Napoleon's Marshals: Bessières, Macdonald, Masséna.

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 มิ.ย. 2024
  • In 1804 Napoleon created 18 'Marshals of the Empire', to serve as the senior officers of the Grande Armée. He created a further 8 before his abdication. A few were aristocrats, but others were the sons of shopkeepers or tailors. The most favoured became princes and kings. Among their ranks were legendary figures such as Marshals Lannes, Soult, Davout and Massena, but also much less well know figures like Pérignon, Brune and Moncey. Our series will explore the lives of all 26 Marshals, and rank them according to our own judgement of their achievements as Marshals.
    Thank you to our series historical consultant Lt.Col.Rémy Porte, whose blog on military history (in French) you can read here: guerres-et-conflits.over-blog....
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  • @EpichistoryTv
    @EpichistoryTv  3 ปีที่แล้ว +302

    I hope you enjoy the latest installment of the Napoleon's Marshals series! Thank youto series consultant Lt.Col. Rémy Porte, whose blog on military history (in French) you can read here: guerres-et-conflits.over-blog.com/ And finally, no need to write in to say that Napoleon actually hated the Marseillaise! I am aware, but it's used here as a light-hearted nod to iconic French cultural imagery and music. Enjoy the video!

  • @V4Ng0
    @V4Ng0 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1043

    Napoleon to Macdonald: " I did not know you well.... I was prejudiced against you. I have done so much for so many others who have abandoned me.... and you..... who owe me nothing have remained faithful. I appreciate your loyalty too late"
    This hit me so hard ;_;

    • @nixon9346
      @nixon9346 3 ปีที่แล้ว +72

      Yea and the music...🤧

    • @Conorp77
      @Conorp77 3 ปีที่แล้ว +46

      And then Macdonald totally turned on him in 1815.

    • @sauronmordor7494
      @sauronmordor7494 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      yes

    • @toochangz
      @toochangz 3 ปีที่แล้ว +78

      Napoleon then gave MacDonald the sword of Murad Bey, one of the prized heirlooms from the Egyptian campaign.

    • @sauronmordor7494
      @sauronmordor7494 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@toochangz ;)

  • @ChristianThePagan
    @ChristianThePagan 3 ปีที่แล้ว +496

    “His Outspokenness” ... now that’s a cool title.

    • @nacionaldelacapital
      @nacionaldelacapital 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      McDonald was born in 17 November 1765 tw.search.yahoo.com/search?p=Jacques+Mac+Donald&fr=yfp-search-sb Just like any Scorpio person will do. And may get into trouble. LOL

    • @etiennejacquesjosephmacdon2560
      @etiennejacquesjosephmacdon2560 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Yes, but not for me.

    • @NaullyNicolas
      @NaullyNicolas 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      "I have spoken"

    • @1987MartinT
      @1987MartinT 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Kinda sounds like one of the things Han would call Leia before she told him to stop, and he started calling her by her first name.

    • @andershoel78
      @andershoel78 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Så if others persons you dont know, do what you say, you are a King.
      Either you are a King, or they just want to send you to a mental hospital for disication.

  • @mingming919
    @mingming919 3 ปีที่แล้ว +710

    Ahhhh, to hear the brass at the beginning once more...

    • @michaelsimarmata5880
      @michaelsimarmata5880 3 ปีที่แล้ว +28

      Gave me goosebumps every time

    • @jimmyeastmond2719
      @jimmyeastmond2719 3 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      Egmont Overture by Ludwig van Beethoven

    • @Danterobo
      @Danterobo 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Good for the era. Personally I love overture to Don Giovanni

    • @loyaltyisroyalty5616
      @loyaltyisroyalty5616 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Does anyone know what the first instrument is? I have 0 musical knowledge lol

    • @af17317596
      @af17317596 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@loyaltyisroyalty5616 don't quote me on it but if I were to guess, a French horn maybe?

