ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel Epic History TV Napoleon's Marshals: Bernadotte, Augereau, Lefebvre, Mortier, Marmont.
“Terror belli… decus pacis.” These Latin words, meaning “Terror in war… ornament in peace,” were inscribed on every French Marshal’s baton. In France, the title of Marshal, or Maréchal, dates back to at least the 13th century, representing the highest military authority. This prestigious rank was abolished during the French Revolution but was restored by Napoleon in 1804 when he founded a new empire.
This article is a guide to some of Napoleon’s Marshals, ranked based on their achievements with insights from Lieutenant Colonel Rémy Porte, a former chief historian of the French Army. Let’s explore the stories of Marshals Bernadotte, Augereau, Lefebvre, Mortier, and Marmont.
Bernadotte joined the French royal army at 17 and quickly rose through the ranks due to his exemplary discipline and leadership. The French Revolution accelerated his career, and he became a general of division in just one year. He was known for his high standards and played a key role in the victory at Fleurus.
Despite his talents, Bernadotte had a complicated relationship with Napoleon, partly due to personal matters like marrying Napoleon’s former fiancée, Désirée Clary. He held important positions, including Minister of War, and was made a Marshal in 1804. However, his relationship with Napoleon remained strained.
In 1810, Bernadotte was invited to become Crown Prince of Sweden. He accepted and later joined the coalition against Napoleon, using his insider knowledge to help defeat him. Bernadotte’s legacy endures as his descendants still sit on the Swedish throne.
Augereau had a colorful early life, serving in various armies and embracing the French Revolution. He was a skilled commander under Napoleon, known for his tactical flair. However, his reputation was marred by his enthusiasm for looting and his loud demeanor.
Promoted to Marshal in 1804, Augereau missed some major battles but fought bravely at Jena and Eylau. His performance in Spain was less impressive, and he eventually surrendered Lyon without a fight in 1814. After briefly supporting Napoleon again, he was stripped of his rank and died in 1816.
François Lefebvre was a seasoned soldier when the French Revolution began. He quickly rose through the ranks, earning a reputation as a formidable commander. Napoleon made him an Honorary Marshal in 1804, and he played a crucial role in several campaigns.
Lefebvre commanded the Old Guard during the invasion of Russia and was devastated by his son’s death in the campaign. He later defended France but surrendered Lyon in 1814. Exhausted, he took a role as a Senator and passed away in 1820.
Édouard Mortier came from a prosperous background and quickly rose through the ranks during the French Revolution. He impressed Napoleon with his efficiency and played significant roles in several campaigns, including the Siege of Zaragoza.
Mortier defended Paris in 1814 but couldn’t prevent its surrender. After Napoleon’s return from exile, he was unable to join him at Waterloo due to illness. Mortier later served the restored monarchy and tragically died in an assassination attempt in 1835.
Marmont was a trained artillery officer who distinguished himself early in his career. Despite his contributions, he was disappointed not to be among the first Marshals created in 1804. He commanded troops in Spain and Germany but faced criticism for negotiating the surrender of Paris.
After the Bourbon restoration, Marmont was rewarded but never forgiven by Bonaparte loyalists. He spent the rest of his life in exile and became a tutor to Napoleon’s son. Marmont was the last of Napoleon’s Marshals to die, passing away in Venice in 1852.
These stories highlight the complex lives and legacies of Napoleon’s Marshals, each contributing uniquely to history. Stay tuned for more insights into the remaining Marshals in the next part of this series.
Imagine you are one of Napoleon’s Marshals. Prepare a short speech defending your actions and decisions during your service. Participate in a class debate where you will argue your character’s perspective against others. Focus on the complexities of loyalty, military strategy, and personal ambition.
Create a detailed timeline of the major events in the lives of the five Marshals discussed in the article. Use online tools or poster boards to visually represent their careers, highlighting key battles, promotions, and personal milestones. Share your timeline with the class and discuss the impact of these events on their legacies.
Write a comparative essay analyzing the leadership styles and achievements of two Marshals of your choice. Consider their military strategies, relationships with Napoleon, and post-military careers. Use evidence from the article and additional research to support your analysis.
Choose one Marshal and write a fictional diary entry from their perspective during a pivotal moment in their career. Focus on their thoughts, emotions, and motivations. Share your diary entry with the class and discuss how these personal insights might have influenced their historical actions.
