served as anti-government propagandacorpus: served as anti-government propaganda


Ever-growing deficitEver-growing deficit– proved impossible of reductionproved impossible of reduction– May 1789: Louis XVI convened meeting of May 1789: Louis XVI convened meeting of

Estates General (represented 3 estates of Estates General (represented 3 estates of French society - Nobles, Clergy and Commons)French society - Nobles, Clergy and Commons)

– Commons assumed title of National Assembly Commons assumed title of National Assembly and undertook to reform government by and undertook to reform government by formulating a constitution for a constitutional formulating a constitution for a constitutional monarchymonarchy

NATIONAL ASSEMBLYNATIONAL ASSEMBLY

5 May 17895 May 1789– Meeting of Estates GeneralMeeting of Estates General– National Assembly formed by CommonsNational Assembly formed by Commons– Members of Nobles and Clergy invited to Members of Nobles and Clergy invited to

joinjoin– Many joined the assemblyMany joined the assembly


23 Jun 178923 Jun 1789– Fruitless royal sittingFruitless royal sitting– King ordered assembly to King ordered assembly to

meet in 3 housesmeet in 3 houses– Mirabeau (Provencial Mirabeau (Provencial

nobleman) elected principal nobleman) elected principal orator of assembly by 3rd orator of assembly by 3rd estateestate

– King requested nobles & King requested nobles & clergy join 3rd estateclergy join 3rd estate


14 Jul 178914 Jul 1789– Concentration of troops near ParisConcentration of troops near Paris– Rumors of kings intention to dissolve National Rumors of kings intention to dissolve National

AssemblyAssembly– Dismissal of NeckerDismissal of Necker– Storming and destruction of the BastilleStorming and destruction of the Bastille


Necker recalledNecker recalled– Lafayette Lafayette

commander of newly commander of newly established National established National GuardGuard

– Rising of peasants Rising of peasants against feudal lordsagainst feudal lords

– Beginning of Beginning of emigration of noblesemigration of nobles


4 Aug 17894 Aug 1789– Voluntary surrender by representatives of nobles Voluntary surrender by representatives of nobles

of all feudal rights and privileges to occur over of all feudal rights and privileges to occur over period of yearsperiod of years

27 Aug 178927 Aug 1789– Declaration of Declaration of rights of manrights of man, a bill of rights , a bill of rights

compounded from English and American compounded from English and American precedents and from political theories current precedents and from political theories current with the philosophieswith the philosophies


5-6 Oct 1789 - Outbreak of the mob of Paris5-6 Oct 1789 - Outbreak of the mob of Paris– Liberal monarchical constitution: king could not Liberal monarchical constitution: king could not

declare war and conclude peace without consent declare war and conclude peace without consent of chamberof chamber

– Ecclesiastic estates declared public property and Ecclesiastic estates declared public property and notes issued under security of public landsnotes issued under security of public lands


14 Jul 179014 Jul 1790– National federation in ParisNational federation in Paris– Constitution accepted by kingConstitution accepted by king– Abolished hereditary nobility, titles, and coats Abolished hereditary nobility, titles, and coats

of armsof arms


Power of clubs growPower of clubs grow– Jacobins under RobespierreJacobins under Robespierre– Cordeliers under Danton, Marat, Desmoulins, Cordeliers under Danton, Marat, Desmoulins,

HebertHebert– Feuillants - moderate monarchists separated Feuillants - moderate monarchists separated

from Jacobins - Lafayette and Baillyfrom Jacobins - Lafayette and Bailly


Sep 1790Sep 1790– Fall of NeckerFall of Necker– alliance between Mirabeau and court, who alliance between Mirabeau and court, who

endeavored to stem revolution and prevent endeavored to stem revolution and prevent overthrow of throneoverthrow of throne

2 Apr 1791 - Death of Mirabeau2 Apr 1791 - Death of Mirabeau20 - 25 Jun 1791 - Flight of the king20 - 25 Jun 1791 - Flight of the king


14 Sep 179114 Sep 1791– King accepts constitutionKing accepts constitution– Annexation of Avignon and Benaissin to FranceAnnexation of Avignon and Benaissin to France