  • @seanpoore2428
    @seanpoore2428 3 ปีที่แล้ว +976

    "There are fourteen of us!"
    I want an HBO historical dramatic comedy about these guys.

    • @jaida728
      @jaida728 3 ปีที่แล้ว +79

      I am in complete agreement, I would really really love to see that.

    • @CleversonSantos
      @CleversonSantos 3 ปีที่แล้ว +29

      Me too mate!!! Imagine how great it would be!!!

    • @Warui88
      @Warui88 3 ปีที่แล้ว +47

      The Marshals would totally make for a great show. Hijinks everywhere.

    • @wowyourereallyreadingthis
      @wowyourereallyreadingthis 3 ปีที่แล้ว +51

      •M•A•R•S•H•A•L•S•

    • @haveagreatday6822
      @haveagreatday6822 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      What did he meant by that?

  • @megasalexandros714
    @megasalexandros714 3 ปีที่แล้ว +784

    "If Bessieres can be a top 10 Napoleon's marshal then anyone can be"
    General Marmont, december 2nd 1804

    • @MarvinT0606
      @MarvinT0606 3 ปีที่แล้ว +117

      "Lol you lost to an Irishman with a hooky nose" Marshal Bessieres, 22 July 1812

    • @omarbradley6807
      @omarbradley6807 3 ปีที่แล้ว +96

      When a devout catholic is more loyal to Napoleon than you, it is not a good thing

    • @Gabriel-se9el
      @Gabriel-se9el 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      2th lol

    • @bassgeeker1578
      @bassgeeker1578 3 ปีที่แล้ว +42

      Very funny from Marmont when you know that his name was turned in French as an ironic synonym for disloyalty after his switching during the 1814 French campaign where he was in charge to cover and defend Paris, but let the allied took it... Marmont and Grouchy were the two First empire marshals to live for a while after the end of the empire with a poor unreliable reputation... Marmont, also Duke of Raguse, let the verb “Raguser” in French as synonym of treason and disloyalty.

    • @omarbradley6807
      @omarbradley6807 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      @@bassgeeker1578 The difference between Marmont and Grouchy was who the first intentionally did harm by treason a couple of times, while Grouchy misunderstood the strategic situation

  • @crownprincesebastianjohano7069
    @crownprincesebastianjohano7069 3 ปีที่แล้ว +193

    Regarding the Mighty Macdonald: His Outspokeness was once having dinner with King Louis XVIII and the Comte de Artois, Louis' ultra-royal brother who later became Charles X. Louis asked Mac what he thought of the Revolution. To the shock of all Mac responded that he loved the Revolution.
    He loved the Revolution as "How else would someone like me, not born into a noble family, have the great privilege of having dinner with his majesty?" Louis chuckled and said something to the effect of "There, you see! Even the worst circumstances can have positives."

    • @freewal
      @freewal 3 ปีที่แล้ว +38

      Louis XVIII was much more moderate than his brother the Conte d’Artois, the future Charles X. He understood that France had change a lot in 25 years.

    • @crownprincesebastianjohano7069
      @crownprincesebastianjohano7069 3 ปีที่แล้ว +26

      @@freewal Very true. Artois was, as Louis put it, "More Royalist than the King."
      Louis XVIII was not a terrible a king, and in his own way, perhaps underrated in his understanding of how to transition France from the Empire to a more settled state of affairs. His instinct was not to be blood thirsty. It is most unfortunate for everyone that his brother did not learn from his brother's example.

    • @BountyFlamor
      @BountyFlamor 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      @@crownprincesebastianjohano7069 The guy was smart enough to not take the progressive policies of the Revolution and Napoleon away, so people let him be.

  • @theodorosgkountoulidis2385
    @theodorosgkountoulidis2385 3 ปีที่แล้ว +666

    Liking before even watching. This is how strong the Epic History TV brand name is!

