Thirteen Critical Decisions at Waterloo
Abstract
A modern military leader can learn a great deal about the art and science of warfare by studying the battles of Napoleon. Although the means and methods of land warfighting have changed drastically since the French Emperor's time, many fundamentals-such as campaign planning and maneuvering of large forces-remain much the same. The lessons to be learned from such study take on particular contemporary relevance when the analysis proceeds in terms of the modern Principles of War. Napoleon's Waterloo campaign, which sees its 175th anniversary in June of this year, dramatically demonstrates how one of history's greatest commanders applied these important concepts in reaching his decisions. During the Waterloo campaign, Napoleon made 13 significant decisions, each of which concerned critical features of the campaign plan or one of the major engagements. These decisions and their applicable principles will be assessed from Napoleon's perspective-concentrating on his options, his circumstances, his apparent rationale for selecting these courses of action. Moreover, the picture of the battlefield will be that of the French as it developed in their command post. Thus our picture will be obscured by the same foggy information that clouded Napoleon's vision at the time. The events of the campaign encompass four months starting with Napoleon's escape on 1 March 1815 from banishment on the island of Elba and ending with his defeat near Waterloo on the evening of 18 June. Napoleon had been forced into exile on Elba in 1814 as a result of his obsessive attempt to dominate all of Europe. The Bourbon monarchy that followed Napoleon's abdication was neither wise nor effective, and the French people quickly grew dissatisfied. Sensing an opportunity to reinstate his empire, Napoleon returned to France on 20 March to undertake one last grand gamble. He was triumphantly received in Paris, and Louis XVIII fled to Belgium.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA515380
Entities
People
- Frank W. Meyers
Organizations
- United States Army War College