Napoleon to a young Prussian officer crying after being defeated : "There is no shame being beaten by the French!"

@justintimbersaw3934

3 жыл бұрын

ooof. That's burned for life.

@nobblkpraetorian5623

3 жыл бұрын

Nazi Germany: Uno reverse card.

@makky6239

3 жыл бұрын

Now stupid boomers and trolls would say the contrary

@joseemmanuelosegueracamare4044

3 жыл бұрын

@@nobblkpraetorian5623 de Gaulle: UNO reverse card

@black10872

3 жыл бұрын

@@nobblkpraetorian5623 LMAO!!!

French officer: Marshal Davout, they outnumber us 3 to 1!! Davout: "Then it is an even fight".

@nezuko4278

2 жыл бұрын

Brunswick: What the fu- *dies*

@jabronis33

2 жыл бұрын

Will never understand why Napoleon didn't use Douve in waterloo and on his right flank like he always did

@celston51

2 жыл бұрын

@@jabronis33 The only reason he was not was because of Louis-Alexandre Berthier's death before the campaign. Davout had the skills to organize the Army of the North but he would have better served Napoleon in the field.

@charlie8344

2 жыл бұрын

@@celston51 makes sense, Berthier was crucial and Napoleon desperately needed somebody else to do the role when he died

@curtblust6560

Жыл бұрын

@@jabronis33 Napoleon left Davout in charge of Paris despite Davout telling him that if he won the coming battle nobody could take Paris, but if he lost nobody could hold Paris for him. I cannot imagine Davout losing at Quarte Bra like Ney did or ordering the moronic cavalry charges against infantry in squares. It must have been fate that France's greatest Marechal was left out of the Waterloo campaign.

Great overview. There are a few interesting details about this campaign not mentioned here: 1) After the Battle of Saalfeld, Napoléon actually offered Friedrich Wilhelm a ceasefire. Napoléon was pointing out there was still time to stop, including the warning: "But Sire, your army will be defeated. You are jeopardizing a peaceful life for no cause at all. You have not yet suffered any harm and may negotiate with me in a manner suited to your rank. A month from now, you will be dealing with me in very different circumstances." This warning would prove correct. And it does seem Napoléon intended for the king to accept the ceasefire - Napoléon didn't need to buy time and there was a chance the king would accept it. But there was no response in time for Jena-Auerstedt. Why not? The French messenger, Montesquiou, wasn't announced with a bugle and was detained by the Prussians until they could be sure Montesquiou was an envoy. Friedrich Wilhelm didn't get the offer until it was too late. 2) Prior to Jena-Auerstedt, one night Napoléon was inspecting his engineers' work and then returned to camp. A sentry saw a figure, asked "Who goes there?" and Napoléon absentmindedly didn't answer. The sentry and the rest of his line opened fire, the bullet passing above Napoléon's head. Napoléon found the solider and quipped, "This rogue doesn't propose to waste his powder and shot; he fires at nothing but emperors!" The sentry was grieved at the thought of almost killing his emperor, but explained he was following orders and if Napoléon was not required to answer, then the orders should have been changed. Napoléon responded, "My good fellow, I am not reproaching you. It was well enough for a shot in the dark; but it will soon be daylight, *fire straighter* ." 3) The video mentioned the collapse and capture of Prussian towns, but one of my favorite is the capture of Stettin. The fort defending Stettin had a garrison of over 5,000 Prussian soldiers and 281 guns. French light cavalry commander Antoine Lasalle, a swashbuckler if there ever was one, arrived with ~800 cavalry and 2 cannon. Lasalle bluffed however and warned the garrison commander tens of thousands of soldiers would descend on the city if they didn't surrender immediately. The Prussian commander, Friedrich von Romberg, surrendered and didn't realize the ruse until afterwards. Friedrich von Romberg was court-martialed for this and sentenced to life imprisonment. After hearing of the capture of Stettin, Marshal Lannes wrote, "The Prussian army is in such a state of panic that the mere appearance of a Frenchman is enough to make it lay down its arms." Thought I'd add those anecdotes.

@EpichistoryTv

5 жыл бұрын

Great stuff, thanks.

@thomascatty379

5 жыл бұрын

Very interesting, thank you

@lelouche25

5 жыл бұрын

The man almost shot his emperor lol jesus!

@rzvn7

5 жыл бұрын

Nc Info, but u forgot one thing. When Lasalle captured Stettin with nothing but his cavalry, Napoleon wrote to his Superior, (Murat) "If your light cavalry captures fortified towns, I'll have to discharge my Engineer Corps and have my heavy artillery melted down."

@mikecimerian6913

5 жыл бұрын

Napoleon preferred to negotiate. He had achieved peace with Russia until Alexander murdered his father and reneged on the peace treaty.

the true hero of napoleonic wars : Marshall Davout, never defeated.

@nicolas314

4 жыл бұрын

RiverBeer Wish he ruled the French Army in 1940 instead of old useless generals

@blitzhill9533

4 жыл бұрын

@@seahawkwhite The lack of good generals WAS the problem in 40, most of them were old generals relying on tactics from the last war. Younger generals like De Gaulle showed that he was competent to repel the germans unlike others.