    • @arlohurst1595
      @arlohurst1595 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Wasn't even 3 seconds after I clicked the video.

    • @mbathroom1
      @mbathroom1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Same

    • @Baamthe25th
      @Baamthe25th 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Brand so strong I'm rewatching the previous videos to refresh my memory. By the time this series is done, I will hav ewtached every video multiples times

    • @darcboy1398
      @darcboy1398 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      So true

  • @TheFiresloth
    @TheFiresloth 3 ปีที่แล้ว +480

    Davout : "The Iron Marshal"
    Massena : "The Darling Child of Victory"
    Lannes : "The French Achilles"; "Roland"
    Ney : "The Red Lion"; "The Bravest of the Braves"
    Soult : "The Duke of Damnation"
    Murat : "King Franconi"
    Suchet : "El Hombre Justo"
    St-Cyr : The Man of Ice", "The Owl"
    Marmont : "Marshal Judas"; "Proud-Ass"
    Bernadotte : "Fair-Legs"
    Augereau : "The Proud Bandit"
    MacDonald : "Alceste" (a Moliere character known for his blunt honesty)
    Victor : "The Drummer"; "Pretty-Sun"
    Mortier : "The Ram"
    Oudinot : "Thirty-five Wounds Marshal";"The Colander"
    Moncey : "Phebus"; "The Model of All Virtues"
    Poniatowski : "The Polish Bayard"
    The fact that they almost all went down with a cool nickname is pretty awesome.

    • @terry7907
      @terry7907 3 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      Ney should have the Bravest of the Brave on your list.

    • @veknus
      @veknus 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      You missed out Lefebvfre

    • @marc-antoinerave2572
      @marc-antoinerave2572 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      Bernadotte should have been renamed “the filthy traitor”

    • @haveagreatday6822
      @haveagreatday6822 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@veknus what did they call him?

    • @TheFiresloth
      @TheFiresloth 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@terry7907 True, added.

  • @phigu198
    @phigu198 3 ปีที่แล้ว +707

    Poor Massena. He was clearly supremely capapble, but Napoleon overused him and gave him no time to recover before throwing him into Spain.

    • @john6941
      @john6941 3 ปีที่แล้ว +245

      Not to mention shooting him in the face.

    • @haveagreatday6822
      @haveagreatday6822 3 ปีที่แล้ว +130

      He was Exhausted,old and sick poor guy probably just wanted to retire

    • @0giwan
      @0giwan 3 ปีที่แล้ว +54

      He could probably be played by Harrison Ford....

    • @haveagreatday6822
      @haveagreatday6822 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@0giwan wdym?

    • @AJKecsk
      @AJKecsk 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Literally shot in the face by Napoleon

  • @anantbisht6355
    @anantbisht6355 3 ปีที่แล้ว +485

    Massena was shot in the face
    Oudinot: _Pathetic_

    • @haveagreatday6822
      @haveagreatday6822 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Oudinot was wounded mostly in his bodies, Not his His face although he did has scars on the face

    • @laurentparodi5261
      @laurentparodi5261 3 ปีที่แล้ว +46

      @@haveagreatday6822 Oudinot was shot in the head in 1794

    • @haveagreatday6822
      @haveagreatday6822 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@laurentparodi5261 ok i didnt know that

    • @sjsbviufvibwvuspi
      @sjsbviufvibwvuspi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@laurentparodi5261 a certain someone else was also shot in the head but still died

    • @metallica27796
      @metallica27796 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Murat was shot in the jaw

  • @CosmicFaust
    @CosmicFaust 3 ปีที่แล้ว +191

    “I’ve been looking forward to this.” - Count Dooku

  • @birddt3
    @birddt3 3 ปีที่แล้ว +298

    McDonald...Outspoken, honest, loyal, blunt, and good in a hard fight! Like a true Scotsman.

