Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Napoleonic Wars 1790-1815
One of my favorite time periods in history has always been the Napoleonic Era. Ranging from 1790-1815. Just something about this time period that has stirred my imagination. I thought within the next couple of months or so, I would do a major study on it. From the weapons, to the tactics, to the battles, and the politics behind it. Also work on some biographies of some of the major players on all sides. I hope y'all will enjoy going down this path with me.
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Yes a war much similar to WW2 which pitted an outstanding commander with good troops against an avalanche of allied troops that eventually saw him defeated.
ReplyDeleteI quite enjoyed the reading of the Peninsular War which revolved mostly around effectively small unit engagements and was as "The Spanish Cancer" more responsible for the defeat of Imperial France than the idiotic Russian invasion.
The manoeuvre wars in central Europe that knocked Prussia and Austria out of the wars were great examples of huge unit battles but the Spanish battles were outstanding examples of brilliant tactical manoeuvre with examples like Blake's retreat to escape Soult being an outstanding example.
Similarly in the Peninsular Wars you will discover a young Arthur Wellesley tentatively feeling his way into a continental war from his initial command of the (Hahahahahahahah... how hilarious in modern terms) the Kings German Rifles right down to his eventual Supreme Command appointment. A lot of Montgomery in the old Iron Duke one would have to say.
Very well, but see how he sharpens his teeth commanding German troops and Portuguese troops, before getting British soldiers. Also at the Battle of Fuentes de Onoro you see him make a careless tactical error that almost destroys his flank and then he surprises the French by "reinforcing disaster" with Robert Caufield's incredibly disciplined elite "Light Division" which proceeds to save the British flank and withdraws to the safety of artillery cover. One of his rare tactical errors which is fixed by an incredible field commander in Robert Caufield.