30 Sep 179130 Sep 1791– Dissolution of AssemblyDissolution of Assembly

LEGISLATIVE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLYASSEMBLY

1 Oct 17911 Oct 1791– Legislative Assembly, 745 members elected by Legislative Assembly, 745 members elected by

active citizensactive citizens– still represented primarily middle classstill represented primarily middle class

7 Feb 17927 Feb 1792– Alliance of Austria and Prussia against FranceAlliance of Austria and Prussia against France


War of First Coalition against FranceWar of First Coalition against France– 20 Apr 1792 - France declares war on Austria - 20 Apr 1792 - France declares war on Austria -

increases revolutionary excitement in Parisincreases revolutionary excitement in Paris– 10 Aug 1792 - Storming of Tuileries by mob - king 10 Aug 1792 - Storming of Tuileries by mob - king

suspended from functions and confinedsuspended from functions and confined– 20 Aug 1792 - Lafayette, impeached and proscribed, 20 Aug 1792 - Lafayette, impeached and proscribed,

fled from army - Verdun taken by Prussiansfled from army - Verdun taken by Prussians– 2-7 Sep 1792 - September massacres at Paris2-7 Sep 1792 - September massacres at Paris– 20 Sep 1792 - Battle of Valmy - French, under 20 Sep 1792 - Battle of Valmy - French, under

Dumouriey and Kellermann, defeated PrussiansDumouriey and Kellermann, defeated Prussians


21 Sep 179221 Sep 1792– National Convention convenedNational Convention convened– Abolition of Monarchy - France declared a Abolition of Monarchy - France declared a

RepublicRepublicDec 1792 - Trial of Louis XVIDec 1792 - Trial of Louis XVI21 Jan 1793 - Execution of Louis XVI21 Jan 1793 - Execution of Louis XVI1 Feb 1793 - War declared against Great 1 Feb 1793 - War declared against Great

Britain, Holland, SpainBritain, Holland, Spain


Reign of Terror - Robespierre gradually came Reign of Terror - Robespierre gradually came to dominate the whole governmentto dominate the whole government– 23 Aug 1793-Levy of males; 14 armies raised23 Aug 1793-Levy of males; 14 armies raised– 16 Oct 1793 - Execution of Marie Antoinette16 Oct 1793 - Execution of Marie Antoinette– Nov 1793 - New army under Jourdan, Hoche & Nov 1793 - New army under Jourdan, Hoche &

PichegruPichegru– Dec 1793 - Retreat of Allies across the Rhine. Dec 1793 - Retreat of Allies across the Rhine.

French captured Worms and Speier, and took French captured Worms and Speier, and took Toulon from British (first appearance of Napoleon Toulon from British (first appearance of Napoleon Bonaparte as young artillery officer)Bonaparte as young artillery officer)


Mar 1794 - Robespierre succeeded in Mar 1794 - Robespierre succeeded in crushing rival powerscrushing rival powers

27 Jul 1794 - Fall of Robespierre27 Jul 1794 - Fall of Robespierre5 Mar 1795 - Treaty of Bassel between 5 Mar 1795 - Treaty of Bassel between

France and PrussiaFrance and Prussia

NATIONAL CONVENTIONNATIONAL CONVENTION

22 Aug 1795 - Constitution of 1797 - 3rd of 22 Aug 1795 - Constitution of 1797 - 3rd of revolutionrevolution– Executing power: Directory of five, Council of Executing power: Directory of five, Council of

Elders, and Council of 500Elders, and Council of 500– First Term: 2/3 of each council taken from Nat. First Term: 2/3 of each council taken from Nat.

Conv.Conv.– General Bonaparte placed in charge of troopsGeneral Bonaparte placed in charge of troops


5 Oct 1795 5 Oct 1795 – Paris royalists instigated outbreak of sections in Paris royalists instigated outbreak of sections in

opposition of 2/3 self protection measure of opposition of 2/3 self protection measure of convention for 1st term councilconvention for 1st term council

– Napoleon’s “whiff of grapeshot” led to complete Napoleon’s “whiff of grapeshot” led to complete victory for conventionvictory for convention

26 Oct 179526 Oct 1795– Convention dissolvedConvention dissolved– 1797 - Moderate legislative elected1797 - Moderate legislative elected– End of war - coup d’etatEnd of war - coup d’etat

