Napoleon Bonaparte: Military Genius

Personal Characteristics Ambitious Decisive Workoholic Very Intelligent Motivator Good judge of character

Soldier Morale Leads troops personally Leads by example Brave Excellent Speeches: language– vulgar, fellow citizens, patriots, brothers Recognition, merit, medals, pats back, knew names, trust Soldiers would die for him

Political Genius Understood link between war and politics Armies marched to “free the oppressed” Willing to make and break treaties to gain an advantage Able to divide coalitions so that he could fight his enemies one at a time

French Revolution Revolutionary spirit / Nationalism Levee on Masse (Mass conscription) Promotion based on merit, not birth Education for Officers Propaganda

Increased Mobility Divisional Organization Removed Supply System Improved communication lines (roads and canals)

Education Took a library for he and his officers on every campaign Employed topographers to produce accurate map inventory (elevations, river widths, populations) Uses permanent Staff Structure = intelligence of enemy

Strategy Made extensive use of cavalry for reconnaissance Confused enemy by striking where he least expected Held reserve forces until enemy forces were worn out Marched on points where the enemy must fight– major cities (Vienna, Berlin, etc.)

Tactics Engaged enemy in front with a holding attack One Corps, out flanked the enemy and attacked from behind the enemy (threatened communications) Concentrated artillery fire on the weak point Attack with a decisive blow at the enemies weak point with cavalry

Tactics Con’t Held heavy cavalry (cuirassiers) in reserve for final shock charge Infantry formation: always used column of divisions (pg. 109) Column was protected by skirmishers until impact