@savate4

4 жыл бұрын

@@lsatep "Napoleon is the MOST overrated military leader in history" You're wrong, historians and military specialists have proven that he was a true genius (his tactics in inferiority are still studied today). Then he was 100 years ahead of his time because he had predicted that the superpowers would be formed (China, Russia, USA), several of his sentences prove it, and he wanted France to be one of his super- powers; it was the case for 15 years, but it ended up failing it's true. Even being a genius, it is very difficult to fight alone against all of Europe for 20 years, it is impossible to anticipate all the betrayals, all the reactions (like the fire in Moscow where the population preferred to burn the city and starve rather than fall into the hands of Satan described as such by English propaganda) Egypt was not a disaster, it remained French for 2 years (victory in the Battle of the Pyramids, Mont Thabor and Aboukir ...) but it was the Directory that sent Napoleon there to remove this general who was becoming too ambitious, and Napoleon knew that he had not had enough means to do better in Egypt. Spain I agree with you, it is THE great disaster: it was our ally it became our enemy because of the looting of certain French soldiers in the churches, in an ultra Catholic country; the church and the English took the opportunity to demonize the French and it was guerrilla warfare ... Russia has been a disaster yes when we see this army of 600,000 men crossing the Niemen and only returning with 80,000 men. But there too did Napoleon have a choice? Tsar Alexander no longer respected the Treaty of Tilsit: he traded with the English and brought troops to Poland, because he had in fact never agreed to lose Poland. After Russia, for me it was all over. Leipzig, ok he might have had to keep the army he had left to defend France, he missed troops, he was clearly outnumbered, even if he succeeded in exceptional maneuvers and interspersed doubt in the enemy (that is to say genius) !!! For Louisiana, we didn't lose it but sold it. In 1803, France organized the sale of Louisiana to the United States. It was Napoleon Bonaparte who made this choice, because he was aware that he could not defend this immense territory against the English and that its sale would pose problems for the British Empire. You know, it was in 1806 that Napoleon ordered the construction of l'arc de triopmhe to the glory of the Grande Armée, and it was justified at that time, given the incredible victories ... I believe, as De Gaulle said, that his record cannot be reduced to the fact that he left France smaller than he found it. He brought eternal glory to France. Who can boast of having dominated Europe (and the world?) For 20 years? He is one of the 5 most legendary characters in the history of the world with Cesar, Alexander the Great, Charlemagne ... We could make great films on Napoleon (but of course Hollywood prefers to make films on WW2) You know, no territorial occupation certainly leads to a definitive conquest. Look at the wishes for independence of Catlogne, Quebec, Scotland ... Look at the Rome that was said to be eternal, it ended up falling. Who tells us that in 200 years the USA or China will not be cut in two, following civil wars or other? Nothing stays forever.

@pg-ve9ze

3 жыл бұрын

@@savate4 "Look at the Rome that was said to be eternal, it ended up falling." Sure, but if count from ~500 BC to 1453 AD, they lasted quite some time.

@savate4

3 жыл бұрын

@@pg-ve9ze you mean from 500 BC to 5OO AD no ? France: 500 AD to 1940. Germany: from 1870 to 1918, and from 1936 to 1945. URSS: from 1945 to 1990. USA: from 1945 to 2020. China: from 2020... It's a joke 😉

Dude : Marshal Davout, they have at least twice more men than us!! Davout : Hold my fine French wine

@stormbringer2840

3 жыл бұрын

Dude : Marshal Davout, they have at least twice more men than us!! Davout : It is sad , they are not nearly enough .

@mikedi7850

2 жыл бұрын

@@imrealisticc you ruined it

@nezuko4278

2 жыл бұрын

Davout: *leaves french wine* Prussians: Oh! Neptune

@joshuagrover795

9 ай бұрын

More like Davout: "Hold my baton."

Davout is legendary, the greatest of all the marshals, and the most loyal. I plan to visit his tomb in Paris later this year.

@mahmoudmamdouh8881

11 ай бұрын

Send my peace to the marshal 😂❤

@zerothehero123

6 ай бұрын

Boney himself lies in hotel des invalides!

@Philtopy

5 ай бұрын

And did you see it?

@amadeokomnenus1414

5 ай бұрын

Did you manage to go there?

@emperornortoni2871

5 ай бұрын

Davout over Lannes? Hm, interesting choice. But yeah, Napoleon made a lot of marshals. What was it to them, a four-star or five-star general?

I’m 30 years old and remember fondly what the history channel use to be,and recognized what it sadly became. Your channel fills a much needed void, and I sincerely thank you for embarking a passion that benefits us all.

@viscousgoo2021

3 жыл бұрын

Wait a sec...are you suggesting that big foot and ghosts don't belong on the _history_ channel? How dare you.

@Feyser1970

3 жыл бұрын

Napoleon was an extraterrestrial from Beta Carotena

@bigmoniesponge

3 жыл бұрын

@@Feyser1970 lmao

@gavins9846

2 жыл бұрын

well im not seeing any pawn shop and storage container bids here so this channel is FAIL.

@baller4378

Жыл бұрын

​@@gavins9846 PREACH!!!

Napoleon is the exception to the famous line: “History is always written by the winners". Even after a crushing defeat at Waterloo is remembered as the greatest military leader in history and helped build in no small part the system we have today. The guy was so feared and incredible, that 150 years after his death, the British still attempt to damage his image and reputation. hands down, one of the most impactful figures in all of history.

@salviniusaugustus6567

5 жыл бұрын

History is, in a sense, written by the winners. Most of the people in the world never heard about the battle of Jena. But look how the English managed to spam Waterloo everywhere, turning this battle into the most important event of the Napoleonic wars (while it was a battle without any importance, it didn't change anything to the outcome, Napoleon was finished at this point and could not win the war). The English even managed to turn Waterloo as a crushing "British" victory (while most Allied troops on the battlefield were Germans, with also a lot of Dutch, the British were not even 20% of the total coalition forces most of the British troops being Scots or Irish or King's German legion not English of course). The fact that you mentionned "after a crushing defeat at Waterloo" says all... You don't mention the Spanish guerilla, the Russian campaign, the battle of Leipzig, which were by far much more important than "Waterloo" in Napoleon's downfall. No, you mention Waterloo (where Napoleon was totally outnumbered and had to fight 2 armies). So yes, History is written by the winners. Should I say, the British (because if there is a country that should claim victory for Waterloo, it would be Germany, but they don't brag over and over like the Brits who want the world to believe they defeated single-handedly the French while they couldn't do shit on their own). Of course English propaganda doesn't work for those who actually study the facts, but for the common uneducated people especially in the anglo-world, the Napoleonic wars are basically: "Napoleon conquered Europe then the British defeated him a Waterloo and saved the world". Sad but true. But Napoleonic wars isn't the only fact English try to rewrite. Look at the 100 years war with English bragging over and over about Agincourt, but of course are totally amnesic about all the crushing English defeats that happened after. Same thing about the so-called Spanish armada: English claim that they became the major world power after the defeat of Spanish armada: what a joke. Not only the English own armada was totally destroyed in Spain just one year after so the English totally lost the initiative they had won one year before (and English are totally amnesic about that), but Spain was still the major European power until France overtook them in the mid 17th century. The English didn't become the major power until the end of the Napoleonic wars, when Spain and France were on their knees. The British view of History is characterized by bias, revisionnism, and above all a totally selective memory.