IMPACT OF IMPACT OF REVOLUTIONREVOLUTION

Larger armies led to unlimited warfareLarger armies led to unlimited warfare– Emergence of democratic ideal; emphasis on Emergence of democratic ideal; emphasis on

individual freedom, equality & popular governmentindividual freedom, equality & popular government• John LockeJohn Locke• Jean Jacques Rousseau - citizen had responsibility to Jean Jacques Rousseau - citizen had responsibility to

fight in defense of country (not a logical thought for 18th fight in defense of country (not a logical thought for 18th century monarchies)century monarchies)

• American Revolution and apologistsAmerican Revolution and apologists• Conscription is unthinkable without this ideology Conscription is unthinkable without this ideology

(governed were now governing, had affirmative (governed were now governing, had affirmative obligation to defend government)obligation to defend government)


Ability to man, control, arm, feed large armiesAbility to man, control, arm, feed large armies– Larger populationsLarger populations– Improved communications systemsImproved communications systems– Beginnings of mass productionBeginnings of mass production– Improved agricultural methodsImproved agricultural methods

Line formation of battle vs. the columnLine formation of battle vs. the column– Line provided more firepower (muskets)Line provided more firepower (muskets)– Column could break the lineColumn could break the line


Military theories of Comptee Jacques de Military theories of Comptee Jacques de GuibertGuibert– Ordre mixte; combo of column (approach and Ordre mixte; combo of column (approach and

maneuver) and line (fighting)maneuver) and line (fighting)– Breaking army into smaller units or divisionsBreaking 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 Dispersion then concentration at critical time and placeplace


13 Jul 178913 Jul 1789– Crowd seizes 28,000 muskets and some cannon Crowd seizes 28,000 muskets and some cannon

from military storage depotfrom military storage depot14 Jul 178914 Jul 1789

– Bastille stormed and governor lynchedBastille stormed and governor lynchedJul 1792 Jul 1792

– Paris mob storms palace, massacres Swiss guardParis mob storms palace, massacres Swiss guard– Lafayette tries to get men to save king, they refuse Lafayette tries to get men to save king, they refuse

and Lafayette goes over to Austriansand Lafayette goes over to Austrians– Louis XVI executed in 1793Louis XVI executed in 1793


Lazare Carnot succeeded in gaining control Lazare Carnot succeeded in gaining control of Revolutionary Armyof Revolutionary Army– Aug 1793 in charge of military affairs for Aug 1793 in charge of military affairs for

committee of Public Safetycommittee of Public Safety– Emphasis on offensive in massEmphasis on offensive in mass– Organized National ArmyOrganized National Army– Foraging enhanced mobilityForaging enhanced mobility– By 1794 French Army enjoyed both Mass and By 1794 French Army enjoyed both Mass and

Mobility, Napoleon and 8 of his future marshals Mobility, Napoleon and 8 of his future marshals made general @ average age of 33made general @ average age of 33


Armies created by revolution eventually made Armies created by revolution eventually made Bonaparte Emperor of France (back to Bonaparte Emperor of France (back to autocracy)autocracy)– Moderate legislature elected in 1797 desired end Moderate legislature elected in 1797 desired end

of warof war– 3 radical directors conspired with Bonaparte to 3 radical directors conspired with Bonaparte to

arrange coup d’etatarrange coup d’etat– In ensuing coup, Carnot escaped to SwitzerlandIn ensuing coup, Carnot escaped to Switzerland

IMPACT OF IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGYTECHNOLOGY

Gribeauval’s artillery reformsGribeauval’s artillery reforms– interchangeable partsinterchangeable parts– improved cartridges (ball and charge packed improved cartridges (ball and charge packed

together)together)– Tangent sightTangent sight– Ammunition wagonsAmmunition wagons– By time of revolution, constant drill had made By time of revolution, constant drill had made

French clearly superiorFrench clearly superior

IMPACT OF IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGYTECHNOLOGY

Mobility and communication enhanced by Mobility and communication enhanced by improved roads and maps and signal improved roads and maps and signal telegraphtelegraph

