Book Review
Napoleon:
The Final Verdict
A review by Paul Chamberlain
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Various authors, each tackling a different aspect of Napoleon.
While the title might imply that this work is the final word on Napoleon, the book states from the outset that this is not meant to be the case. As David Chandler explains in his Foreword, as we enter the 200th anniversaries of the early events of Napoleon's remarkable career, a new generation of younger historians is examining the evidence to reassess Napoleon's stature in history. This volume does not attempt to give a final verdict on the man, but presents insights into Napoleon's character and abilities, and presents the evidence so that the reader can formulate his/her own opinions. The text certainly provides food for thought. A number of historians have contributed chapters to the book. In the section entitled The Early Years and First Commands, David Markham looks at Napoleon's early life, examining the influence that his father, Carlo, had on this period and the development of the young Napoleon's character. Other influences on the life of the future Emperor included Louis Charles René, Comte de Marbeuf, who was the civil and military commander when the French gained control of Corsica. Bonaparte gained his military education in France during the 1780s, and the author examines the effect the Revolution had upon his beliefs and attitudes. Napoleon became involved in the political events in Corsica that were designed to make the Corsicans free French citizens, later fighting in the Toulon Campaign. In 1794 he spent some time in prison due to his connections with Augustin Robespierre. The following year he supported the government against Royalist sympathisers in Paris, giving them the famous 'whiff of grapeshot'. The 1790s were and eventful period for Napoleon; his meeting with Josephine, his spectacular success in the Italian campaign, and his expedition to Egypt. All these events influenced his career and his attitudes, and helped to develop his qualities of leadership that were to help his early political aspirations, culminating in his election to First Consul and effective leader of France. David had effectively described how Napoleon seized opportunities that came his way and exploited them to the full, using his rapidly developing talents and abilities to rise to a position of power. This chapter sets the scene for napoleon the Emperor. In The Years of Legend 1805-1809, Ian Castle examines the formation of the Third Coalition against France, and the assembly of the Armee d'Angleterre. The envelopment of an Austrian Army under General Mack further enhanced Napoleon's stature amongst his soldiers. While the Battle of Austerlitz is one of Napoleon's most famous victories, how he achieved this is examined in detail. He was able to inflict his will upon the enemy; he set a trap for the allies and they fell into it; all the while Napoleon was using his knowledge of the influences and intrigues amongst the allied command to formulate his plans. The following year the French Army and its leader were able to put their experience to good use and defeat the Prussians at Jena-Auerstadt; following this with a defeat of the Russians at Eylau in 1807. The Years of Legend details Napoleon's great victories, but during this period he also made some errors, such as his attempt to deny British access to European ports, and the invasion of Portugal to enforce this policy, which led to the long conflict in the Peninsular. From 1805 to 1809 the French Army underwent a transition from an all-French, experienced, highly-trained and well-organised force to a multinational army that was not so good. Ian Castle argues that there was a change in Napoleon's handling of it to sledgehammer techniques rather than tactical finesse. Guy C. Dempsey has contributed the chapter entitled The Peninsular War: A Reputation Tarnished. This takes a look at Napoleon in the Iberian theatre, which became his Spanish ulcer. Here we read of the reasons for the French invasion and Napoleon's handling of the situation there. The French had many problems to overcome. They had a lack of understanding of the Spanish national fervour, and the division of command amongst the French armies undermined Joseph's authority, further complicating matters. The Peninsular War was a blunder that could have been remedied early on, so argues the author, but was not. The Russian Campaign: A Reputation Damaged by Philip J. Haythornthwaite examines the events leading up to this campaign, the forces involved, and Napoleon's strategy. The French lingered too long in Moscow, badly underestimated the Czar. These miscalculations by Napoleon led to the disaster of the retreat, and how these effected the 1813 and 1814 Campaigns is discussed by the author. David Markham has contributed a further chapter entitled Abdication, Exile and Return, in which the events of 1814 and 1815 are examined. In the former year there were many problems facing Napoleon, both military and political, but it was the loss of the support of the French populace that had a major effect of Napoleon's career. Whilst in exile on Elba he kept an eye on events in Europe, especially on what was happening in France. On 26 February 1815 he made a final bid for power by setting sail for France, and the author relates Napoleon's attempts to appeal to the army, the people of France and the Congress of Vienna, demonstrating that he fully understood the problems facing him. In Waterloo: A Reputation Destroyed, Andrew Uffindell gives the reader a brief overview of the campaign, describing the state of the French Army and its commanders, before looking at the mistakes made by Napoleon. The author argues that Napoleon's illness was a myth. The only malady he had was an affliction with supreme over-confidence; this being the main cause of his defeat in 1815. At Waterloo he lost not only his men and a battle, but his reputation as well. St.Helena: Controversy to the End by Tim Hicks relates Napoleon's last days in France and his exile to the South Atlantic. The Emperor's relationship with Sir Hudson Lowe is described, and there is a discussion of the controversy over Napoleon's death, together with the many illnesses he is supposed to have suffered. The conflicting post-mortem reports are examined, together with the poisoning theory. Tim Hicks concludes that it is impossible to state the true cause of napoleon's death, but presents an examination of the facts and lets the reader decide. The second part of Napoleon: The Final Verdict is given the major heading of The Assessment. The first chapter, Napoleon and His Men by James R.Arnold, analyses Napoleon's effect on his men; his captivating presence and control over his own personality. Napoleon understood what motivated his troops, and his recognition of individuals in the ranks did much to bolster army morale. The fact that he did not shy away from danger further helped to inspire his men. Much of the man's success as a general came from the organisation of the Headquarters and his methods of working. This chapter presents a very good insight into Napoleon as a leader of men, and I found this to be one of the most interesting subjects covered in this book. Philip J.Haythornthwaite analyses Napoleon as a military man in Napoleon's Art of War, looking at the formations and tactics used in his armies. We learn of the development of l'ordre mixte (a combination of column and line); and the effect of columns as attacking formations. It was standard practice for columns at least to attempt to deploy into line before contact with the enemy. The use of skirmishers; Napoleon's influence on the cavalry arm; artillery; Napoleon's effect on morale; these are all analysed and related to Bonaparte's success as a general. The chapter also includes an interesting look at the nations who fought against Napoleon and how their strategy and tactics contributed to his success. The final section in this comprehensive study is by Peter G. Tsouras and looks at the many words left to us by Napoleon, hence the title of this chapter being Napoleon and His Words. Here we hear of his views on anything and everything, and the text gives the dates when he supposedly made these statements. Napoleon: The Final Verdict is a very interesting and thorough analysis of Napoleon, his life, character and abilities. It is certainly not THE final verdict as the title implies, but then the book does not set out be such. It certainly provides much to think about, but lets the reader come to their own decision about Napoleon. I found this book difficult to put down once I started reading, and recommend it to all with an interest in Napoleon Bonaparte. Back to Table of Contents -- First Empire #37 Back to First Empire List of Issues Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 1997 by First Empire. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com |