Napoleonic Wars: March of the Eagles 1805 - 09

Epic History・2 minutes read

Napoleon Bonaparte rose to power rapidly, becoming Emperor of the French in 1804 after a decade of war and revolution, solidifying his dominance in Europe with victories at Austerlitz and Jena, followed by a defeat at Aspern and victory at Friedland. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Napoleon's military strategies and victories reshaped Europe and established his power on the continent.

Insights

Napoleon's rapid ascent from Corsican nobility to French Emperor in just over a decade was fueled by war, revolution, and strategic military prowess, leading to a reign marked by dominance, conflict, and significant geopolitical changes in Europe.
Despite initial victories and strategic brilliance, Napoleon faced setbacks such as the Battle of Aspern, where logistical challenges, broken bridges, and fierce Austrian resistance led to his first major defeat, showcasing the complexities and vulnerabilities inherent in his military campaigns.

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Summary

00:00

"Napoleon's Rise to Power and Victory"

In December 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself Emperor of the French in the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris.
Napoleon's rise to power was rapid, going from impoverished Corsican nobility to military dictator of France in just over 10 years.
War and revolution paved Napoleon's path to the throne, leading to a reign dominated by conflict that left millions dead and Europe in turmoil.
Eight months after his coronation, Napoleon's French Empire and its Spanish ally were at war with Britain, with an army of 180,000 men assembled along the Channel coast.
British Prime Minister William Pitt attempted to build a European coalition against Napoleon using diplomacy and gold, fearing France's growing power.
Austria, Russia, Sweden, and Naples joined Britain in the Third Coalition against Napoleon, aiming to restore Europe's balance of power.
Napoleon, aware of the Allies' plans, ordered his army, now named 'La Grande Armée', to march to the River Rhine to counter the Austro-Russian army.
Napoleon's army, reorganized into 'corps', could march and fight independently, allowing for faster movement and surprise attacks.
At the Battle of Austerlitz in December 1805, Napoleon secured a decisive victory against the joint forces of Austria and Russia, solidifying his dominance in Europe.
The aftermath of Austerlitz saw Napoleon reshaping Europe, appointing family members to thrones, creating alliances, and forcing Austria to dissolve the Holy Roman Empire.

19:38

Napoleon's Victories Over Prussia and Russia

Prussia's army under Frederick the Great was respected by Napoleon, but had grown complacent with old generals, bureaucratic hindrances, and predictable movements.
In October 1806, Napoleon invaded Saxony with 166,000 men and 256 guns, aiming to engage the Prussian army near Gera.
The Prussian army, led by the Duke of Brunswick, was actually further west near Erfurt, and retreated north after being surprised by the French speed.
Battles ensued, with Marshal Lannes defeating Prussian forces at Saalfeld and later near Jena, where the main Prussian army was mistakenly believed to be.
The Battle of Jena began on October 14th, with fierce fighting and strategic maneuvers leading to a French victory despite initial setbacks.
Meanwhile, Marshal Davout faced the main Prussian army under the Duke of Brunswick at Auerstädt, achieving a remarkable victory despite being outnumbered.
Napoleon's army pursued and defeated the Prussians in various locations, leading to significant losses for Prussia in a short span of time.
The defeated Prussians faced further surrenders and devastation, with Napoleon's forces entering Berlin and other key Prussian territories.
Despite these victories, Napoleon faced challenges from the Russian First Army under General Bennigsen, leading to the brutal Battle of Eylau.
After Eylau, both armies sought to recover, with Napoleon securing Danzig and preparing for further confrontations with the Russian and Prussian forces.

39:20

Decisive Victory at Battle of Friedland

Napoleon's army had to fight with its back to the river and the steep banks of the Mill Stream.
Bennigsen underestimated the speed of Napoleon's Grande Armée's reaction.
French reinforcements arrived the night of the 14th June.
Around 40,000 Russians crossed to the west bank of the Alle River by dawn on the 14th June.
French cavalry reinforcements led by General Grouchy intercepted the Russians at Heinrichsdorf village.
Marshal Mortier’s Eighth Corps reinforced the French center.
General Oudinot’s elite Grenadier Division fought against Prince Bagration’s Left Wing in Sortlack Wood.
Napoleon arrived on the 14th June, followed by General Victor’s First Corps, Ney’s Sixth Corps, and the Imperial Guard under Marshal Bessières.
Napoleon issued orders for an attack after assessing the situation.
The Battle of Friedland resulted in a decisive victory for Napoleon, inflicting significant losses on the Russians.

59:31

Moore's Retreat and Coruña Evacuation

Napoleon advanced towards Moore with his main army from Madrid, while Marshal Lannes besieged Zaragoza.
Moore planned to retreat 250 miles to the coast for evacuation by the Royal Navy due to facing odds of more than two to one.
The British retreat was challenging through mountains, mud, and cold, with discipline collapsing except for the rearguard.
The 95th Rifles, a light infantry regiment, played a crucial role in skirmishes during Moore's retreat.
Rifles used by the 95th Rifles were more accurate but slower to load than standard muskets.
Moore's army reached Coruña on 11th January 1809 for supplies, rest, and rescue.
Moore's army faced Soult's forces at Coruña, with both armies roughly 16,000 strong.
Moore was fatally wounded during the battle, with Sir John Hope taking over command.
The British successfully evacuated Coruña despite facing French attacks.
Napoleon's invasion of Spain led to challenges, with Austria mobilizing for war, leading to a long conflict on two fronts.

01:17:40

Napoleon's Defeat at Aspern and Essling

General d’Espagne, leading his cuirassiers, was hit by grapeshot and died of his wounds during pursuit.
Around 9pm, the Austrian Fifth Column attacked Essling, repelled by Lannes’ troops.
Napoleon’s army, reinforced by Second Corps and the Imperial Guard, numbered 71,000 and 150 guns.
Despite the broken bridge delaying Davout’s Third Corps, Napoleon decided to attack, aiming to retake Aspern.
Aspern was retaken before dawn, while fresh Austrian attacks at Essling were repelled.
Lannes’ Second Corps launched the main attack in the center, facing heavy Austrian fire.
The French bridge over the Danube broke again, halting reinforcements and ammunition flow.
Napoleon, after being driven out of Aspern, ordered a retreat, marking his first major defeat.
Napoleon summoned reinforcements, growing his army to 164,000 men and 544 guns to face the Austrians at Wagram.

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