Napoleon, resistant to new weapons and Napoleon, resistant to new weapons and technology, failed to make use of balloons technology, failed to make use of balloons and shrapneland shrapnel

NAPOLEONNAPOLEON

First gained renown at age 24First gained renown at age 24– Command of artillery in 1794 siege of ToulonCommand of artillery in 1794 siege of Toulon– Awarded temporary rank of Brigadier General Awarded temporary rank of Brigadier General

(from Captain)(from Captain)– Oct 1795 - saved government of Directory by Oct 1795 - saved government of Directory by

using guns against Paris mob (“whiff of using guns against Paris mob (“whiff of grapeshot”)grapeshot”)

– Promoted by Directory - promised command of Promoted by Directory - promised command of Army of Italy in 1796Army of Italy in 1796

– Read incessantly - Guibert, Voltaire, Rousseau, Read incessantly - Guibert, Voltaire, Rousseau, Frederick the GreatFrederick the Great

FRENCH COLUMN VS. FRENCH COLUMN VS. LINELINE

ITALIAN CAMPAIGNITALIAN CAMPAIGN

Directors feared his ambition - in Mar 1796 Directors feared his ambition - in Mar 1796 given command of Army of Italygiven command of Army of Italy

45,000, ill fed, poorly equipped, four dispersed 45,000, ill fed, poorly equipped, four dispersed divisions and two smaller detachmentsdivisions and two smaller detachments

British blockaded coast, 2 smaller allied British blockaded coast, 2 smaller allied armies were widely separated beyond hills to armies were widely separated beyond hills to northnorth

Improved logistical organization & motivated Improved logistical organization & motivated men with promises of booty and glorymen with promises of booty and glory

ITALIAN CAMPAIGNITALIAN CAMPAIGN

– Commenced campaignCommenced campaign• Burst from position along coast & separated two allied Burst from position along coast & separated two allied

armiesarmies• 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 Blockaded Austrian force at Mantua, and defeated

several Austrian armies approaching Mantua to give relief several Austrian armies approaching Mantua to give relief (used interior lines)(used interior lines)

• After seizing Mantua, moved into Austria quickly bringing After seizing Mantua, moved into Austria quickly bringing them to termsthem to terms

– Won 12 victories in 12 months using rapid marches, Won 12 victories in 12 months using rapid marches, flexibility in maneuver, & concentration of forceflexibility in maneuver, & concentration of force

NAPOLEON IN ITALYNAPOLEON IN ITALY

EGYPTION CAMPAIGNEGYPTION CAMPAIGN

Couldn’t defeat England at seaCouldn’t defeat England at seaDirectory agreed to seize Egypt as base for Directory agreed to seize Egypt as base for

further operations against England’s oriental further operations against England’s oriental empireempire

May 1798 - Sailed from Toulon w/35,000 May 1798 - Sailed from Toulon w/35,000 veterans from Italian campaignveterans from Italian campaign

Captured Malta and arrived @ Alexandria on Captured Malta and arrived @ Alexandria on 1 July1 July

DURING MARCH ON DURING MARCH ON CAIROCAIRO

Encountered 60,000 Mamelukes (superb Encountered 60,000 Mamelukes (superb cavalry force) in battle of pyramidscavalry force) in battle of pyramids

Napoleon’s efficient volleys of infantry and Napoleon’s efficient volleys of infantry and guns in checkerboard formation prevailedguns in checkerboard formation prevailed

Loaded muskets in inner ranks & passed up Loaded muskets in inner ranks & passed up to soldiers in front, producing devastating fireto soldiers in front, producing devastating fire

EGYPTION CAMPAIGNEGYPTION CAMPAIGN

Fought in Egypt and Syria another 12 monthsFought in Egypt and Syria another 12 months– Realized further glory unlikely without Realized further glory unlikely without

reinforcements from Francereinforcements from France– Had received info that Directory was failingHad received info that Directory was failing– Aug 1799 - relinquished command & returned to Aug 1799 - relinquished command & returned to

FranceFranceStrategically, Egyptian expedition made no Strategically, Egyptian expedition made no

sensesense– Victory offset by Nelson’s victory @ Aboukir Bay; Victory offset by Nelson’s victory @ Aboukir Bay;