@Syl75

5 жыл бұрын

@Von Staufenberg "the Empire upon which the sun never sets" I always found this nickname funny. UK wasn't the only empire upon which the sun never set. Upon the French empire too and even still today he never sets.

@rogerpattube

5 жыл бұрын

Scotty Boy The British and certain Swedes (Abba).

@JackRabbitSlim

5 жыл бұрын

In Britain Napoleon is remembered as one of the greatest generals and military strategists of all time, he's not considered evil like Hitler was, indeed the fact that his name is still remembered and discussed by everyone even to this day shows how much of an impact he had on Britain. Of course they relish the fact that he eventually lost, he was the enemy after all and lets not try to pretend he was some saint fighting for freedom, he was a conqueror like Alexander the Great, taking other people's lands, but everyone was doing it at the time and there is a great historical admiration in Britain for what Napoleon was and managed to achieve.

@antred11

5 жыл бұрын

"History is always written by the victors" is a vastly overused line frequently (not in every single case, but very often) wielded by ignorant revisionists.

"The idea that Prussia can take the field against me by herself seems so ridiculous that it does not merit discussion." Napoleon

@generalripper7528

5 жыл бұрын

And nine years later the Prussians would deal the death blow to Napoleons Army at Waterloo.

@Itachi951000

5 жыл бұрын

@@generalripper7528 "by herself" is the keyword. Was Waterloo strictly a battle between the Grande Armée and Prussia?! The Prussians joining the party did save the British though.

@generalripper7528

5 жыл бұрын

@@Itachi951000 That's why I said "deal the deathblow", which shows how quickly things can change. Napoleon became too arrogant.

@keelyleilani1326

4 жыл бұрын

@@generalripper7528 without Wellington and the British the Prussians would have easily been beaten again at Waterloo. That's not even debatable.

@generalripper7528

4 жыл бұрын

@@keelyleilani1326 Good that I never stated anything to the contrary ...

Doing the map here was a bit different. But it came out alright in the end.

@abdulqadirhussain7864

5 жыл бұрын

Great work mate

@HistoryMarche

5 жыл бұрын

Yeah we essentially had to place two battles on the same map to make it look seamless.

@abdulqadirhussain7864

5 жыл бұрын

@@HistoryMarche just a question can you recommend me your favourite history books like a reading list or something

@HistoryMarche

5 жыл бұрын

That's a pretty broad question, there are tons of books that I like, but I can tell you what I'm reading right now: "A Century of War: Anglo-American Oil Politics and the New World Order" by William F Engdahl

@saqlainsiddiqui7170

5 жыл бұрын

HistoryMarche the battle map and animations were excellent. Well done! And also subbed to your channel.

Davout's conversation to Napoleon after the battle: "So anyway, I formed my Corps into squares and started shooting...." 😂😂 Davout and III Corps at Auerstedt: "We are about to end this man's, (Brunswick) career and life."

So... people make fun of France for falling to the German motorized army in 6 weeks in ww2. But no one is praising them for taking out Prussia in one month, by foot, inflicting a string of humiliating defeats...

@th3Big1dea

5 жыл бұрын

skiteufr lol Prussia is not Germany. Germany wasn’t born yet

@Stug9680

5 жыл бұрын

@PIXELFAIL like the french army in 1940 who had old tactics. And Napoleon was able to reach Moscow without mechanization. Hitler not with tanks and trucks. Bonaparte the best :D

@stevec7770

5 жыл бұрын

Radio Ray Me too!

@gabrielleiambest3276

5 жыл бұрын

Abdul D Prussia kinda formed modern day Germany

@th3Big1dea

5 жыл бұрын

Haha I am Best Well you right but Germany was not united. They had like 70 independent states not sure but if Germany was united under Bismarck then Napoleon would have got his ass kicked.

Charles Nove is such the perfect narrator for your work! Love his contribution.

@missasinenomine

5 ай бұрын

I agree. Pleasant soft Scottish accent.

“If he was still alive, I would not be here.” -Napoleon Bonaparte at the grave of Frederick II of Prussia.

@Raisonnance.

4 жыл бұрын

Ouais il a dit ça pour être gentil. Pour lui rendre hommage.

@TheRhandolph

4 жыл бұрын

Frederick suffered some terrible defeats and blamed anyone but himself for loses, on several occasions defeats so bad all his guns were captured and the army had to be rebuilt from scratch. Napoleon would thrash Frederick.

@jasonjason6525

4 жыл бұрын

Rhandolph Stearman Then why did he rank him among the best military commanders :)

@suclox12yearsago56

4 жыл бұрын

Jason Jason cuz he didn’t know shit about German history idfk

@serenisma3402

3 жыл бұрын

Jason Jason What? Okay first of all ":)" isn't funny even for sarcasm, second, it's not because someone get defeats that he is bad, but Frederick II is inferior to Napoleon, let's be real here, Frederick invented the oblique order, but he had a much better army than his opponents and a miracle happened when Russia stopped the war, Napoleon didn't rely on any miracle, only his tactics and strategies, Frederick's victories are over-exaggerated while most people don't know about Jena or Toulon, why? Because the English and the Germans, after beating Napoleon, tried so badly to ruin his image as a great conqueror, but they never succeeded

I am a German, but I must say that Napoleon is by far my favorite historical figure even before Alexander, Charlemagne and Caesar. His life's story is just so amazing and ultimately tragic.

@BlackInMind5

5 жыл бұрын

Tragic? Not. He created far more tragedy than he had to endure.

@Kidvirus44

5 жыл бұрын

6 coalitions agaisnt france. And still, some said thats "napoleonic wars" -_-"

@daaichommie708

5 жыл бұрын

Pfft Europes whole history is filled with tragedy from all sorts of Kings, Emporers and Republics. Napoleon in my opinion was a truly great man and leader of a nation. The whole of Europe declared war on a man, not a nation. That says a lot.

