The final phase of the French Revolutionary War saw the rise of the greatest commander of the era. Napoléon Bonaparte was a military and political genius, who used his growing popularity to make himself ruler of France. After an assassination attempt, he made himself emperor, hoping to be accepted by other monarchs. He was not, and the mutual distrust and antipathy led both sides to choose war over peace. The conflict spanned all of Europe, from the mountains of Portugal to the gates of Moscow. The struggle spilled into the wider world, in time dragging America into the conflict as she waged a separate and futile war with the British.
Constant warfare and decades of military theory led to a major shift in warfare. The pace of operations, and the depredations of war, increased to a frenzy not seen in Europe since the Roman Empire. Battles were big, decisive, and bloody. Infantry became more mobile and proficient, with mixed formations and tactics being used. The French in particular pioneered a combined arms approach to warfare where infantry, cavalry, and artillery were used in concert. Even after the wars ended the desire for fast decisive action would dictate western military policy until World War II.
The battles included are…
Rivoli – January 14, 1797 – Bonaparte s First Masterpiece
The Pyramids – July 21, 1798 – “Forty centuries look down upon you.”
Novi – August 15, 1799 – “Now it’s time for action!”
Hohenlinden – December 3, 1800 – The Zenith of Jean Moreau
Austerlitz – December 2, 1805 – “We are babies in the hands of a giant.”
Cape Town – January 8, 1806 – “The bitter cup must be drunk to the bottom.”
Auerstadt – October 14, 1806 – “Tell your Marshal he is seeing double.”
Friedland – June 14, 1807 – “Then we have already made peace.”
Bailén – July 19, 1808 – “The whole nation is exasperated and determined to fight.”
Wagram – July 5-6, 1809 – Archduke Charles’ Last Battle
Bussaco – September 27, 1810 – “I have never witnessed a more gallant charge.”
Albuera – May 16, 1811 – “Die hard 57th, die hard!”
Queenston Heights – October 13, 1812 – Disaster at Niagara
Maloyaroslavets – October 24, 1812 – “Here began the flight and destruction of the enemy.”
Dresden – August 26-27, 1813 – “God has uttered His judgement. He was of your opnion.”
The Thames – October 5, 1813 – “Remember the Raisin!”
La Rothière – February 1, 1814 – “What will they say in Paris after this victory?”
Lundy’s Lane – July 25, 1814 – Butchery at Dusk
New Orleans – January 8, 1815 – The Eighth
La Souffel – June 28, 1815 – “Let the brave swear never to quit their eagles.”