Weak French Navy doomed campaign (SLOC)Weak French Navy doomed campaign (SLOC)

ULM and AUSTERLITZULM and AUSTERLITZ

Napoleon turned EastwardNapoleon turned EastwardThird Coalition (Britain, Austria, Russia) Third Coalition (Britain, Austria, Russia)

formed against him, but forces still scatteredformed against him, but forces still scatteredMain axis: Danube Valley running through Main axis: Danube Valley running through

Austria towards PrussiaAustria towards PrussiaNapoleon needed to strike first to prevent Napoleon needed to strike first to prevent

massing of 140,000 men at Ulmmassing of 140,000 men at UlmDecided to strike Austrians at Ulm first, then Decided to strike Austrians at Ulm first, then

move down Danube to deal with Russiansmove down Danube to deal with Russians

ULM - Oct 1805ULM - Oct 1805

Grand Army (200,000) secretly marched in 7 Grand Army (200,000) secretly marched in 7 columns from Boulognecolumns from Boulogne

Cavalry force demonstrated West while 6 Cavalry force demonstrated West while 6 columns swept North & East behind Austrianscolumns swept North & East behind Austrians

After one futile attempt to break out, Austrians After one futile attempt to break out, Austrians surrendered 30,000 troopssurrendered 30,000 troops

One of finest examples of turning movement - One of finest examples of turning movement - strategic victory so overwhelming it was never strategic victory so overwhelming it was never seriously contested in tactical combatseriously contested in tactical combat

AUSTERLITZ - Dec 1805AUSTERLITZ - Dec 1805

Napoleon marched down Danube through Napoleon marched down Danube through Vienna, Moravia, and BohemiaVienna, Moravia, and Bohemia– 90,000 enemy @ Olmutz with secure 90,000 enemy @ Olmutz with secure

communicationscommunications– Napoleon (65,000) was overextendedNapoleon (65,000) was overextended– Another enemy force of 90,000 was approaching Another enemy force of 90,000 was approaching

OlmutzOlmutzNapoleon needed to retreat or win a decisive Napoleon needed to retreat or win a decisive

victoryvictory

AUSTERLITZ - Dec 1805AUSTERLITZ - Dec 1805

Napoleon’s plan - Lure Russians into attack Napoleon’s plan - Lure Russians into attack by showing weak front and apparently by showing weak front and apparently exposed flankexposed flank

Allies’ plans - Attack French from flank and Allies’ plans - Attack French from flank and front, while holding in position further Northfront, while holding in position further North

Napoleon’s advantage - forced plan on Napoleon’s advantage - forced plan on opponentsopponents

AUSTERLITZ - Dec AUSTERLITZ - Dec 18051805

The battleThe battle– Dawn 2 Dec, Allied main attack on right flankDawn 2 Dec, Allied main attack on right flank– By 9:00 am, 1/3 of allied army on right flankBy 9:00 am, 1/3 of allied army on right flank– French center (under Soult) then assaulted, splitting French center (under Soult) then assaulted, splitting

allied front and encircling leftallied front and encircling left– French drown Russians on frozen ponds w/artyFrench drown Russians on frozen ponds w/arty– Bernadotte assaulted through gap caused by SoultBernadotte assaulted through gap caused by Soult– Lannes’ Corps drove Allied right until enveloped by Lannes’ Corps drove Allied right until enveloped by

BernadotteBernadotte– Over by 5:00pm, Allies lost 27,000, French 8,000Over by 5:00pm, Allies lost 27,000, French 8,000

AUSTERLITZ - Dec 1805 AUSTERLITZ - Dec 1805

Napoleon considered Austerlitz his Napoleon considered Austerlitz his masterpiecemasterpiece

Gained complete local superiority @ decisive Gained complete local superiority @ decisive pointpoint

Maneuvered to obtain victoryManeuvered to obtain victoryAusterlitz ranks with Arbela, Cannae, and Austerlitz ranks with Arbela, Cannae, and

Leuthen as tactical masterpiecesLeuthen as tactical masterpieces

CONFLICT WITH ENGLANDCONFLICT WITH ENGLAND

Victories had created many valuable reformsVictories had created many valuable reforms– 1/2 million sq mi, 44 million people in kingdom1/2 million sq mi, 44 million people in kingdom– Equality before lawEquality before law– Abolition of serfdomAbolition of serfdom– Religious tolerationReligious toleration– Secular educationSecular education– Unified systems of justiceUnified systems of justice– Road building Road building

