Napoleon's Marshals: Berthier, Lannes, Davout.
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- In 1804 Napoleon created 18 'Marshals of the Empire', to serve as the senior officers of the Grande Armée. He created a further 8 before his abdication. A few were aristocrats, but others were the sons of shopkeepers or tailors. The most favoured became princes and kings. Among their ranks were legendary figures such as Marshals Lannes, Ney, Soult, Davout and Massena, but also much less well know figures like Pérignon, Brune and Moncey. Our series will explore the lives of all 26 Marshals, and rank them according to our own judgement of their achievements as Marshals.
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Epic History TV is one of the purest glories of UA-cam!
Amen!
Perhaps the BEST channel on You Tube
Yea its not easy to make history interesting, i was a fan of napoleon wars (i played the old L'empereur game by koei longg time ago), but epic history relive my love for the details of the battles, well done guyss🥳🙏🙏👍
@@adriansantoso3256 For all intents Stratego is based on the Napoleonic Wars as well
@@NDR-hn3ue I love that game.
Fun fact EHTV fans: Check out the epicness that was born in 1769
Jan 10 - Marshal Ney
Mar 29 - Marshal Soult
Apr 10 - Marshal Lannes
May 1 - Duke of Wellington
Jun 18 - Lord Castlereagh
Aug 15 - Emperor Napoleon
WOW WTF
A fine vintage, to be sure.
@@mcpanzer4637 Indeed!
Holyy crap
"It was the '69' part that gave us special abilities"
- Duke of Wellington aka Dukes
I found your channel a Pygmy, you’ve become a giant.
Bravo!
Yep me too.
This channel gained massively subscribers.
And rightfully so :D
Would be more giant if UA-cam actually had reverence for good content...
This sounds like something Napoleon would've said about one of his marshals
An iron giant.
Davout routing an entire Prussian army with a single corps is like a grown man breaking into your house, and your eight-year-old son fights him off.
Home Alone: Davout edition
INSANE BROOOOOO!!!
It actually happened, though the kid wasn’t 8. He shot a thief trying to rob his home 😂 The thief lived and was crying on the ground (grown man) and the kid had the audacity to say “stop crying.”
Thats to damn funny@@Brokenlikefour
Berthier truly was a master of diplomacy. He convinced his wife and mistress to live together in the same house, truly a legend!
He what? He has to teach us his secrets
@@kowalskiplota634 we definitely need his secrete.
@@kowalskiplota634 Read about Alkiviades
How did he manage that hahaha
Only thing is he cried when Napoleon left him in russia and complained about working hard..
“ill show you that before i was a marshal i was a grenadier, and still am!” Lannes Bravery and leadership abilities were awe-inspiring his death was the saddest of all the Marshals in my opinion.
As was Marshal Ney's execution.
Le Roland de la Grande Armee
Ave
Lannes should have been ranked first imo. After his death, everything went south for Napoleon. Without Lannes Napoleon has a losing record.
@@ez3384 Your comment carries weight I agree somewhat, emphasis on 'somewhat'. I'm no expert on Napoleon but to me despite his individual brilliance Napoleon lacked a certain foresight and was only as good as his Marshals allowed him to be. After Lannes' death he did achieve success into Russia but it was his own ignorance in refusing to halt at Smolensk and his poor placement of Davout that in my honest opinion contributed heavily to his downfall. As the the video makes mention who knows how the battles leading up to Leipzig could have turned out or Waterloo had Davout been there, as is evident from Davouts previous triumphs, that man can turn and win battles in a single charge
Napoleon once said it is impossible to give Marshal to everyone who deserves it.
There are lots of small stories about colonels and generals of his army. Some of colonels even refused to be promouted to higher ranks coz they did not want to leave their regiments.
True
Yeah soldiers Also didnt want responsabilities
Right. How many times do we hear about a topographer/General/genius?
@@miguelmontenegro3520 or a doctor
Louis Desaix is a prime example, had he not died in battle, he would've definitely become, not only a marshal, but be known as one of the, if not the, best marshal.
Hench forth, Epic History shall be referred to as “the iron channel”
Indeed.
Humanity has agreed
Definitely earned.
The bravest of the brave
Yess
Lannes is the prototype of the « romantic hero ». Deadly in the battle but so kind outside of the field. And a real friend to the emperor. One of the very few to speak to Napoleon plainly and frankly.
And one the first recorded victims of the Jody😁
@@votefraudjoe997 You mean the part were a soldier or marine goes overseas and his girlfriend or wife started cheating
Lannes was Emperor's Best friend along woth Duroc and Junot, those we're Napoleons truest Friends
He's the Roland of the Grand Army
@@votefraudjoe997lmao that’s good!!
Berthier was The Brain
Lannes was The Heart
Davout was The Sword
@Neelakshi Shukla Lannes was the tip of the sword since he leads the vanguard
Ney was the spirit
@Alexandre Costa plunder much Soult? 🤣
@Alexandre Costa lmfao nice one.
Oudinot was the body.
Lannes may have had the saddest death, but Berthier suffered the most (of those who did not get killed horribly). Never got the glory for all those victories, but had to do all the work necessary to make those victories possible as well as taking all of Napoleon's ill-tempered, and unjustified, abuse. A toast to all the staff officers at there, past and present!
I agree with you on this, I think Berthier takes credits for at least half of Napoleon's military achievements, just look at those Napoleon's poor performances after he lost Berthier support, damn, but he never got the reward and reputation that matched his hardworking, that's surely unfair.
@@dyingember8661 he got the reward, just not the reputation.
@@humanperson5153 He got a reward that not matched his hardworking.
@@humanperson5153 According to a considerable number of documents, Napoleon's military orders are often unclear or even ambiguous, Only Berthier can “decipher” them and send them to various branches of the army. Moreover, his role in the logistics planning of the French army is irreplaceable.
@@dyingember8661 I agree.
"Terror Belli, Decus Pacis" the words permanently inscribed in my head after this series.
... along with the brass section from Beethoven's music.
@Kyle Davison Will you get the marshals names tattooed too?
@Kyle Davison Exactly what I'm thinking about since I've heard this sentence here xD
@@VRichardsn from which Beethoven’s piece is it?
@Kyle Davison don’t do that
I am french, passionate about History and military History. I read lots of books on French Revolution and Napoleonic wars era. I think all your ranked Marshall list is fair, and the top one, the Iron marshal Davout is justify. He has never been interested by political matters, but as a military leader, it can be compared to Napoleon himself.
All in all, this list clearly highlights the quality and the importance of all side partners of Napoleon. It was an amazing military leaders generation...