@BlackInMind5

5 жыл бұрын

@@daaichommie708 He was a conqueror. Great tactician, no doubt about that, but also an authoritarian figure.

@daaichommie708

5 жыл бұрын

What leader isnt? He's no Eric Cartmen

Davout was arguably Napoleon's best corp commander. I also liked Ney despite his recklessness and cockiness.

@thunderbird1921

3 жыл бұрын

We must not forget Lannes or Oudinot either. Wasn't he wounded like 8-10 times?

@fatboibrian9047

Жыл бұрын

@@thunderbird1921 probably double that and he lived til his 80s

@Daggz90

Жыл бұрын

Ney was simply passionate about warfare I believe.

@Daggz90

Жыл бұрын

@@thunderbird1921 Oudinot was wounded more than 36 times if I remember correctly. His friend commented on his scarred and damaged body whilst visiting a bathhouse. Think it's mentioned in the video "Napoleons Marshals".

@hannibalburgers477

11 ай бұрын

Ney seems to be stuck in Medieval French warfare tactics. Keeps frontal charging at enemy lines!

Prussia: come over Napoleon: I cant I'm establishing a empire rn Prussia: Berlin is unguarded Napoleon: 👀

@sauronmordor7494

3 жыл бұрын

ok

The Prussian army and Blucher approaching Davout is the most epic part of this whole series, except maybe for 1814.

@Durahan82

3 жыл бұрын

Blucher didn't Fought Davout in Leipzig nor In Waterloo .

@AdityaSingh-iz5zs

2 жыл бұрын

@@Durahan82 what IF blucher faced davout in waterloo if davout was commanding French right wing. Blucher - " why I have nightmare of aurstedt"

@Conorp77

Жыл бұрын

@@AdityaSingh-iz5zs Apparently, the very last action of the Napoleonic Wars came at the gates of Paris, where Blucher did indeed come up against Davout for the second time.

@AdityaSingh-iz5zs

Жыл бұрын

@@Conorp77 but davout didn't engage him I think. He sended general Rapp.

Fredrick the great must have been rolling in his grave at the continual poor showings of his army vs Napoleon.

@MrChopstsicks

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks to his successors. This is the Prussian's lowest point.

@yarpen26

5 жыл бұрын

Unnecessary funfact: the phrase "turn in one's grave" was coined in 1801 in the UK so just be weary against putting it too early in your historical fiction.

@Lohrenswald

5 жыл бұрын

you might now it, but when Napoleon enters Berlin at the end of this video he visits Fredrick's grave and says "If this man was still alive, I wouldn't be here today"

@nobblkpraetorian5623

5 жыл бұрын

Mr. Chopstick I would say that the Prussian's lowest point is in World War 1 (They still exist at that point)

@rdb9912

5 жыл бұрын

Same with Napoleon during the World Wars

What happened here to Prussia is what happened to France in 1940: Misplaced confidence in ability and heritage of your troops, quick defeats against an army with a superior combat doctrine, mass surrenders and confusion among the remaining troops. All I can say about Europe is no one is immune and what goes around comes around. You win one war and get crushed in another - all the major European powers have seen both sides of this. There's nothing inherently better or worse about the national traits of a particular soldier. It depends on much more than "fighting spirit".

@fredlougee2807

Жыл бұрын

Truth there. In WW II the Japanese soldiers had no shortage of fighting spirit but they were hamstrung by an officer corps which was completely divorced from reality. For example, the advance down the Malay Penninsula was conducted by troops largely foraging off the land and riding bicycles which Japanese industry had sold to the Vietnamese in large numbers. This approach worked so it convinced the planners that they did not need to concentrate on logistics. When the US Marines landed on Guadalcanal they faced an enemy which was short on supplies. The islands of the South Pacific didn't have the cultivated fields of Indochina so there was precious little to forage.

@Chris-xv7wd

Жыл бұрын

Don’t forget 1870

@Chris-xv7wd

Жыл бұрын

@Nogent I don’t need the history. I have read the books.

@Chris-xv7wd

Жыл бұрын

@Nogent zee Prussians were using horses in 1940. Imagine if they were fully militarized

@Chris-xv7wd

Жыл бұрын

@Nogent 1940

But... 150% Discipline?

@ahistoryfanatic5683

5 жыл бұрын

150% discipline was achieved when Bismarck took power, at this time the Prussians didn't know what strategy to do against Napoleon, conventional warfare wouldn't work, guerilla warfare would, Spain did that, employing scorched earth, Russia did that and Napoleon lost the invasion of Spain and Russia respectively

@TheRomanRuler

5 жыл бұрын

@@ahistoryfanatic5683 Sort of true. Bismark's Prussia was stronger, but so was Frederick the Great's Prussia. By Napoleonic wars, Prussian army was weaker than it had been during Frederick the Great's era, as in Frederick the Great's army would have been able to defeat Napoleonic era Prussian army. That changed later in war, and foundations for Prussian army that would be most effective military machine in Europe until end of WW2 were laid.

@vinsonsidharta

5 жыл бұрын

6/6/6 Emperor-General + Elan > 150% discipline

@TheHippoBLT

4 жыл бұрын

Dex4Sure Napoleon never intended to occupy Russia nor tame it. He intended to enforce the Continental Blockade again and force Alexander under his will again. He never intended for a long war and intended to stay in Smolensk to start diplomatic talks again.

@beachbum4691

4 жыл бұрын

​@@ahistoryfanatic5683 Napoleon (1769 -1821), Bismarck (1815-1898) = Bismarck was not a player until long after Napoleon time, or I'm missing something ??? cheers :)

At the end of his career at St. Helena, Napoleon referred to Marshal Davout as "One of the purest glories of France"- an understatement if ever there was one.

@joshuagrover795

9 ай бұрын

Marshal Davout nicknamed the Iron Marshal because of his strict discipline was probably Napoleon's finest Corps commander. Davout was virtually throughout his career never defeated in a pitched battle and when outnumbered more than 2:1 his III Corps, (26,000) vs. the main Prussian force, (64,000) at Auerstedt still came out on top to the point Napoleon didn't believe that the III Corps had defeated the main Prussian force "Your Marshal must be seeing double!", a reference to Davout's poor eyesight.