CONFLICT WITH ENGLANDCONFLICT WITH ENGLAND

Britain problem remains unsolved - War at seaBritain problem remains unsolved - War at sea– Early 1798 ordered construction of fleetEarly 1798 ordered construction of fleet– Strike England’s Eastern trade by seizing MaltaStrike England’s Eastern trade by seizing Malta– Nelson destroyed French fleet in Battle of the NileNelson destroyed French fleet in Battle of the Nile– Trafalgar, last major battle of Age of Sail, made Trafalgar, last major battle of Age of Sail, made

England totally dominant at seaEngland totally dominant at seaLost fleet - Napoleon attempted economic warLost fleet - Napoleon attempted economic war

– Continental system: no trade w/England, prevent Continental system: no trade w/England, prevent her ability to service debt and raise enemies against her ability to service debt and raise enemies against NapoleonNapoleon

WEAKNESS IN STRATEGYWEAKNESS IN STRATEGY

A federated Europe would threaten England’s A federated Europe would threaten England’s dominance as sea powerdominance as sea power

England needed Allies on continent, England needed Allies on continent, Napoleon couldn’t subjugate entire continentNapoleon couldn’t subjugate entire continent

Deprived continent of England’s goods - Deprived continent of England’s goods - involved entire continent in warinvolved entire continent in war

Portugal was main POE for England’s goods Portugal was main POE for England’s goods - French control in Spain led to revolt- French control in Spain led to revolt

THE SPANISH THE SPANISH PROBLEMPROBLEM

1807 - Napoleon turns attention to Portugal1807 - Napoleon turns attention to PortugalBritain set example by attacking Portugal and Britain set example by attacking Portugal and

seizing Danish fleet - Portuguese ignored seizing Danish fleet - Portuguese ignored Napoleon’s threatsNapoleon’s threats

Oct 1807 - Weak Spanish government allowed Oct 1807 - Weak Spanish government allowed Napoleon to attack PortugalNapoleon to attack Portugal

French captured LisbonFrench captured LisbonNapoleon had brother placed on Spanish Napoleon had brother placed on Spanish

thronethroneRevolt ensued in SpainRevolt ensued in Spain

THE SPANISH THE SPANISH PROBLEMPROBLEM

Spanish Guerrillas and English Army alliedSpanish Guerrillas and English Army allied1810 - French troops increased to 370,0001810 - French troops increased to 370,000Guerillas successful - about 100 French Guerillas successful - about 100 French

casualties/daycasualties/dayMore casualties/equipment loss than defeats More casualties/equipment loss than defeats

in battlein battleNapoleon’s first serious reverse - Napoleon’s first serious reverse -

encouragement for other Europeans, denied encouragement for other Europeans, denied him of forces for Russian operationshim of forces for Russian operations

British Line Superior to French British Line Superior to French Column in SpainColumn in Spain

RUSSIAN CAMPAIGNRUSSIAN CAMPAIGN

Due to setbacks @ Friedland and Eylan, Due to setbacks @ Friedland and Eylan, Czar sought alliance with NapoleonCzar sought alliance with Napoleon

Alliance short lived due to Russian desire to Alliance short lived due to Russian desire to trade w/Britaintrade w/Britain

1812 - Secret agreement between Czar & 1812 - Secret agreement between Czar & LondonLondon

Napoleon raised army of 680,000 from all of Napoleon raised army of 680,000 from all of EuropeEurope– Size of Army dictated direct approachSize of Army dictated direct approach– Only 200,000 French - depending on support of Only 200,000 French - depending on support of

defeated nationsdefeated nations


Numerous logistics setbacks in beginning of Numerous logistics setbacks in beginning of campaigncampaign