_I am french, passionate about History and military History_
I am not French. I haven't set a foot in France. I don't even speak the language. Yet the sole mention of the name of Napoleon conjures an image of limitless power, a towering genius who cannot be harnessed. I am separated by these events by more than two centuries and 11,000 km... and yet I feel like I could join the _fusilier_ ranks at a moments notice if commanded. Such is the appeal, the charisma that Napoleon commands. A writer once said:
"The English have Nelson. The Germans have Frederick the Great.
The World has Napoleon."
True words indeed.
@@VRichardsn what a great response, and what you say is true. I’m Mexican and Napoleon is my favorite historic figure. He inspired me to write historical articles and to fall in love with history as a discipline, not just military history.
I'm French too and I couldn't agree more with your final statement. Napoleon was really surrounded by a multitude of brilliant men who were not only brave soldiers but also very clever tacticians.
And seeing that so few of them remained during the Cent Jours (among all the marshals in the list, only Ney, Soult and Grouchy were at Waterloo... 😔) pains me even more.
@@vanir92160 Absolutely right what you mentioned about the lack of highly skills leaders available for Waterloo battle, and it can be fowarded also to all floor of management of the Army. The French Army of Waterloo, after 20 years of endless campagn across Europe, bleeded in Spain, and Russia, is the ghost of the French Army of Austerlitz or Iean / Auerstaedt...
@@godlovesyou1995 Dude read it again, he said that Davout didn't care about politics.
Nietzsche’s idea that Napoleon had reignited the flame of antiquity is so incredibly true, especially after you read about Marshall Lannes. He was something akin to a hero from antiquity.
His youngest marshal Davout was probably his most capable. There was only a few marshals who would die for the grand armee. A few marshals let the rewards or crowns given get to there heads
@@joshua6207then you have poniatowski who did what he did even though he knew it would be his end. The emperor’s word.
Lannes, shaken, due to the death of his old friend, walk off to sit alone for a moment, was hit by a canon ball which skipped along the field, this make my heart broken.
Faith truly hasn't been kind with him.
Not only that Napoleon wept on news of his death he lost not only a Marshal but a friend
@@ethanramos4441 The enemy desperately reduce Napoleon to a loss but impossibly reduce him to tears.
You should look for Philipe de Montebello.
Marshal lannes would be proud to see his grand-grand-grand son to be a famed & respected museum director who enrolled in Harvard
Np
Marshal Davout and Ney will take revenge.
@@VietTran-IAMV what major he took?
Marshall Berthier is an interesting example where not bravery and honour, military might and prowess, but organisational abilities and supreme understanding of logistics win wars.
True! Napoleon learned that the hard way, and good thing he did, otherwise Devout wouldn't have been the only one left out to dry by my inability to command an army. Lol
@@marshalberthier2402 didnt expect that I'd be speaking of and with the man himself. Lol
Ancient Regime, was he?
Berthier is the best waifu
Both are needed, dont down play the ability to charge straight to your death with no questions asked
Can't wait for the next series :))
Me too.
A rank of german generals in WW2
or
Most famous Roman commanders would be great
It should be a ranking of the Generals/Marshals and Admirals of the Napoleonic era.
@@manfredthegreat Ive been doing that in my free time. All the field marshalls, a few oberst generals, a few navy men and a few generals of the branch ill post my list below
@@manfredthegreat
Spectaclar
1. Erich von Manstien
2. Erwin Rommel
3. Walter Model
4. Albert Kesslering
Amazing
5. Gerd von Rundstedt
6. Fedor von Bock
7. Hienz Guderian
8. Karl Donitz
9. Gotthard Henrici
Very Good
10. Gunther von kluge
11. Ewald von Kliest
12. Wilhem List
13. Wilhem Ritter von Leeb
14. Hermann Balck
15. Erwin von Witzleben
good
16. Erich Raeder
17. Walther von Brauchsitsch
18. Helmutt Wilberg
19. Hermann Hoth
20. Erich Hoepner
21. Maximillian von Wiechs
22. Edourd Dietl
23. Hans-Valentin Hube
24. Fredrich Frisius
So So
25. Sepp Detrich
26.Helmuth Salmuth
27. Wilhiem Bittrich
28. Erhard Milch
29. Walther von Riechenau\
30. Nikolas von Falkenhorst
31. Wolfram von Riechtoffen
32. Hugo Sperle
33. Eberhard von Mackensen
34. George von Kuchler
35. Felix Stiener
36. Ferdinand Schroner
37. Otto Ciliax
38. Conrad Albrecht
Now they are all bad or irrelevant
39. Ernst Busch
40. Werner von Fritsch
41. Hermann Goring
42. Edourd Wagner
43. Wilheim Kietle
44. Hans Georg von Linderman
45. Werner von Bloomberg
46. Robert Ritter von Griem
47. Gerhard von Schwerim
48. Alfred Jodl
49.Fredrich Paulus
50. Franz Halder
51. Edourd von Bohm-Ermoli
@@patriotadam4091 Cool list! 👌
Lannes and Murat had a love/hate relationship. On any given day they could be best buds, enjoying a spa week together (this happened). Or they could be on the verge of killing each other.
During the Egyptian Campaign Murat and Lannes were both in hospital from wounds. Murat had taken a musket ball to the mouth, knocking out a few teeth. His jaw had been tied shut and he was unable to talk. Lannes was also wounded and placed in the bed next to Murat. Noting Murat's condition, Lannes proceeded to spend the next week insulting Murat. Calling him names, mocking his flamboyant clothing, calling him a pretty boy etc. And Murat just sat there fuming as he could not respond. Lannes was well pleased.
While the almost week-long sojourn at the spa in Bareges was noteworthy, it was the definitely raucous days spent at Lannes' country property at Bouillou that would have been a front-page feature in the Daily Mail. And yes, that happened.
@@margaretchrisawn4260 Yes! It would be a scandal for sure, particularly for Murat! Carousing with the local ladies is all fine and well, except for when one is married to the Emperor's sister!
@@crownprincesebastianjohano7069 Where can I read these stories/anecdotes? They seem so fun, while at the same time depict major historical figures.
@@akSeR2010 Hi, I found them in the bios on Murat and Lannes. The most available bio in Lannes in English speaking nations is "The Emperor's Friend" by Margaret Chrisawn.
@@crownprincesebastianjohano7069 thank you, I will check it!
Davout, the only Marshal so great that Napoléon felt threatened and tried to bring him down a peg. What an amazing conclusion.
What doesn't make sense is that Napoleon who was a student of history and read of Caesar would have known about Titus Labienus who was one of the greatest generals of the late republic and was up there with Caesar and Pompey as Rome greatest generals at the time. Despite the ability of Labienus he was eclipsed by Caesar and I believe the case would've been the same for Davout and Napoleon.