Davout facing odds of 2 to 1 showed no signs of alarm. Talk about a cool dude

@joshuagrover795

9 ай бұрын

Marshal Davout: "I see the odds have improved for the Prussians." III Corps: "But we never play the odds!"

Austria: Survives 20 years of war with France but gets mocked by everyone. Prussia: Can't last a single month but everyone is singing Pruessens Gloria.

@DumDumHistory

4 жыл бұрын

@L'Aigle Sadly, this is very true.

@mlplarisanable

4 жыл бұрын

@L'Aigle Of course there's always that one brainwahed Anti-American idiot in the comment sectuon that blames America for everything.

@brainwasher9876

4 жыл бұрын

The Napoleonic Wars were hardly the only wars Prussia fought in. Prussia's record overall when compared to Austria's is much more favorable.

@DumDumHistory

4 жыл бұрын

@@brainwasher9876 That's very debatable. In 1742 the Habsburgs had lost the Imperial throne, Bohemia and Silesia and were strategically isolated, but the Habsburg army not only reformed itself but actually managed to retake most of its lost territory, even despite being up against a coalition of France, Bavaria and Prussia. Even the Seven Years war was effectively a draw - Frederick II kept Silesia at the cost of ruining both his army and his economy. And after that, the Prussian military record gets even more questionable. Prussian involvement in the Revolutionary Wars was limited to a timid performance at Valmy which ended in retreat before the battle had even begun in earnest. In 1814 it was a secondary partner to Austria and Russia and was utterly dependent on support from them and on British subsidies. The war with Denmark in 1848 was a humiliating farce, whilst in 1864 and 1866 Prussia enjoyed immense technological superiority. Even then, at Koniggratz there were several moments in which luck played a vital role in Prussian victory. Compare this with Austria, which for most of its history was having to fight on multiple fronts in Germany, Italy and the Balkans, and it really puts things in perspective. Was the Habsburg Army perfect? Lord, no. It was geared towards survival rather than winning battles and conquering land. But it kept the Habsburg monarchy intact for 400 years through several crises which could very easily have destroyed it. Even in 1918, the Empire broke up before the Army did.

@brainwasher9876

4 жыл бұрын

By all measures Frederick II was supposed to lose the Seven Years War. Prussia was a fledgling power that simultaneously took on three of Europe's greatest land powers and fought them to a standstill. That Austria had the backing of France AND Russia and *still* lost is testament to how badly Austrian armies needed reform--which the Empress attempted to do, to limited success, but was mired by rampant political corruption. Austria's performance during the French revolution was practically non-existent so it's impossible to compare them there. Austrian cavalry during the Napoleonic Wars was considered the finest in Europe at the time, but their middling performance was a result of nepotism allowing poor-quality officers to lead them. If these men were lucky, their regiments were skilled enough to salvage their reputations.Prussia in the Napoleonic Wars was a shadow of its former self even before Jena. After their initial losses Prussia lost most of its territory and money and it's only natural that it relied on British subsidies to field an effective army. Didn't Austria also take significant British subsidies? Achieving technological and organizational superiority is a success in itself. It was in part Prussia's opponents' fault in its wars with Denmark, Austria and France in the late 1800s that Prussia was able to dominate them so easily, and it certainly wasn't a stroke of luck. A win is a win, and simply chalking up Austria, Denmark, and especially France's massive materiel, technological, and tactical blunders is a disservice to Moltke, Roon, etc.

Marechal DAVOULT was one of the greatest general ever...he was not at Waterloo, being in charge of the military government of France, because he was the only one Napoleon could trust not to betray or surrender...

@gutsjoestar7450

3 жыл бұрын

napoléon is the greatest

@maxoemusguenter2523

3 жыл бұрын

Davout

@mikedi7850

2 жыл бұрын

@@maxoemusguenter2523 Napoleon and Davout ha

the prussians were super confident coming into this fight, to the point where officers would sharpen their swords on the stone steps of the french embassy. those same officers would later be marched past that same embassy in cuffs following their catastrophic defeat and napoleon's occupation of berlin.

@shawngilliland243

5 ай бұрын

The drawing that Felician Myrbach made of the sword sharpening incident a hundred years later is one of my favorites!

When people say germany invade france in 1month with tank And they forgot napoleon invade prussia in 6days with horse

@PeliSotilas

4 жыл бұрын

Just so you know it was France and half of Germany against Prussia.

@leroiarouf1142

4 жыл бұрын

@lol shit yes

@de_sennectere

3 жыл бұрын

@@eintrachtfrankfurt6402 At least France has already win a war since her creation, while Germany never won a war since her creation 🙂

@user-rj3ub4fd4u

3 жыл бұрын

@@eintrachtfrankfurt6402 I don't speak nazi

@Janoip

3 жыл бұрын

@@user-rj3ub4fd4u Baguette and frogs' legs

let's not forget how prussia sent their hussars to sharpen their blades in front of the french embassy as a provocation before the war. it didn't go so well did it...

@Austin1723

5 жыл бұрын

They're cuirassiers. Garde du Corps, to be precise

@saguntum-iberian-greekkons7014

5 жыл бұрын

When was that they sent their Hussars?

@solwen

5 жыл бұрын

@@saguntum-iberian-greekkons7014 They were not sent. Some Prussian hussars went on their own at the French embassy in Berlin and sharpened their blades on it's stairs, boasting that the war would be over in a few weeks. In this they were right and i wonder how they felt and what happened to these idiots.

@solwen

5 жыл бұрын

@@generalripper7528 This is history and not a game about having the last laugh and this would be a debate without end (what about WW1? Shall we speak about all the French conquest of the various German principalities ?) All the Europeans leaders were dictators, the only difference being that Napoleon actually gave more rights to its people, like equality before the law wich is a big thing. And you forgot the most important thing: Napoleon and France didn't declare war, it was the English and their European pawns who did.

@maximilianmin1786

5 жыл бұрын

solwen FYI the officers begged the French to not parade them past the embassy after Berlin was occupied, but the French rightly did so. Dope heads thought they were still fighting under Frederick the Great

this has to be one of the best videos ive seen in this style. The production quality was outstanding and far exceeds other videos on this exact period of history (even though they were very good videos). The level of detail in a highly digestible form really made this, thank you!