DilemmaDilemma– Couldn’t winter over at Smolensk (unable to Couldn’t winter over at Smolensk (unable to

provision army & Sweden threatened rear)provision army & Sweden threatened rear)– Retreat before Winter or advance to MoscowRetreat before Winter or advance to Moscow– Napoleon advanced toward Moscow hoping for Napoleon advanced toward Moscow hoping for

decisive victorydecisive victory


Despite some brilliant battles, most were Despite some brilliant battles, most were frontal assaults w/no effort to maneuverfrontal assaults w/no effort to maneuver– Napoleon’s personal illness - no vigorous Napoleon’s personal illness - no vigorous

pursuits and on one occasion gave up control of pursuits and on one occasion gave up control of battlebattle

– Needless cruelty enraged RussiansNeedless cruelty enraged Russians– Russian Guerrilla campaign against Russian Guerrilla campaign against

communicationscommunications


– Poor roads/hostile population didn’t support Poor roads/hostile population didn’t support mass/mobilitymass/mobility

– Russian “scorched earth” policy prevented Russian “scorched earth” policy prevented foragingforaging

– Weakened army fell prey to disease (lost 1/4 Weakened army fell prey to disease (lost 1/4 combat effectiveness before contact with enemy)combat effectiveness before contact with enemy)

– Unwilling warriors deserted in drovesUnwilling warriors deserted in droves


Sept 14th - entered Moscow - hollow victory Sept 14th - entered Moscow - hollow victory since Russians had burned city & retreatedsince Russians had burned city & retreated

Oct 19th - began retreat, hampered by:Oct 19th - began retreat, hampered by:– Snow & bitter coldSnow & bitter cold– Russian Regular/Irregular ForcesRussian Regular/Irregular Forces– Ineffective supply systemIneffective supply system– 40,000 vehicles loaded with “loot” vice supplies40,000 vehicles loaded with “loot” vice supplies– Breakdown of discipline wasted suppliesBreakdown of discipline wasted supplies


Weakness - Resupply (poor preparation) & Weakness - Resupply (poor preparation) & Timing (time of year & still involved in Spain) Timing (time of year & still involved in Spain)

Napoleon in RussiaNapoleon in Russia

POST RUSSIAN POST RUSSIAN CAMPAIGNSCAMPAIGNS

French dispositionFrench disposition– 50,000 in German 50,000 in German

garrisonsgarrisons– 100,000 fighting in 100,000 fighting in

SpainSpain– 50,000 fighting 50,000 fighting

Austrians in Austrians in Northeastern ItalyNortheastern Italy

– 118,000 mustered in 118,000 mustered in FranceFrance

Allied dispositionAllied disposition– Bernadotte - 60,000 moving Bernadotte - 60,000 moving

through Low Countriesthrough Low Countries– Blucher - 75,000 advancing Blucher - 75,000 advancing

up Moselle Valleyup Moselle Valley– Schwarzenberg - 210,000, Schwarzenberg - 210,000,

moving from Switzerland moving from Switzerland through Belfort Gapthrough Belfort Gap

– Combined objective was Combined objective was ParisParis

WATERLOO - 18 June 1815WATERLOO - 18 June 1815

Napoleon raises army to battle allies Napoleon raises army to battle allies gathering to depose himgathering to depose him

16 June - initiates contact w/Prussians 16 June - initiates contact w/Prussians @ Ligny@ Ligny– Sent Marshal Ney to defeat British Brigade Sent Marshal Ney to defeat British Brigade

and flank Blucher while Napoleon drove him and flank Blucher while Napoleon drove him backback

– British held, preventing flanking maneuver British held, preventing flanking maneuver and allowing Prussians to retreatand allowing Prussians to retreat

WATERLOO - 18 June 1815WATERLOO - 18 June 1815

17 June - Napoleon unsuccessful in reaching 17 June - Napoleon unsuccessful in reaching Blucher before he reconstituted forces and Blucher before he reconstituted forces and headed West to aid Wellington and British headed West to aid Wellington and British forcesforces