No chance IMO. If Napoleon’s duties were limited to Davout’s, there would be none of this talk of Davout eclipsing Napoleon.
Napoleon had to deal with the infighting of several of his Marshals, run France wholesale, & deal personally with the political & fieldwork implications of successively battling multiple European powers, often simultaneously.
None of this was Davout’s problem. Make no mistake, Napoleon was in a league all his own.
I disagree. The Russians had been retreating. Napoleon & the army desperately needed to force their hand in battle. Davout outflanking them was a bad idea for two reasons.
1. If he even looked like he MIGHT be successful, Barclays would do what he always did & order another retreat.
2. Russia’s cavalry was too large & too capable to risk in a flanking manoeuvre.
Are we talking about the same battle here? I may be confused. I’m referring to Borodino.
They withdrew after the French beat them. They probably would not have fought at all if Davout’s too risky suggestion were carried out. Napoleon’s men were dwindling in both numbers & morale. They were desperate for battle, & only Napoleon’s plan ensured that would happen.
Napoleon was much shrewder than Davout.
I once read that following the end of the Napoleonic Wars there existed this saying among the French People:
"The Emperor lost Lannes too soon, gained Suchet too late and didn't use Davout when he needed him the most".
PS: THANKS A BUNCH FOR THIS SWEET RIDE OF MILITARY HEAVEN, Epic History TV, IT'S BEEN A BLAST!!! 👏 👏 👏 👏
Overall, I appreciate the standards you've set for summarizing the merits of the Eagle's top adjutants and agree with them 👍 (the only notable exceptions to that being Murat and Masséna, who I feel deserve to have been ranked Better in spite of their Flaws). For someone who will always have tons of History to yet learn, it's always la crème de la crème listening to experts such as you!!! 👌👌
That's why I love Berthier, a man that knows his limitations is a rare thing.
How in the world did Bertier coordinate 500000 men in a time without fast and reliable communication?! Incredible
"No one could replace him"
genius staff work and management
He can coordinate but can't handle overall command
@@troll5161but at least Berthier was honest with his role as Napoleon's Chief of Staff for 18 years.
"Field command, no chance."
"Administration, logistics and communications absolutely."
Hence, Napoleon's indispensable Marshal because without Berthier most of Napoleon's campaigns and victories wouldn't have been possible.
Power of logistics everyone!
Alright guys if Davout isn’t #1 we riot
Edit: A well earned ranking
I was rooting for Davout too
It’s always gotta be Davout. But Ney in Russia, that is the truest of all legends.
marshal soult should’ve been top 3 or 2
Marshall Davout = Haters gonna hate!
@@aceous99 imagine if he wasn't hated or being treated as a rival by Napoleon and other Marshals. He would have a lot of moments in the battlefield with his fellow soldiers and might outshine them all.
Also being entrusted in the north and other independent commands is also a big opportunity and responsibility. Maybe that's why Napoleon assigned him there.
There has been a big push lately on French media to cancel Napoléon as the commemorations of his death’s bicentenary are approaching. His detractors argue that Napoléon cannot be celebrated since he is a man who re-established slavery.
While it is true that Napoléon legalized slavery in 1802, it was restricted to the island of Guadeloupe, and in a very specific context. France had abolished slavery in 1794 under Robespierre's leadership.
While it is obviously a good thing that slavery was abolished, it was considered as a completely extreme decision at that time, slavery being legal everywhere else. Napoléon was a friend of Robespierre. He even owed his first commandment of the army of taly to him. He opposed slavery until 1802, saying “Nous ne devons pas retirer la liberté à des hommes à qui nous l’avons donnée” (we shall not take liberty back from people that we freed).
In 1802, France was facing the Haitian revolution, and was about to lose its entire colonies to the slaves or to Britain, who had not abolished slavery. The colonial lobby mostly consisted of French nobles, who threatened to ally with the British. Napoléon had to re-establish slavery. When he came back into power in 1815, he abolished the slave trade.
When talking about Napoléon, slavery was never a topic until about a few years ago. Now, it is the only topic. Clearly, Napoléon was not a saint, but he still had one of the most incredible destinies in history, his military genius was unlike any other, and he created the entire administrative and legal system that we still use today.
And that’s why I have to tip my hat to our British friends at Epic History who, with a computer and a few donations, do a better job at celebrating French national heritage than all of French TV put together.
The constant overplaying and exaggeration of slavery and colonialism in context to important historical figures has become one of the most ridicoulus acts of virtue signalling in the Western world these last few years.
@@vahlen5281 that’s because it doesn’t affect you, which is why you trivialize it
Vive l'Empereur !
HEAR YE HEAR YE
@@capoislamort100 Neither does it affect the people who are trying to instrumentalize it. Your point?
Damn Lannes. His passing nearly brought me to tears. A loyal and brave friend, his passing was accurately depicted by the tv series “Napoleon” 2002.
He and the marshals of Napoleon’s inner circle were the most talented, courageous, skilful and loyal warriors of their time.
And now I know why Napoleon has so many successes upon the field of battle: He had the best entourage a leader could ever hope to have.
That’s what meritocracy at all cost gives up. The best
Талант Наполеона собрать всех этих безусловно талантливых людей в одну единую силу, и иметь над ними неприрекаемый авторитет. Наполеон выстроил систему где способных людей старались продвинуть верх по карьерной лестнице, в отличие от других монархов где царила коррупция и давили способных людей боясь их конкуренции. Грубо говоря монархи в основном были личности трусливые, завистливые и никчемные, получившие свою власть по праву рождения в отличие от Наполеона.
@@ВосславьСолнце-е5х
First russian W in centuries
God damn Lannes, what a chad. The epitome of "Fine, I'll do it myself."
That trait is exactly why he and Napoleon were such good friends
He was also cunning and confident. The capture of the Tabor Bridge with Murat was brilliant.
69 likes nice
@@bigbillyb0b and very brave, a legendary combination and the reason why is ranked so high
He kinda low-key handsome
Lannes was a true soldier, who had the trust and friendship of Napoleon. Someone worthy of respect.
Il était un des rares à le tutoyer.
Yeah but the way he died was truly awful and painful. Napoleon lost someone who was not only his marshal but also his friend
@@jean-louislalonde6070 je crois meme que c'était le seul
Thank you so much for your impeccable work on this period! It's obvious how dedicated you were and how much you care about the history. Truly, your entire Napoleonic Wars series, from Toulon to the last Marshals video is something else. You have made a truly special video series for all military history lovers like myself to enjoy. I've had a fantastic time watching this series from the very start, when you first uploaded the Battle of Waterloo. I've even shown these videos to my coworkers during breaks, and they've grown to love it too.