Using an interactive map tool, plot the key battles and locations associated with each Marshal’s career. Include brief descriptions of each event and its significance. Present your map to the class, explaining how geography and logistics played a role in their military strategies.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript, with sensitive or potentially offensive content removed or modified for clarity and appropriateness:
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“Terror belli… decus pacis.” Terror in war… ornament in peace… The words inscribed on every French Marshal’s baton. In France, the title of Marshal, or Maréchal, goes back at least to the 13th century. It represents the highest possible position of military authority – authority symbolized by a marshal’s baton. The title was abolished during the French Revolution, as incompatible with the egalitarian spirit of the age. But in 1804, Napoleon founded a new empire and restored the ancient rank.
This is Epic History TV’s guide to Napoleon’s Marshals. All 26 have been ranked according to our own evaluation of their achievements as Marshals, with expert guidance from Lieutenant Colonel Rémy Porte, former chief historian of the French Army. So far, we’ve met Marshals Pérignon, Brune, Sérurier, Kellermann, Grouchy, and Moncey.
**18. Marshal Bernadotte**
Bernadotte enlisted in the French royal army at age 17 and proved to be a model soldier, rising to become the senior non-commissioned officer in his regiment in just ten years. The French Revolution and active service opened the door to rapid promotion: he was made an officer and, thanks to exemplary leadership and courage, rose from captain to general of division in a single year. He particularly distinguished himself at Fleurus, leading an attack that helped secure Jourdan’s famous victory. As a professional soldier and ex-sergeant major, Bernadotte insisted on the highest standards of discipline and conduct from his men.
In 1797, Bernadotte was transferred to Italy, where he served under Napoleon’s command for the first time. By this stage, both men had brilliant reputations, but despite a good first meeting, a clash of styles and rivalry soon emerged between them. In 1798, Bernadotte married Napoleon’s ex-fiancée, Désirée Clary, which complicated their relationship further.
Throughout this period, Bernadotte held key posts, including Minister of War in 1799 and Commander of the Army of the West in 1800. That year, Napoleon made Bernadotte a Marshal, and he commanded First Corps at the Battle of Austerlitz, playing a relatively minor part in the Emperor’s great victory. Nevertheless, he was rewarded with the title ‘Prince of Pontecorvo’. However, his relationship with Napoleon remained difficult.
In 1806, as Napoleon took on Prussia, Bernadotte was blamed for failing to support Marshal Davout at the Battle of Auerstedt, and was nearly court-martialed. The next year, he missed the Battle of Eylau due to intercepted orders and a gunshot wound, which also meant he missed the Battle of Friedland. When war resumed with Austria in 1809, Bernadotte was given command of the Ninth Saxon Corps.
At the Battle of Wagram, his troops faced heavy fighting with the Austrians but suffered from friendly fire. The next morning, Bernadotte pulled his men back without orders, leading to a sharp exchange with Napoleon. He was later sent to oversee the defeat of a British landing at Walcheren, where another proclamation praising his forces further infuriated Napoleon.
In 1810, Swedish politicians invited Bernadotte to become Crown Prince of Sweden. Napoleon was initially bemused but eventually gave his assent. Bernadotte was true to his word and, three years later, brought Sweden into the Sixth Coalition against France. With his insider knowledge, he helped devise a strategy for defeating Napoleon in Germany.
In September, Bernadotte defeated former comrades Marshals Oudinot and Ney at Dennewitz and played a major role in the Allied victory at Leipzig. Bernadotte’s legacy would prove lasting, as the royal house of Bernadotte sits on the Swedish throne to this day. He was labelled a traitor by some, but his military and administrative skills were undeniable.
**17. Marshal Augereau**
Augereau had an eventful younger life, serving with various armies and embracing the French Revolution. He joined a volunteer cavalry regiment and later served in Italy under Napoleon, proving to be a highly effective divisional commander. His flair for tactics helped win victories over the Spanish.
In 1796, Augereau played a leading role in Napoleon’s victories over the Austrians. However, his standing among fellow generals was damaged by his enthusiasm for looting and his loud manner. Augereau was known to be a reliable republican and was sent to Paris to support a coup against pro-royalist politicians.
Promoted to Marshal in 1804, he commanded Seventh Corps in the 1805 campaign but missed the great battles of Ulm and Austerlitz. He was in the thick of fighting at Jena and Eylau, where he was injured. During Napoleon’s war in Spain, he completed the siege of Girona but was soon replaced due to lackluster performance.
In 1812, Augereau commanded depots and reinforcements in the rear during the campaign in Russia. At Leipzig, he inspired his corps to fight fiercely. In 1814, he surrendered Lyon without a fight and later denounced Napoleon. When Napoleon returned from exile, Augereau proclaimed his loyalty again but was stripped of his baton and died the next year.
