Napoleonic Wars: March of the Eagles 1805 - 09

This paragraph discusses Napoleon Bonaparte's rapid rise to power as the Emperor of the French in 1804 and the subsequent formation of the Third Coalition against him. It highlights the significant events leading up to the conflict, including Napoleon's military successes, his crowning in Milan, and the assembling of the French Empire and its allies. The British Prime Minister William Pitt's efforts to build a European coalition using diplomacy and gold are also detailed, emphasizing his goal to restore the balance of power in Europe and challenge Napoleon's dominance.

This section describes Napoleon's strategic military maneuvers and the Battle of Ulm, where his Grande Armée outmaneuvered and surrounded General Mack's Austrian army, leading to its surrender. It details the innovative 'corps' system of organization, which allowed for independent yet coordinated movement and fighting. The paragraph also covers Napoleon's feint attacks and the enveloping strategy that led to the Austrian's entrapment and ultimate defeat.

The Battle of Austerlitz, also known as the Battle of the Three Emperors, is the focus of this paragraph. It outlines the tactics used by Napoleon to lure the Allied forces into a trap and the subsequent Allied defeat. The narrative details the course of the battle, the arrival of Marshal Davout's III Corps, and the eventual breaking of the Allied center by the French. The aftermath of the battle is also discussed, including the crushing blow to the Third Coalition, the humiliating settlement for Austria, and the changes in power dynamics across Europe.

This paragraph contrasts the British naval victory at the Battle of Trafalgar with Napoleon's continued land dominance. It describes the impact of Admiral Lord Nelson's victory on British naval supremacy and the strategic limitations it imposed on Napoleon. The paragraph also touches on the political implications of Napoleon's victory at Austerlitz, including the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire and the reshuffling of power in Europe, with Napoleon installing his brothers in positions of authority.

The paragraph discusses the Prussian challenge to Napoleon's dominance and the resulting Battle of Jena. It outlines Prussia's strategic errors, the French invasion of Saxony, and the Prussian army's outdated tactics and bureaucracy. The narrative details the Battle of Jena, including the French concentration of forces, the Prussian retreat, and the ultimate French victory, which led to the devastation of the Prussian army and the fall of Berlin to Napoleon's troops.

This section covers Napoleon's campaign against Russia, highlighting the harsh winter conditions and the famous affair between Napoleon and Marie Walewska. It details the Battle of Eylau, a brutal and indecisive engagement, and the subsequent Battle of Friedland, where Napoleon's forces decisively defeated the Russian army. The paragraph also describes the diplomatic aftermath, including the Treaties of Tilsit and the establishment of the Kingdom of Westphalia and the Duchy of Warsaw.

The paragraph discusses Napoleon's economic strategy, the Continental System, aimed at crippling British trade and economy. It outlines the system's failure due to enforcement issues and its negative impact on French trade. The narrative then shifts to the Peninsular War, detailing Napoleon's occupation of Portugal, the Spanish resistance, and the British intervention under Sir Arthur Wellesley, which marked the beginning of a prolonged conflict on the Iberian Peninsula.

This section recounts Sir John Moore's strategic retreat in Spain and the climactic Battle of Corunna. It describes the British army's difficult journey, the skillful delaying actions by the 95th Rifles, and the final confrontation with Marshal Soult's forces at Corunna. The narrative highlights the British evacuation under fire and the debate over whether Moore's retreat was a disaster or a strategic success, as well as the implications for Napoleon's campaigns on two fronts.

This paragraph focuses on Austria's renewed challenge to Napoleon and the bloody Battle of Aspern-Essling. It details the Austrian surprise attack, Napoleon's hasty planning, and the fierce fighting that led to the first major defeat of Napoleon's career. The narrative also covers the death of Marshal Lannes and the eventual retreat of both armies, highlighting the heavy losses suffered by both sides.

The paragraph describes the largest battle in European history up to that point, the Battle of Wagram, and its aftermath. It outlines Napoleon's strategy, the construction of solid bridges across the Danube, and the intense fighting that led to the Austrian army's disciplined retreat. The narrative also discusses the ceasefire at Znaim, the Treaty of Schönbrunn, and the significant territorial and military concessions made by Austria, marking a crushing victory for Napoleon but with worrying signs for the future.

This final paragraph reflects on the impact of Napoleon's campaigns, the learning curve of his enemies, and the reliance on young conscripts to replace veteran soldiers. It highlights the end of Napoleon's victorious campaigns and the beginning of the decline of his empire. The paragraph also promotes further reading on the Napoleonic Wars through Osprey Publishing and acknowledges the contributions of HistoryMarche and Patreon supporters.