Even though I'm sad to see Napoleon come to an end, I'm glad I got to be a part of it. I hope that you continue to meet the same standards in your future productions (maybe you'll do World War II next?)
Vive l'Empereur et Vive Epic History TV!
It's great to hear, thank you so much! You'll be first to hear about what's next over at Patreon..
French officer: Marshal Davout, they outnumber us 3 to 1!!
Davout: "Then it is an even fight".
I read in his biography that, in Borodino, Davout was hit in the abdomen by a cannonball then a bullet pierced his right thigh. Despite this, he still continued fighting. Guy was literally made of iron.
It did hurt a lot
I’m interested to know how one survives a cannon ball to the chest, that would go right through you. Unless it was travelling at a slower velocity but even that would do serious damage
@@liamw6562 Cannonball was slowed by his horse and a pistol. But like you said, it still seriously injured him, knocking him out for a few minutes.
@@shasokais523 wow ok, they don’t call him the iron marshal for nothing
"Tis but a scratch"
One day, in some distant land they will say: "If Epic History TV had been there, I would not have met this misfortune."
Hi, you. I have seen your comments on many reaction videos about napoleonics wars, good to see you here !
Davout is truely a role model today, especially in a workplace environment. You don't need to play politics and be friends with everyone. Sometimes, all you need to do is do your job well and trust that your deeds, and not your voice, will bear fruit to your career.
An ancient Régime noble
Sadly that's dependent on each individual situation. Nepotism is present in all layers of society and there is a chance you'll encounter it
Well he was not commanding in the field after Russia, so politics is important.
the best employee a company can have do your job and don't question even if they fleece you out of promotions and recognition
well some politics and getting along with other maréchals would have helped him tremendously
Great job on this series. I know you will be moving on to other subjects for awhile and I look forward too it but I hope you consider revisiting Napoleon in the future for almost like a prequel series on his military career from after the siege of toulon up until right before he became emperor.
As a french patriot, what an emotion this serie was! I am no't used to let comments, but i am so astonished and thankful for this marvelous work you made, from the research to the editing. Nothing is neglected here. Un grand bravo!
.
From letters of one of his minister (Maret of Bassano) we know that Napoleon said about giving command of the duchy of Warsaw to Davout: "I will have to order him to take that honor since he never asks, doesn't he sees that he is more fit than the others".
I must have watched part 5 at least 20 times, the part about Marshal Ney's fighting retreat was so darn inspirational. Part 6 did not disappoint. Thank you so much for this!
Exactly, that part about Ney was intense
*hovers mouse over end of the video timeline*
*see's Davout's bald head*
"Oh yeah, it's all coming together"
And here we are at the end of a beautiful arc called Napoleon's Marshals.
Epic history TV as a fan and a subscriber I salute you and hope for great things to come.
Davout knocking out an entire Prussian Army with III corps was just incredible. Of course hes ranked number 1
He had been at an extreme wining streak. His rage was so intense that after his victory he wanted to duel with Bernadotte.
Davout was just irreplacable.
Iirc, Davout was never defeated
@@FusionCoreHoarder he wasn't. He just surrendered after word of Napoleon's abdication
@@FusionCoreHoarder He got his ass kicked by Miloradovich at Vyazma.
TODAY IS ANNIVERSARY of Marshal Lannes death,Rest in peace
RIP
Also, since Davout is the best Marshal, and the rivalry between Davout and Bernadotte is well known, I thought I might give some background on Davout and Bernadotte's relationship before and after Auerstadt.
1) Bernadotte and Davout were not on friendly terms before the battle since about 1802. At the time Napoleon had made Davout head of the military police, and as a consequence Davout had the unhappy task of monitoring the activities of his generals. It was at this time that Davout's subordinates sought to tie Bernadotte to the Donnadieu Conspiracy which sought to assassinate First Consul Napoleon. Davout moved by suspicion, and some dubious evidence, and if Fouche is to be believed, some resentment, had Bernadotte's house watched, and even had his mail opened. As it turns out, Bernadotte was not involved in the Donnadieu affair, nor the subsequent Plot of the Placards. When Bernadotte found out his personal letters to his wife had been opened, he threatened to horsewhip Davout, and challenged him to a duel. Bernadotte probably reacted too harshly. Napoleon managed to calm both parties down and by 1804 the two men were cooly civil to one another. Davout even attended a ball in Hannover, given by Bernadotte who was then governor there, and, according to the accounts of the ladies of high society, Davout surprised many as, despite his shabby appearance, he demonstrated extreme grace on the dance floor. Where he danced the night away until the wee hours of the morning.
2) In 1812 Napoleon decided to occupy Swedish Pomerania to secure his northern flank as a prelude to the invasion of Russia. Bernadotte had been Crown Prince of Sweden since 1810. Davout still nursed a substantial grudge against Bernadotte for what he openly perceived as having been abandoned at Auerstadt in 1806. That aside, as it is a whole post in itself, Napoleon gave Davout a chance to avenge himself on the hated Gascon. Napoleon put Davout in command of the operation to occupy Swedish Pomerania, to confiscate all property and to capture and imprison the garrison. Davout set the day for the attack on Bernadotte's birthday and proceeded to occupy the territory with his customary efficiency. So in some measure he got his revenge. However, the Occupation of Swedish territory had a cascading effect that later led to Napoleon's downfall.
3) Davout later had another opportunity to come to blows with Bernadotte. In 1813 Swedish troops reoccupied Swedish Pomerania as a member of the Coalition. Bernadotte later landed with a strong corps of 30,000 Swedes, and later joined by 30,000 Russians, 40,000 Prussians and 15,000 from North Germany, and was put in command of the Allied Army of the North. Contrary to Bernadotte's orders, a Swedish regiment took the initiative to occupy Hamburg, which had been abandoned by the French. Unfortunately for the Swedes, Hamburg was too far away from Allied lines to hold without a major effort (hence why Bernadotte did not want it occupied). Davout, with his corps of 35,000 moved in and chased the Swedes out of Hamburg and proceeded to occupy it until after Napoleon's abdication. Davout later moved to engage Bernadotte's army, and was advancing on Berlin, as part of a coordinated effort to capture the Prussian capital, when Bernadotte defeated Oudinot at GrossBeeran and the French retreated all the way back over the Elbe. Davout only had 30,000 troops with him and was forced to retreat in the face of 100,000 Swedish, Prussian and Russian troops. Davout was to make another effort to link-up with Ney's 60,000 troops to capture Berlin, but Ney's catastrophic defeat at Dennewitz at the hands of Bernadotte forced him to retreat again. Davout remained in Hamburg for the remainder of the War.