    • @alister2228
      @alister2228 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Potentiality, illigetimate though... No recognised by Neil Maceachan on his birth certificate. Macdonald was however raised by the Scottish community in the Sancerre region.

    • @sauronmordor7494
      @sauronmordor7494 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      yes

    • @toochangz
      @toochangz 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      He also banged Napoleon's sister (one of the reasons napoleon didn't like him)

    • @sauronmordor7494
      @sauronmordor7494 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@toochangz ;=)

    • @alister2228
      @alister2228 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@toochangz is that the three days story?

  • @d.s.archer5903
    @d.s.archer5903 3 ปีที่แล้ว +97

    6:56 the reason Lannes and Bessieres did not come to blows was because Massena intervened, ordered them to stop, and to part company. As others have noted, it says much for Massena’s authority that he was able to impose his will on Lannes.

    • @Warui88
      @Warui88 3 ปีที่แล้ว +27

      You know you're intimidating when you can make Lannes heel.

    • @AL4N22_PELIT
      @AL4N22_PELIT ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@Warui88 honestly I always saw bessieres as cold and dull. He certainly couldn't intimidate lannes.

  • @loyaltyisroyalty5616
    @loyaltyisroyalty5616 3 ปีที่แล้ว +289

    iPhone notification: Napoleon’s Marshals part 4
    Me to my family: “Everyone needs to leave me the hell alone for the next 30mins!...plz n thnx”

    • @ralexmarquez
      @ralexmarquez 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Hahaha! it's the Epic History effect.

    • @lukeparslow6780
      @lukeparslow6780 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I see you're a man of culture as well

    • @johnnyjoestar5193
      @johnnyjoestar5193 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I swear everytime I watch a new EHTV video I always get interrupted😭

    • @jcg7990
      @jcg7990 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Lol 😁😂 yes !

  • @dakapo8985
    @dakapo8985 3 ปีที่แล้ว +168

    "There is 14 of us" what a champ.

    • @haveagreatday6822
      @haveagreatday6822 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      What does that mean?

    • @braxtonfriday8713
      @braxtonfriday8713 3 ปีที่แล้ว +33

      @@haveagreatday6822 he meant "your congratulations mean nothing to me, there are so many others with this 'honor'"

    • @dakapo8985
      @dakapo8985 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@haveagreatday6822 That he had the mind of a champion.

  • @davidhoran7116
    @davidhoran7116 3 ปีที่แล้ว +320

    These videos go to show that even though Napoleon was a strategic wizard, his successes were far from his alone.

    • @mercenery1232
      @mercenery1232 3 ปีที่แล้ว +28

      Yeah many great leaders are those that know how and who to delegate work to the right men

    • @lomax343
      @lomax343 3 ปีที่แล้ว +30

      Neither were his failures.

    • @PipoZePoulp
      @PipoZePoulp 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      By the time of the Napoleonic Wars, the army and military cadres had a decade of experience, owning to the civil war and Wars of the Revolution. It took 15 years for the rest of European Powers to catch up.

    • @RexGalilae
      @RexGalilae 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@PipoZePoulp
      This is a very one-sided view. The French didn't gain experience fighting trees. They mainly fought the Austrians and the Russians during this era who had the same opportunity to gain this amount of pedigree.
      It's often convenient to retroactively attach merit to circumstance but the inescapable truth lay in a few talented men France could produce that were influential in creating a new style of warfare that lasted for about about a century

    • @fredbarker9201
      @fredbarker9201 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Napoleon, riding on the wave of the revolution, promoted meritocracy in the army. That’s why they were so good. The rest of Europe’s army’s were littered with nobles only their on account of their birth.

  • @avatar2350
    @avatar2350 3 ปีที่แล้ว +118

    I must admit, at 17:11 i felt very sad. The dispear on Napoleon's portrait, the music and the brilliant narration...
    A true masterpice that honors the memory of past generations

  • @sirfatty5068
    @sirfatty5068 3 ปีที่แล้ว +365

    Now just do this for Alexander's Companions and my life is complete.