18 June - Napoleon attacks Wellington18 June - Napoleon attacks Wellington– Cavalry attempted breakthrough (failed due to not Cavalry attempted breakthrough (failed due to not

enough infantry support)enough infantry support)– Later, infantry attempts breakthrough without Later, infantry attempts breakthrough without

artillery support and failsartillery support and fails– Wellington counterattacked, sending French into Wellington counterattacked, sending French into

panicpanic21 June 1815 - Napoleon surrenders and 21 June 1815 - Napoleon surrenders and

exiled to St. Helena, dies on 5 May 1821exiled to St. Helena, dies on 5 May 1821

NAPOLEON’S IMPACTNAPOLEON’S IMPACT

Elements of Elements of Napoleonic Napoleonic warfarewarfare– Unity of Unity of

CommandCommand– Generalship Generalship

and Soldiershipand Soldiership– PlanningPlanning


Principles of Napoleonic warfarePrinciples of Napoleonic warfare– MassMass

• ““Distribute your troops in such a way that, Distribute your troops in such a way that, whatever the enemy does, you will be able to whatever the enemy does, you will be able to unite your forces within a few days”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 initiativeOffensive - invariably seized initiative– Objective - always main body of armyObjective - always main body of army– Simplicity - recognized importance of simple Simplicity - recognized importance of simple

planplan– Economy of force - used small numbers in Economy of force - used small numbers in

defense and concentrated combat power at defense and concentrated combat power at critical pointcritical point


Principles of Napoleonic warfarePrinciples of Napoleonic warfare– Maneuver - (strategic and tactical) Napoleon’s Maneuver - (strategic and tactical) Napoleon’s

hallmarkhallmark– Unity of Command - essentialUnity of Command - essential– Surprise - greatest moral force (Austerlitz; 1814 Surprise - greatest moral force (Austerlitz; 1814

campaign)campaign)– SecuritySecurity

• For army and plansFor army and plans• Precautions for all-around defensePrecautions for all-around defense


Three variations in pattern of strategyThree variations in pattern of strategy– ““Maneuver in the rear” (flanking attack Maneuver in the rear” (flanking attack

and envelopment)and envelopment)– ““The Central Position: (interior lines)The Central Position: (interior lines)– Frontal attack - if other two options not Frontal attack - if other two options not

possible due to time, terrain, or enemy possible due to time, terrain, or enemy dispositiondisposition

NAPOLENIC STRATEGYNAPOLENIC STRATEGY

Get astride the enemy’s line of Get astride the enemy’s line of communicationscommunications

Superiority of numbers at the crucial pointSuperiority of numbers at the crucial pointMove rapidlyMove rapidly If superior in force, envelop; If inferior, defeat If superior in force, envelop; If inferior, defeat

the enemy in detail by use of interior linesthe enemy in detail by use of interior linesUnity of CommandUnity of Command

NAPOLENIC TACTICSNAPOLENIC TACTICS

Feel out the soft spot with skirmishersFeel out the soft spot with skirmishersConcentrate artillery at that pointConcentrate artillery at that pointPour troops through that point in columnPour troops through that point in columnPursue with mobile forcesPursue with mobile forces

NAPOLEON’S FAILURENAPOLEON’S FAILURE

Inability to make peace with EnglandInability to make peace with EnglandArmies spread revolutionary zealArmies spread revolutionary zealEconomic problems with protectionist attitudeEconomic problems with protectionist attitudeOver-centralization of commandOver-centralization of command

– Widespread, complex and considerable forces Widespread, complex and considerable forces couldn’t be controlled without well-organized couldn’t be controlled without well-organized general staffgeneral staff

– Didn’t include staff in planningDidn’t include staff in planning– Stifled subordinatesStifled subordinates

SUMMARYSUMMARY

Transition from limited war to unlimited war Transition from limited war to unlimited war during the French Revolutionduring the French Revolution

Revolution Army unique, the role of ideology Revolution Army unique, the role of ideology in the in the levee en masselevee en masse, problems of controlling , problems of controlling such an armysuch an army

Impact of new technology on warfare in the Impact of new technology on warfare in the Napoleonic periodNapoleonic period

SUMMARYSUMMARY

Napolean victorous at Austerlitz but defeated at WaterlooStalemate at sea and on land in 1805 dictated a strategy of economic warfareNapoleon’s Russian campaign underscored his weakness as a “grand strategist”Napoleon major contributer to military thought

QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?

slide 1 the french revolution (1789-1815) and napoleon

Documents

french revolution

napoleon slide

empire slide

revolution army

military thought slide

napoleonic period slide

unlimited war

art of war