4) During the Siege of Hamburg during the winter and spring of 1814, Bernadotte commanded the Army blockading the city and he offered very generous terms to Davout: All French troops would be allowed to march back to France, with their weapons and baggage. They would not have to be put on parole and could rejoin the fight as soon as the returned to French lines. Davout declined to accept the terms and remained in Hamburg where he very competently repulsed an attempt by Bennigsen to take the city in December 1813. Davout launched a couple raids, but for the most part he and his troops, who were greatly needed in France, were left to their own devices.
Good job of providing context. While this production is entertaining and informative, it's biased and leaves out important details. At its best it inspires the curious to continue searching.
@@royeverson7015 biased? In what way
@@aaronstorey9712 I think Napoleon's virtues are exaggerated and some of his faults forgiven. The marshals' victories are impressive but loyalty to Napoleon is the measure, underemphasizing their character, devotion to France, and behavior during peacetime -- which, if I was French, would matter greatly in assessing a marshal of France. There is much left out about Bernadotte that would paint a different picture that doesn't fit the writer's narrative. Those interested in this period must live with the fact that being an enthusiast for Napoleon is more commercially lucrative than to be a skeptic.
You explain my rivalry with Bernadette well
@@royeverson7015 the analysis was largely performed by a french military historian as far as i can recall
I have been a student of history for over 50 years. This is the best overview of Napoleon's Marshall's I have ever viewed. I have studied Napoleon and his armies so much that I had to obtain a real Cuirassier 19th Century sword, marked 1813. The sword is huge, even compared to an American 1840 "wrist breaker" cavalry sabre. I also ride horses a great deal. I cannot imagine the fear 1.000 heavy cavalry would create when coming at you at a full gallop, boot to boot. Those men, on both sides, were brave in the extreme.
Imagine being a russian soldier and suddenly 10,000 horsemen is coming straight at your line
@@trollege9618 They called that "The shock affect of heavy cavalry". It was real. That is why they intentionally recruited "large men and large horses, riding boot to boot". My foxhunter weighed about 1200 lbs, and was 12 hands, 2 inches at the withers. I am 6' without my boots on. So imagine 10,000 men at least as large as me, on horses as large as mine, coming at you at 25 mph, with a sword with a 37 " blade? And I have a Cuirassier breastplate on. You have a smooth bore musket. You get 1 shot, at a fast moving target before I split you open from head to bellybutton. The only defense was to "form a square". My cavalry unit is also led by a man who thinks that "The Hussar that is not dead by 30 is a Blackguard". ( That from a "light cavalry" French general.) So, yes, heavy cavalry put the fear of heaven and hell into people.
Legendary formation:
Vanguard: Lannes
Center: Soult
Right Wing: Davout
Left Wing: Suchet
Rearguard: Ney
Cavalry: Bessiere
Artillery: Sernamont
I would’ve picked Murat as the Cavalry commander, But I agree with everyone else
I would pick Davout as a Right Wing and Lannes asa Vanguard that was an excelent strategy and one best marshal of napoleonic wars
Murat should most definitely be in charge of the cavalry. He lead the largest cavalry charges *of the entire Napoleonic Wars*, much more prestigious and capable a cavalry officer than Bessieres, who, while capable, paled in comparison to the gallant figure Murat had surrounding his legendary skill & bravery as an officer of the cavalry.
*Cavalry: Murat
*Artillery: Drouot
I’d put bessiere where ever the imperial guard was and put Murat as cavalry
Davout is the silent and talented kid sitting at the corner.
Who made most of the group-projekt, still never recognized.
Davout was like a postman : always deliver
The fact that Davout's III Corps impressed twice over within a year is incredible.
An incredible adventure from beginning to end! I always knew Davout would be ranked number 1 although I only wish Lannes had survived 1809, I reckon he would have been Napoleons finest perhaps even changing the course of future events
Yeah I agree. Easily #1 slot if not for that freak cannon ball.
Indeed. Lannes could have turned the tide At Leipzig or Waterloo. In fact, Lannes leading the vanguard instead of Ney, who was always too impetuous, would likely have throttled the Coalition.
totally agree, by the time of the 1809 campaign he also started to lose some of his extreme hot-headedness. just imagine what a calm Lannes who could easily jump into his old ferocity could do in the later campaigns.
@@natehammar7353 Difficult to argue with that. Lannes at Quatre Bras would have sent Wellington reeling back. If put in pursuit of the Prussians after Ligny, we know how that would have turned out.
The Indispensable Marshal was clearly cooler than I thought. His organization of supplies and armies, and his skills in implementations was enough to make him a very different of all marshals. I did not support Berthier earlier, but now, looks like he is hella underrated.
Yes.
Berthier is one of history's truly great administrators. Revolutionized military organization to the point where virtually every military on Earth today follows his example, expanded to include naval and air combat. The Pentagon should give that man a holiday.
What a bunch of rockstars these guys were. As varied, colorful and exciting as the cast of a well-written best seller. And what an amazing string of episodes! I only wish i had learned history like this at school. Would have had a hell of a time at it!
Alexander had his Diadochi, and Napoleon his Marshals!!! great series!!!
I just wanted to thank you having finished this series despite the views not being as high as on some other videos, it just shows your dedication to this topic and history in general.
“The cowards will die in Siberia, the brave will die on the field of honor.”
This quote just seems so ahead of its time.
First I laughed, and then I got pumped up and ready to die.
The German 6th army at Stalingrad : BRUH!!!!
@@Durahan82 almost 1 million germans died in stalingrad
Thinking Again:
Thanks Google
Full Ranking List of Napoleon's Marshals
1. Marshal Davout "Iron Marshal" - "Davout was one of the purest glories of France."
2. Marshal Lannes "Roland of the Grande Armee" - "He had truly become a superior being by the time he perished. I found him a pygmy but I lost a giant."
3. Marshal Berthier "Napoleon's Wife" - "No one else can replace him."
4. Marshal Soult "Iron Arm" - "I should have made a great example and had Soult shot. He was the greatest pillager of them all."
5. Marshal Ney "Bravest of the Brave" - "Ney was priceless for his valour, his obstinancy in retreats. He was good for leading 10,000 men. Otherwise he was a true idiot."
6. Marshal Suchet "Fox of Spain" - "If I'd had two Marshals like Suchet I would have not only conquered Spain but kept it."
7. Marshal Massena "Child of Victory" - "He came alive when surrounded by danger... When defeated, he was always ready to begin again as if he was in fact the victor."
8. Marshal Macdonald "His Outspokenness" - "Good and brave, but unlucky."
9. Marshal Bessieres - "If I had Bessieres with me at Waterloo, my Guard would have brought me victory."
10. Marshal Murat "The Dandy King" - "I cannot conceive how so brave a man could be so unreliable. He was only brave when fighting the enemy... in the council he was a fool with no judgement."