**16. Marshal Lefebvre**
François Lefebvre was a sergeant with 16 years of service when the French Revolution broke out. He became an officer in the Paris National Guard and rose rapidly through the ranks during the Revolutionary Wars, establishing a reputation as a formidable commander.
In 1804, Napoleon made Lefebvre an Honorary Marshal, but he pleaded for a frontline role. He commanded the siege of Danzig and was awarded the title Duke of Danzig. His record as a corps commander was mixed, but he played a crucial role in slowing the enemy advance during the 1809 campaign.
Lefebvre commanded the infantry of the Old Guard during the invasion of Russia and insisted on marching on foot during the retreat. He was devastated to learn of his son’s death during this campaign. After recovering, he led the Old Guard in defense of France but surrendered Lyon in 1814.
Lefebvre was too exhausted to take an active role in the Waterloo campaign but accepted a role as a Senator. His rank and honors were restored a year before his death in 1820.
**15. Marshal Mortier**
Édouard Mortier came from a prosperous middle-class background. He volunteered for the National Guard at the start of the French Revolution and quickly rose through the ranks. Mortier fought under General Masséna and won promotion to general of division.
He commanded the Paris military district and impressed Napoleon with his efficiency. Mortier played a significant role in the Jena campaign and the Siege of Zaragoza. He continued to command the Young Guard during the campaigns in Russia and Germany.
In 1814, Mortier defended Paris but was unable to prevent the city’s surrender. After Napoleon’s return from exile, he was unable to join him at Waterloo due to illness. Mortier served the restored monarchy as ambassador to Russia and was tragically killed in an assassination attempt in 1835.
**14. Marshal Marmont**
Marmont was a trained artillery officer and met Napoleon during the Siege of Toulon. He distinguished himself in several early victories and was appointed inspector-general of artillery. Despite his contributions, he was disappointed not to be among the first Marshals created in 1804.
Marmont commanded troops during the campaigns in Spain and Germany, but his loyalty was questioned after he negotiated the surrender of Paris. He was well rewarded by the restored Bourbon king but never forgiven by Bonaparte loyalists.
Marmont spent the rest of his life in exile and became a tutor to Napoleon’s son. He was the last of Napoleon’s Marshals to die, in Venice, in 1852.
Thirteen down, thirteen to go. Join us for Part 3 when we’ll continue the countdown… coming soon. Thanks again to our video sponsor Displate, and don’t forget you can check out the Epic History TV collection using the link in the video description. Thank you most of all to our Patreon supporters for making Epic History TV possible. Visit our Patreon page to find out how you can support the channel, get ad-free early access, and help choose future topics. You can also follow us on social media for extra epic history content and regular updates.
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This version maintains the informative nature of the original transcript while ensuring it is suitable for a wider audience.
Napoleon – A French military leader and emperor who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and led several successful campaigns during the Napoleonic Wars. – Napoleon’s strategies and reforms significantly altered the political landscape of Europe in the early 19th century.
Marshals – High-ranking officers in the military, often commanding large units or armies, particularly under Napoleon’s regime. – Napoleon’s marshals were instrumental in executing his military strategies across Europe.
Revolution – A fundamental and relatively sudden change in political power and political organization, often accompanied by social upheaval. – The French Revolution dramatically transformed France’s social and political structures in the late 18th century.
Army – An organized military force equipped for fighting on land, often a key component in national defense and warfare. – The Grande Armée, commanded by Napoleon, was one of the most formidable armies of its time.
Legacy – The long-lasting impact or consequences of an individual’s actions or a historical event, often influencing future generations. – Napoleon’s legal reforms, known as the Napoleonic Code, are a significant part of his legacy that continues to influence legal systems worldwide.
France – A country in Western Europe with a rich history of cultural, political, and military influence, especially noted for its role in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. – France’s revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity have had a profound impact on global democratic movements.
Campaigns – Series of military operations intended to achieve a particular objective, often within a specific area or involving a particular strategy. – Napoleon’s Russian campaign of 1812 is infamous for its disastrous outcome and heavy losses.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, often focusing on understanding the causes and effects of those events. – Understanding history is crucial for learning from past mistakes and successes to shape a better future.
Leadership – The ability to guide, direct, or influence people, often seen as a crucial quality in political and military contexts. – Napoleon’s leadership skills were evident in his ability to inspire and command loyalty from his troops.
Sweden – A Scandinavian country in Northern Europe known for its historical neutrality and involvement in various European conflicts during the early modern period. – Sweden’s role in the Napoleonic Wars included shifting alliances and territorial changes that shaped its modern boundaries.