_"At Jena, Napoleon won a battle he could not lose. At Auerstädt, Davout won a battle he could not win."_ -François-Guy Hourtoulle

That feeling when you haven’t commanded 30 battles but are making Napoleon-level strategic ‘forward’ orders

Napoleon blitzkrieg through Prussian *"I know you guys aren't ready for this but your kids are gonna love it"*

@stormtrooper8420

Жыл бұрын

Prussia was so puny at that time. When Prussia become big they absolutely smashed the French

@smal750

Жыл бұрын

@@stormtrooper8420 Do not forget france was fight the rest of europe at the same time 😚 France absolutely raggdolled anyways 😄☺

@stormtrooper8420

Жыл бұрын

@@smal750 nobody else was United back then

@smal750

Жыл бұрын

@@stormtrooper8420 wdym lmao even when Germany was united it got crushed humiliated and occupied 2 times in a couple years when it had to face coalitions while France humiliated 5 european coalitions including russia austria and britain during civil wars and plagues lol France is not on the same league it is factually the country with the greatest military history even without using the numbers of battles won bs

@stormtrooper8420

Жыл бұрын

@@smal750 lol since the unification of Germany, France got absolutely dominated by the germans till to this day. Germany economically dominate Europe now. France fought more battles because France formed way before a unified German state.

i was playing napoleon total war when the notification came

@yourlocalt72

5 жыл бұрын

Sudarshan G my advice to hitler he must complete berlin moscow axis and then attack allies

@gard86

5 жыл бұрын

Funny, I was playing with my balls

@TwoFistsOneHalleluja

5 жыл бұрын

any good mods you could recommend?

@yourlocalt72

5 жыл бұрын

TwoFistsOneHalleluja i dont play mods mostly but i reccommend ww1 mod

@aussiemilitant4486

5 жыл бұрын

@@TwoFistsOneHalleluja darthmod for Napoleon Total War. There are others but i cant remember them.

6:22 - yeah, exactly - Napoleon didn't smash Prussia at Jena, Davout smashed Prussia at Auerstädt... and Bernadotte minced around thinking 'I wonder if Swedish Grey looks nice on me'

@freewal

4 жыл бұрын

Bernadotte will be reminded as a vicious man in History.

@aaronstorey9712

3 жыл бұрын

@CipiRipi00 it doesnt help that napoleon invaded and took swedish pomerania

@Account.for.Comment

2 жыл бұрын

@@freewal To some, yeah, but in all biography of the man, he won respect and love from everyone he was put in charge of. His Swedish prisoners risked his live to make him king. The Saxons he led to death flocked to him in the middle of the battle. The city of Lubeck where he defeated Blucher gave him a massive celebration when he returned 9 years later with a Swedish army. The honourable Ney is best friend. General Vandammne who could not bother with Davout or Soult looked at him as a savior. Except for the Prussians, they despised him for making them do the hard work and he saved their capital. Napoleon actually think highly of him, initially anyway.

"The idea that Prussia could take the field against me by herself seems so ridiculous that it does not merit discussion" Napoleon Bonaparte.

@generalripper7528

5 жыл бұрын

Yet the Prussians ultimately sealed Napoleons fate at Waterloo. Hubris.

@LordKamos777

5 жыл бұрын

@@generalripper7528 He's not wrong, it wasn't by themselves. Took a coalition to take him down, wouldn't exactly say hubris when it's facts. ;)

@generalripper7528

5 жыл бұрын

@@LordKamos777 Yes, the facts are that the Prussians dealt the deathblow to Napoleon's Army at Waterloo, which resulted in Napoleon being exiled to a rock in the middle of the South Atlantic.

@haldir3120

5 жыл бұрын

@Dex4Sure Pretty sure the Soviets won WII and not some people hiding on an island until the last 11 month of the war

@barcased

5 жыл бұрын

@@generalripper7528 It is "the fact" the same as "I came with a gun and shot a wounded person in the face, thus killing him" is "I DEALT THE DEATHBLOW" is fact. Lying by omission is not a fact. It is a lie.

Music was on point, i mean more that normal!

@budowniczypylonow7026

5 жыл бұрын

Oh, you are that guy that makes foxhole videos, haha.

@snakeenjoyingacanofbeans5219

4 жыл бұрын

You are not wrong

@irontusk341

4 жыл бұрын

if only i knew who composed it..... it has a link in the description to the website but not what song it is.

Gotta give credit to napoleon for not sitting in comfort in his palace after becoming emperor. Dude was still out there leading his army to the end.

@trollege9618

Жыл бұрын

He led his army during hopeless times like in the 1814 invasion of France

@closetglobe.IRGUN.NW0

10 ай бұрын

Yeah probably the greatest military dictator

@user-cg2tw8pw7j

9 ай бұрын

​@@closetglobe.IRGUN.NW0This is Caesar, Augustus and Orian

@spencertherren6806

9 ай бұрын

​@@user-cg2tw8pw7jAlexander?????

@user-cg2tw8pw7j

9 ай бұрын

@@spencertherren6806 Alexander the Great is from a noble ruling family and not just a military leader who made a coup and took control of his homeland like the Roman leaders and Napoleon

3:32 Napoleon to Prussia (Bane's voice): Peace has cost you your strength. Victory has defeated you

Marshall Davout what a freaking CHAD

Davout sounds like a badass, was he present at Waterloo or other major engagements?

@elpresidente5767

5 жыл бұрын

he was not in waterloo but he was never defeated in battle

@EpichistoryTv

5 жыл бұрын

He was. He played a key role at Austerlitz, see my video on that if you haven't already. But during 'the Hundred Days' Napoleon appointed him Minister of War, which meant he was in Paris for the crucial battles. In hindsight perhaps a big mistake.

@noxumbra3429

5 жыл бұрын

Napoléon might be the primary figure of that period, but Davout was definitely a genius of his own. Always making the impossible possible, by far the second most competent and loyal Marshall.

@lautarosillero1645

5 жыл бұрын

@@noxumbra3429 Who's the best for you?