11. Marshal Victor - "Victor was better than one might suppose."
12. Marshal Oudinot - "A decent fellow, but not very bright."
13. Marshal Saint-Cyr - "He is the best man in defense among us in the line of defense, though I am superior to him in attack."
14. Marshal Marmont - "I was betrayed by Marmont, whom I could call my son, my child, my creation..... Vanity was his undoing."
15. Marshal Mortier - "The three of my best generals were Davout, Soult, and Bessieres. Mortier was the most feeble."
16. Marshal Lefebvre - "A truly brave man, who does not concern himself with the maneuvers on his left and right, but thinks only of fighting well, and is not afraid die."
17. Marshal Augereau - "His courage, his outstanding virtues elevated him far above the crowd. But honours, titles and money plunged him back to it."
18. Marshal Bernadotte - "I can only say Bernadotte let me down... I can accuse him of ingratitude, but not of treason."
19. Marshal Jourdan - "I certainly used this man very ill... Jourdan was a true patriot, and that is to answer to many things that have been said about him."
20. Marshal Poniatowski - "A man of noble character, brimming over with honour and bravery."
21. Marshal Moncey - "He was an honest man."
22. Marshal Grouchy - "His conduct was as unfortunate as if his army, on the march, had been struck by an earthquake and swallowed up."
23. Marshal Kellermann - "I think that I was probably the boldest general who ever lived, but even I wouldn't have dared to take post there."
24. Marshal Serurier - "He retained all the characteristics and severity of an infantry major - an honest man, with integrity and reliability, but unfortunate as a general"
25. Marshal Brune - "He was justly proclaimed the saviour of the Batavian Republic... By saving Holland he also saved France from invasion"
26. Marshal Perignon
Best Generals who deserved to be Marshals
1. General Bertrand
2. General Clauzel
3. General Desaix
4. Prince Eugene
5. General Gerard
6. General Gudin
7. General Junot
8. General LaSalle
9. General Maison later Marshal
10. General Nansouty
11. General Saint-Hilaire
12. General Vandamme
This has been a great series. Wish you guys recreate the Waterloo campaign for the 200th death anniversary of Emperor Napoleon.
Junot, the tempest general.
And you should add that, Both General Gerard and General Clauzel were both awarded with their marshal batons by King Louis Philippe I
Morand and Friant.!!!
You forgot General Saint Hilaire.
Desaix probably would've been a Marshal if he hadn't been killed at the Battle of Marengo in 1800.
I couldn’t hold my tears when Napoleon’s letter to Lanne’s wife was read.
Davout testifying for Ney, Mcdonald vouched for Davout; these were the real homies---wholesome.
Despite the rivalries between the Marshals, they usually defended each other strongly. Macdonald, ensuring Davout's rank, income, and pension, was restored to him was very noble and a testament to his "Outspokeness" resolve. Despite Davout's actions, stripping such a fine commander bare was very cold and an insult to the troops who fought with Davout.
Who else believes death of Marshal Lannes was like a siren of Napoleon’s downfall???
@Epic History TV. Thanks for this masterpiece✌️
If Napoleon’s top enemies video come
I think no 1 of top 10 would be 1)Kutuzov
2)Wellington
3)Charles
Kutuzov no1? he was a drunkard.. Barclay de Tolly was more capable, but neglected by Russians because of his nonrussian background...
In my opinion, Wellington was not a superior rival to Napoleon than Archduke Charles was.
I would put also Schwarzenberg he took the lessons of Archduke Charles and used them with devasteting results
I note we're all forgetting Blucher here - saving the Coalition at Liepzig and Waterloo? Surely he should be up there also.
My top 5 is
1. Blucher (Constant thorn to Napoleon in 1813, 1814 and 1815 - including playing a pivotal role in two critical battles - maybe more but I can't remember them off the top of my head)
2. Schwarzenburg (He took lessons from past defeats and orchestrated a messy multi-national army into one that could defeat a world-beating empire)
3. Charles (The first to orchestrate and inflict a major defeat of the Emperor himself, unfortunatly he didn't really have the opportunity to capitalize on Aspern, leading to an eventual defeat at Wagram)
4. Bagration (I feel like I should put him higher as possibly the most consistent Russian general, with brave actions at Austerlitz and Borodino, although he didn't orchestrate a major battle by himself. However, his co-operation with Barclay at Borodino means he at least was willing to put aside rivalries in a battle situation - unlike many French marshals...)
5. Wellington (Constant thorn in the Empire's side, although he was better at dealing at Napoleon's marshals rather than the Emperor himself - narrowly avoiding defeat at Waterloo)
Please note that the order of these 5 can change, this is just the order I think is most appropriate for them. Note also that Kutuzov, Barclay and Moore at least are also good generals, but are not in my top 5 for one reason or another.
@@christopheroddy2373 Agree with that
Davout reminds me of Aurelian, stern commander, gifted strategist, miraculous administrator, but whose downfall was his iron hand and lack of charisma
Aurelian? Lack of charisma? The man united an empire that was litteraly splitted into 3 parts. He had the complete support of his legions and commanders. His dead was due to lack of honor (I am taking about his sercretary who made a mistake and was afraid of punishment so he made the generals of aurelian believe he was going to kill them thus causing his assassination). Davouts story reminds me more of Stilicho or Auteus.
I am flattered
Marshal Berthier, Lannes and Davout. If only those marshals were there in Waterloo he might won.
With those 3 running the show, then theoretically, the moody Napolean and his stomach problems would not have been necessary. However, someone would have to be the figurehead among those other personalities.
Had all 3 been alive and utilized correctly, Waterloo would never have happened. Why Davout wasn't at Leipzig is dumb founding. Had Lannes and the Iron Marshall been at that battle the French may well have won
I do not believe that the outcome of Waterloo would be different, if Davout had been present, instead of Grouchy.
@@DarthPlato Waterloo would have been a French victory with Davout. However, after that...Good luck with incoming Austrian and Russian Armies.
What would Davout's role be? If he replaced Ney, then things would be different for sure. I doubt very much that would happen. I doubt Davout would replace Soult as CoS. But if Davout replaces Grouchy, then the same problem remains. After Ligny, Napoleon waited until the next day to issue orders to pursue the retreating Prussians--much too late. And these orders were very vaguely spoken by Bonaparte and written down by Soult. Once that French wing travels up the length of the Dyle river, then it is trapped there, unable to lend any hand at Waterloo the following day. There was a reason why Napoleon chose Davout to remain in Paris--it is not the mistake that many people suppose. Nor would I put Davout's ability ahead of Napoleon himself. As much as I respect Davout, I don't rate him ahead of Wellington, who led 70 battles and lost none.
Legends tell that Davout was bald because his head needed air cooling as his brain often overheated from his own genius, and that his stuttering and limited social skills are caused by lag
lol
As an Englishman, this series has installed in me a massive sense of admiration and respect for France, and too, sadness and guilt, as I bear witness to what our 2 great nations have become. Great individuals like these will only again determine history when a new revolution begins, which could be sometime.
Same here, UK and France used to rule to world at that time, it’s sad to see what these 2 nations are today
It’s all coming back mate, two of you slaughterd the foreign world, now they are slaughtering your nations tradition and values by the words of ‘equallity and human rights’. But meanwhile you Britain’s are still in control of something, French are nearly lost, American puppets. Honestly I fell sad for you and it’s just because of greatness of your past. Coming from a Serbian, you betrayed and crucified us while we fought against those who are now occupying your countries and making terrorist attacks on your ground. God is the greatest, what goes around, comes around.
Last time I was this early, Napoleon wasn't even trying to invade Russia yet
Last time I was this early Prussia was the best army in Europe.
To say I’m obsessed with this series is an understatement. I return for a complete watch through on a monthly basis.
Thanks Toby
Well that was a brilliant series! I hope we'll get to see Napoleon's enemies ranked in the same style sometime in the future too.
Bruh, i doubt that 100% Wellington is number 1
Thats a great idea
Number one:- The Russian Artillery units, depressing Napoleon one friend at a time 😢
Before the Waterloo campaign, Napoleon gather his soldier in front of his Palace.
Davout walk toward napoleon and ask " Emperor, are you not bringing me as your general in this campaign?"
Napoleon hug Davout and reply " it was you only I can entrust Paris with"
Napoleon: "I hereby declare the narrator as Marshall of this UA-cam"
cringe
@@Leo-rt2vo *no one cared*
Who would win the battle: Lannes' vanguard vs. Ney's rearguard.
Davout right wing
@@nicbahtin4774 Nobody expects Davout's right wing.
Lannes
@@1815MichelNey Bruh have some faith in your own abilities
@@1815MichelNey Oh, come now my friend! Don't cut yourself short (never make that joke around Napoleon)!
Amazing series. A true masterpiece, Toby! Truly great. An all-time great series.
Finally...after all these months here we are here at last lads!
A million thanks to EpicHistoryTV for this brilliantly researched and spectacularly well presented series!
Napoleon: Soldiers, who's your marshal?
French soldiers: DAVOUT! DAVOUT! DAVOUT! 😁
@@Guy-sb5hf Just go with the pun, dude!
@@Guy-sb5hf MacDonald was not probably so wanted. He lost almost every battle he comanded, and was a bit cursed for being asociated with Dummoriez and Moreau. Still a good person
Somone give this lad a chariot...
@@rishi7629 yes sirrr
@@omarbradley6807 Yeah, but I think Macdonald is still a bit underrated- and Epic History gives him his due diligence. He had a mixed/okay record in instances where he was given independent commands, which is better than what a lot of Napoleon's other marshals could do. There's a reason Napoleon never disgraced him- only a handful of marshals could be trusted to lead on their own.
I first discovered this channel when I watched world war 1 1914, and I’ve never stopped watching since. Thanks epic history, and keep up this amazing work!
I hope you didnt get wounded by writing this comment
I did actually fall off my chair...
3 mins in and it hurts 😂😂
I’ve always said Napoleon would have been Napoleon without Ney, or Lannes, or Davout.
But he wouldn’t have been Napoleon without Berthier.
This is very true!
I need to visit Paris as soon as this stench of a lockdown is done. I have an overwhelming urge to visit Napoleons tomb, and Lannes, and Ney and Davout. In fact, all that rest in Paris.
In 40 days will be the 200 years of the death of Napoleon. On May 5, 2021, raise a glass for the Emperor and his extraordinary Marshals!
I just recently bought a sword and pistol from Napoleon souvenirs after seeing it on this channel and I must say I’m very pleased
Was thinking to buy them myself as well. Are they enjoyable;
Today is 200 Hundred Years from the Greek Revolution of 1821 and 2500 years from the Persian Wars. You did a fine thing uploading this video.
Awesome video. Davout, Lannes and Berthier are some of my absolute favourites, as well as Massena and Saint-Cyr. I especially likes that the list gives Berthier the credit he deserves!
One of the best and possibly the most underrated channels over a whole youtube.
Thanks a lot for your tirelessness in organisation of new series as Berthier, your hard work as Davout, and your devotion to us as McDonald!
Definitely my favorite history channel.
And we beg you to continue making videos about so interesting era of the worlds history - Napoleonic Wars.
I hope you'll consider to continue the same, next time about most famous Napoleon's generals (Desaix, d'Hautpoul, Friant, Lassalle, Rapp, Moran, Legrand an so on) especially taking in account that there are so many glorious stories about them, which many of us would like to hear.
Thanks agaiN!
I believe they also should make videos on Napoleon's counterparts. Such as Moreau, bagration Wellington etc
Last time I was this early, The Prussians were retreating from Jena.
Prussians advancing on a single french core:
*Why do i hear boss music?*
It's "corps" for you, monsieur.
24:35 the most saddest painting I've ever seen
The Iron Marshall would’ve annihilated the “Iron Duke” at Waterloo
Iron Duke is very lucky to not fight iron marshal
@@illumey7884 Lannes was a legend. If there will be ever a time machine I will save Lannes from death.
not really
@@illumey7884 Lannes in command of I corp would've made a difference at either Quatre-Bras or Ligny
Davout:
Strengths
1. Tactics
2. Administration
3. Energy
4. Disciplinarian
5. Loyalty
5. Being a great husband
6. Was one of the few men that could be compared to Napoleon himself
Weaknesses:
1. Lack of Charisma
2. Almost no hair
3. What's up with those mutton chops?
Lack of charisma? The guy was the most feared and respected (well Ney and Lannes are up there as well in the latter category) after Napoleon by the French army and enemies alike... even if he wasn't that well liked.
@@Itachi951000 The fear and respect he was owed were thanks to his achievements and brilliance on the field, not personal charisma
@@RexGalilae That makes no sense whatsoever considering "lacking charisma" has never been a criticism of him. He was just said to not have been liked the way Ney and Lannes for example were by most of the army due to his inflexible personnality. Do you have a source about him having been deemed uncharismatic?
@@Itachi951000
Nobody has to use the word "uncharismatic" for us to get the picture of an "uncharismatic" person. It's an extremely literal approach, devoid of any creativity.
If I describe Mark as a "sadist", I don't exactly have to describe him as "cruel" for everyone else to develop that description of him now, do I?
@@RexGalilae Davout is what we call today a "military nerd". He is brilliant in technical skills but bereft of basic social skills.