@StykFo

5 жыл бұрын

Jean Lannes is the the third best marshall of the empire

Napoleon on Napoleonic Blitzgrieg to Prussia- you may not be ready for this yet, but your kids are gonna love it.

Well narrated, brilliant maps and informative. This is one of the best history channels out there!

I just found this channel and I must say that I absolutely love it. I really enjoy history, especially war history, and your animations and narrations are so enthralling that I keep watching more. Thank you for keeping history alive.

This Fahd Al Mandil guy is also a top tier Patreon supporter of King and Generals. What a great dude.

You both have really outdone yourselves here! The narration, music, editing, sound, maps, animation is all impeccable. I thoroughly enjoy the collaboration videos between the two channels! Y'all are doing more for history teaching than years of public schooling in 10 - 20 minute videos! One thing I'd like to see experimented with in the future is a satellite map overlay looking down from an angle at the battlefield to see the units moving over elevation and geographic features. It gives great clues into unit performance in battles. I've seen y'all do something similar on the Alexander the Great episode on the Battle of Issus.

You’ve done it once again EpicHistoryTV! With a mix of wonderfully enticing graphics and excellent story telling skills have made this a wonderful telling of an interesting battle. Props to you my friend, as usual, I will eagerly await your next video!

Wunderbar! Fantastic job once again. It's such a treat to see all these events visualized.

Excellent maps and animations for the untis. You cover troop movements and timing in much more detail than any other history channel on youtube. Keep it up!

history is always repeating itself. Prussia had a great military reputation? Jena October 1806 France had a great military reputation? Sedan September 1870 German Empire? Verdun 1916 France ? Breakthrough of 1940 sedan The pride of an army, leads to its loss

@unpseudopascommelesautres997

5 жыл бұрын

Durant les années 1800 au début l'armée de Napoléon a tenu sa réputation...Très bien tenu même

@hagamapama

5 жыл бұрын

@@unpseudopascommelesautres997 But the pride of the French Army under Napoleon still led to its downfall. The invasion of Russia was insanity, Sweden's war against Russia a generation earlier should have been all the evidence Napoleon needed that defeating Russia in the field won't end a war against them. In his pride he thought he could overcome this problem that nobody before or sense has overcome, and it cost him his Empire.

@unpseudopascommelesautres997

5 жыл бұрын

@@hagamapama Chaque homme fait des erreurs, il en fait une qui lui a sûrement coûté l'Europe. A cause de coalition, dit toi que si il les aurait pris un par un à la fois, il serait maître d'Europe

@hagamapama

5 жыл бұрын

@@unpseudopascommelesautres997 The strength of Russia is its landmass and population, the weakness of Russia is its economy and infrastructure. Russia can commit massive numbers of troops to defend its territory but Napoleonic era Russia could not throw the same huge quantities of troops into an attack because she could not pay for them. Napoleon wins that war by maintaining the territory he has taken and crushing any effort to invade his half of Europe. The war against Napoleon put a huge strain on the financial resources of the Coalition. If he plays defense eventually the Coalition members would either have to sue for peace or go bankrupt and face revolution at home.

@Zaltan-sb4lm

5 жыл бұрын

Like usa in viet nam

Another top notch video. Have to say, this is by far the best history channel I’ve ever seen...on KZread, television, or anything else. So refreshing to see. You have a real gift for story telling and for bringing history’s greatest events to life. The narration, the strategy, the animated battle maps, the sound effects...all excellent. Look forward to the next video!

@EpichistoryTv

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Curtis! Much appreciated.

These videos are amazing. Incredibly well put together, brilliant narration and strong musical score. Subbed

Can't wait for the next episode! This series is well narrated and well presented. It makes it more interesting and engaging that way

Dear Toby, I truly enjoy and love your videos , especially when they are about Napoleon. I, currently play Europe War 4 and it's fantastic, it's a game about Napoleon! Love your channel!❤❤❤

The highest quality content outside of Hollywood. Bravo you guys and girls make me enjoy a topic I already love that much more. Truly enthralling and easy to follow. A great bedtime story every night!

Another great Napoleon video! Not enough detailed videos about the Napoleon wars, it's good to see one made.

The entire series is clearly presented, aesthetically pleasing and in general a pleasure to watch.

I just discovered your channel after a visit to Napoleon's tomb sparked my interest in history. I must say these videos are fantastic, superbly done mini-masterpieces. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and making these available. I love it!

@EpichistoryTv

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you, very kind. Yes his tomb in Les Invalides is quite a sight!

When you get to the 1813 campaign you need to cover Davout begging Napoleon to give him a field command and place him opposite Bernadotte to revenge himself against the traitor.

@freewal

4 жыл бұрын

@@lsatep Stop your stupid copy/past. Nobody believe your british propaganda here. If you like History and scientific work, you can't believe a word of your bad propaganda. Napoleon changed the game in Europe and you should thank him for what he gave to Europe and to the rest of the world.

@augustushotel1737

4 жыл бұрын

@@lsatep you are just an ignorant and jealous about the French Emperor.I don't want to lose time describing to you who was Napoleon and what he achieved,where is he resting now and the legacy he left. I think you would still have te risk to be a slave today to Old Monarcha if it wasn't for the Emperor.France and He was against all the old reigns of Europe fighting.You give to Ceasar what belongs to Him. Nobody will remeber you or your name but you cant speak with your small intelect (mind) about the Genius Of Napoleon.

@razorsharpview9090

9 ай бұрын

Bernadotte was never a Traitor.

@stefthorman8548

9 ай бұрын

@@razorsharpview9090 in the grand scheme of things, yes he was an trator, but not for himself, his new people, would have ripped him apart if he didn't betray napoleon.

@louie97ation

4 ай бұрын

@@stefthorman8548Pretty sure Sweden declaring war was Napoleon’s fault

This is an excellent overview and depiction. Enjoyed it thoroughly. Thank you so much.

My God this is amazing

Wow, i love these real-time fluid overall views of the campaign and battle. Even though they're just block representations of cav, inf, and artillery, i like the way these look better than in the earlier Napoleon vids. Keep up the good work and keep improving!

Fantastic video as always! As someone who is passionate about history its always a treat whenever you upload, easily the best channel out of all my subs.