Excellent work done on Napoleonic wars and marshals looking forward to the next series.
Napoleon's enemies may have defeated him eventually, but no one can delete the legendary status of this man, his marshalls and his grand armee. They are outshining everyone of the same period by far. And I think that's something Napoleon would want better than simply being one of many emperors. God, what would I give to be able to speak to this man.
J'accord. I agree that Davout and Lannes were the two best marshals. (retired infantry officer and lifelong history student).
Marshal Berthier had one hell of a career. I didn't know that he'd served alongside Lafayette and the Americans during the American Revolutionary War. His skillsets seem similar to that of Eisenhower: not a great battlefield commander in the mold of a Bonaparte, Patton or Rommel, but a brilliant administrator and logistician that enabled his soldiers to perform their jobs without worrying about supplies, lines of communication, and organization. So many times we honor and worship the legendary battlefield commanders that drew up operational plans and led the charge, but we often forget that no battle or war can have a successful outcome without men like Berthier in the background.
Definitely have to give Davout a lot of respect!
Finally it is done, now let's get back to our napoleonic legend and start that Italian campaign. So many incredible battles and campaigns to cover.
Vive L'Empereur 🦅
He should do the whole revolutionary wars (1791-1802). With indeed Italy campaign. Netherlands campaigns and Egypt etc.
Hands down, this is THE most interesting series I have ever seen on UA-cam. I forwarded this to all my close contacts and everyone loved it. Thanks a ton, Chads.
Could you imagine a series of the same caliber of "Band of Brothers" being made about Napolean and his Marshalls.
It's truly staggering how much reality posseses so much drama.
A Monty Python holy Grail style movie would be nice about them too
@@jenniferclark746 any sort of series would be welcome!
So our wee Scot made it in to the top ten. A town south of Paris called Sancerre, has a street named after him. I've visited it in 1999, after the France Scotland Rugby 5 nations game. Yes I had my kilt on and yes the French loved it and yes we got a wee bit drunk. Thanks for this series, it has been wonderful to watch.
Congratulations on today's Six Nations game.
How do you feel about the fate of the Top 3 marshals? For me, this is what I felt:
Berthier - regret for not joining Napoleon during the Hundred Days
Lannes - sadness and heartbreak for his death
Davout - sense of missed opportunity for Napoleon by not placing him in command of the French army at Waterloo, and for the emperor to not heed Davout's advice to seize power and fight on
why waterloo? should’ve been the 1813 campaign where napoleon had the biggest chance of retaking europe and restoring his dominance
If Napoleon had listened to Davout at Borodino, and let him attack on the right, while using the guard in the centre, the battle would have surely been more decisive. And we could all have been speaking French…
I'm truly awed by your napoleon series. The best content I've ever come across on youtube!
When this series first came out I didn't realize they were doing the 26th Marshals a few at a time and blundered down the stairs in outrage raving at my family after the first episode: "How could Davout not be first!? Or even make the list?! WHAT MADNESS?!".
It's a comfort now to see him in his deserved spot.
@@duxromanorum9861 This was before "they" were uploaded punk. And coulda been half stoned out of my mind. But heres some imaginary points for you. Winning the battle of the internet singlehandedly /s
Davout was not only a great marshal, but a superb administrator. Do people think he would have been a great King of Poland?
In my opinion, he was never polish, thus he would make a great king, but having a Frenchman on the throne instead of a polish man, would almost prove disastrous. The thought of the king davout would be fairly in between, but he would have done a great job defending Poland from the Russians, even if Warsaw was lost, it would be much, much harder to take Poland. Davout was certainly one of the best marshals, so a job being a king would fairly suit him, but in some areas, he would be a bit less popular then the others.
@@cdubs1237 indeed, my friend. And you would have made a fine choice for King of Spain, rather than the poor, overwhelmed Joseph. Joseph had many fine qualities, but he was simply not cut out to rule.
He did once fight the Jersey Devil.
When Joseph and Soult were being pushed back to France itself, “I”was still undefeated, still holding Aragon. I can see why, and I feel that it could have been a better choice. Joseph was good ruling Naples, not a very larger country of Spain.
@@cdubs1237 Joseph was not Napoleon's first choice as it turns out. Napoleon was considering Bernadotte as King of Spain. Already a "sovereign" prince In 1807 Bernadotte was the very popular and effective Governor of the Hanseatic Cities and commander of the Northern Theater (including North Germany and Denmark, where, ironically, he was planning the invasion of Sweden with the Danes). Under him he had Romana's Spanish Corps and was extremely popular with them on account of his being from the South. He looked like them. He treated them well. So we see why Napoleon considered it.
But Bernadotte had no interest in Spain at all as a pretty staunch atheist. Murat had interest, and had lived like a King while leading troops through to Portugal. By then Murat, thanks to the blandishments of his wife, was already having delusion of immense grandeur far above his ability. Napoleon correctly felt he was not up to it. So he transferred Joseph for lack of a better choice and put Murat in Naples. Bernadotte of course got his throne later. He was an excellent King, and perhaps his flair for the Spaniards might have made it work.
Of course, as I have said Your Grace, you too would have been a fine king. You shared many of the same qualities as good kings such as Bernadotte: Charming, sought to endear to people rather than dominate them, had a good mind for administration, and only used force as a last measure. A velvet glove over an iron fist.
Although the Spanish guerrilas couldn’t be fully defeated, Aragon, which was ruled by “me”, was the safest place in Spain. He treated the people and authorities with respect.
Beautiful series, the best ever!!!
At Essling, during the night after the first day of the battle. Lannes and Bessières met at Massena’s encampment. There were bitter ennemies since Bessières was made commander of the Guard (as it said).They almost fought in a duel but Massena stop them saying : « you would dare in front of the enemy ? It’s enough ! I’m the senior, you’re in my camp, I order you to stop ! ».
Respect the old man, he may not have the prodigial talent of the youth, but in skills alone he proved that for all his flaw he was still a competant Marshall
The soldiers of those times were made of somethings else. Something that's lost in the world today.
Something that is not possible today. It is not effective or wise in modern war.
This is a truly exceptional insight into the Marechals of France. I am looking forward to the final part, then I will watch them all again without pause lol great content. Superb production quality. Well researched and engaging. Thanks for the series
Like the end of an era, I found myself saddened by the end of this series. I could easily spend another several hundred hours learning about the Marshals, especially with Charles Nove as a narrator, the man's voice is enthralling. Overall, huge tip of the cap to Toby Groom, for putting this together, and being an epic writer, animator, and historian, I greatly look forward to future works!
I was starting to wonder why you guys had left out Davout, then I saw you saved him for #1 😂😂