Very clear and well paced commentary, well illustrated and easy to follow - thanks!

History Marche and Epic historytv many thanks for your work. The quality of this video stunned me!

Wonderful series of history shorts. Thoroughly enjoyable. Keep up the good work.

Grand Respect pour l'Empereur Napoléon, ses grands généraux, et leurs valeureuses troupes. On leur doit tout ! Vive l'Empereur !! Vive la France !!

@Maslenain

4 жыл бұрын

@@lsatep I can't help but be amused to see a maggot like you, obviously fed on english propaganda, trying to pretend that Napoleon was a failure, with an obsession to the point of repeating it on each video on the Napoleonic Wars, where the story with a big H retains from him the exact opposite XD

I'm very impressed by the quality of this channel. Fascinated by the videos, keep up the great work!

What an amazing channel. The video editing is on-point. The narration is perfect. Thanks.

A worthy addition to the series! Congratulations once again!

@yarpen26

5 жыл бұрын

Hello there, General Epic History! Your videos will make a fine addition to my collection!

Vive la France!

@LuxMortis_

4 жыл бұрын

@@lsatep Poor bait

@andypaulmanguiat5115

4 жыл бұрын

@@lsatep how he was an overrated military commander... The guy almost conquered the whole Europe... His tactics is still studied until now... His tactics have won wars in the past... On his 60 battles he only lost 8 of them... Most them as at the end of his empire where the whole europe is fighting against him...how he is an overrated commander if he marched from elba to paris to take his throne back without firing a signle shot from his army? Every great commanders has ups and downs you name it Patton Nimitz Rommel Washington and many more... You cant call someone an overrated commander who almost conquered the whole Europe

@gatoski3603

3 жыл бұрын

You look more Belgian though

Lovely ! I especially like the pairing of maps and paintings. Well done you two

Woah. You are doing a great job. Its just a question of time when a broader audience will recognise your work. Keep it up

By far one of my favorite campaigns to study. As a fan of both French and Prussian history, this a military historian's joy. What a sparkling clash.

Marshal Davout was the hero in this battle. That was a hell of a battle he put up!

@joshuagrover795

9 ай бұрын

Brunwick: "You're outnumbered more than 2:1, surrender!" Marshal Davout and III Corps: "We like our odds!" "Outnumbered, but never outclassed!"

I had already watch this video for almost 10 times!!! The video is just so great!

Davout is a Boss.

4:30 I doubt Napoleon could've imagined what would happen at Leipzig, seven years later.

"The ideas that underpin our modern world-meritocracy, equality before the law, property rights, religious toleration, modern secular education, sound finances, and so on-were championed, consolidated, codified and geographically extended by Napoleon. To them he added a rational and efficient local administration, an end to rural banditry, the encouragement of science and the arts, the abolition of feudalism and the greatest codification of laws since the fall of the Roman Empire. " -Andrew Roberts, British historian.

Man... nothing beats the quality of this channel. Seriously insane.

This channel is so great Thx you to learn us all these glorious battles it’s incredible

Once again, quality work! Keep it up!

Craziest battle I've ever read about. And when it talked about Davout charging the main Prussian Army, I nearly fell out of my chair. Didn't see that one coming! Dude had a pair.

My favorite of your videos. And ive watched them all. Love the music that goes well with the theme of the context.

excellent video ! As a Frenchman, and a big fan of Napoleon, I was able to appreciate the precision of all these facts. It never bothered me.Keep going !

Keep it up guys ... most comprehensive war depiction channel on youtube

"The Duke of Brunswick was shot through the eyes, a wound that proved to be fatal" Me: you dont say?

@fredbarker9201

4 жыл бұрын

rene L 😂

@joshuagrover795

9 ай бұрын

Fatal eventually, but not instantly, the Duke of Brunswick died one month later in Hamburg from this shot through the eyes.

Very great timing!!! I was just playing Napoleonic wars on Total war then this comes in!!!! God Bless you Epic History!

You’re the man Epic History, love your videos! Keep up the good work!

Love these videos! Though I’m not a patron member, would you consider doing the battle of Marengo? Probably one of Napoleon’s most famous victories!

Prussia : we are the best army ever. Napoleans: hold my crossiant

@joshuagrover795

9 ай бұрын

Napoleon: "Hold my Corps!"

Amazing documentary; there is something truly engaging about them. More please!

Very nice. Great editing and amazing visuals as always.

*Napolean:* 1.) All-purpose Flour 2.) Puff Pastry Dough 3.) Heavy Cream 4.) Chocolate 5.) Corn Syrup 6.) Pastry Cream 7.) Stomp Prussia

Napoleon was a genius

A wonderful channel that deserves the best regards, appreciation, admiration and pride. It provides accurate and useful information. I thank you for all the beautiful words and sincere feelings for your distinguished posts. I wish you continued success and all the best. My utmost respect and appreciation

Absolute masterpiece top notch commentary again obsessed with this series

I think a separate series about Nicolas Davout's life would also be great. I researched about him he had a good story not to mention the best Corps Marshal Napoleon had..

Napoleon the most badass guy who ever existed. We need more people like him. Who fear no man, no gods.. Even rushing the most respected nations in the world (prussia) defeat them. And humiliating them and saying A M A T E U R

@NumenoreanTemplar

3 жыл бұрын

Frederick the Great: Bravo, you really outdid it. Frederick William II, may I have a word with you... Truly, Napoleon is one of the great strategists. Legend has it that Julius Caesar himself possessed Napoleon's body, in order to reforge the Roman Empire.

@sejanus855

2 жыл бұрын

We actually don't need more people like him, people kinda forget that success doesn't equal great personality. And tbh the Prussian army didn stand a chance and I'm pretty sure he was well aware of it. I would rather mention his defense of France at the end of the war, this was a true show of against all the odds and his tactical genius

@rayzas4885

Жыл бұрын

Napoleon was a mass murderer

@nototoxicpeople2218

11 ай бұрын

Bro Napoleon's ambition kinda cause him an army in Russia and made too much enemies that is more than he could chew

Cant wait for the net episode! Hands down the best storytelling and map editing on KZread!

Your work is outstanding my friend, keep it up. your videos are really really perfect