  • @benjaminvidstein6029
    @benjaminvidstein6029 3 ปีที่แล้ว +365

    I was surprised at Massena being at 6. I had always thought he was one of his best commanders, but now I think otherwise. Great video : ) My prediction for the next 6 are: 6. Suchet 5. Berthier 4. Ney 3. Lannes 2. Soult 1. Davout

    • @EpichistoryTv
      @EpichistoryTv  3 ปีที่แล้ว +285

      I think Masséna probably was one of the best - when he was completely fit. But after 1810 I think he just wanted a quiet life with his money and his mistress! If the rankings were done another way - every Marshals at the peak of his abilities - I think he'd probably be top 5. Your predictions are VERY close but I will say no more.

    • @Sam-AZ
      @Sam-AZ 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      @@EpichistoryTv Ney is no.1

    • @janvokurka2401
      @janvokurka2401 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      I think Ney won't be at the fourth place Suchet will surpass him imo. But otherwise I agree with the ranking. Maybe Lannes changes with Soult in this series though.

    • @sephiroth5815
      @sephiroth5815 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      Why Soult outranked Lannes ? Lannes is far better than Soult. Maybe more than Davout

    • @Thomas194.
      @Thomas194. 3 ปีที่แล้ว +26

      @@EpichistoryTv I think Marshal Lannes will be number 1 beacause of excellent commanding skills specially with his loyal grenadiers among the troops, one of Napoleon's closest friend, fully trusted. Also, the Grande Armee loved this brillant commander.

  • @napoleonibonaparte7198
    @napoleonibonaparte7198 3 ปีที่แล้ว +263

    Napoleon Souvenirs might as well supply my officer corps

  • @thebulletthatkilledjfk8803
    @thebulletthatkilledjfk8803 3 ปีที่แล้ว +184

    Only problem with these vids is that you have to wait a month for another. Thx for all the likes guys, I don't really post comments so its pretty cool.

    • @Warui88
      @Warui88 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Get your ladder, Lannes, we're going in early to get the next one!

    • @NDR-hn3ue
      @NDR-hn3ue 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      YES !!!

    • @julianius484
      @julianius484 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      True but making quality videos such as this takes time.

    • @etiennejacquesjosephmacdon2560
      @etiennejacquesjosephmacdon2560 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@julianius484 yes, trust me it is highly efficient at killing time (both the process of making this video and watching it AGAIN just to ensure there's no mistake)

  • @fangexploring
    @fangexploring 3 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    Seems like Massena and Macdonald combined would have made the perfect Marshal. They both sound fascinating characters, this has definitely made me want to learn more about them. These videos are so good I keep watching them again and again, thank you!

  • @NDR-hn3ue
    @NDR-hn3ue 3 ปีที่แล้ว +46

    *Only THREE Marshals for this episode . And there are ALREADY nearly 35 THOUSAND VIEWS !!! People LOVE this series.*

  • @b.chaline4394
    @b.chaline4394 3 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    Along with Lannes, MacDonald is probably the most likeable of Napoleon's marshals. A loyal and chivalrous man to the end, more interested in serving his country than accumulating wealth ; a rare feat among his peers!

  • @dumbcow7722GD
    @dumbcow7722GD 3 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    Is anyone not gonna talk about how epic the music is when Massena showed up, fitting for a man like him.

  • @crownprincesebastianjohano7069
    @crownprincesebastianjohano7069 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Haha! In before anyone else! Great work as usual! Outstanding!
    Bessieres was underserved. He was a solid general, also loyal and stalwart. And boy did he and Lannes hate one another. In Marbot's memoirs he relates the story of where Lannes, who Marbot was ADC for, during a battle ordered him to take a message to Bessieres to attack. Lannes told Marbot to give Bessieres the order exactly as Lannes had said it, which was gravely insulting. Marbot did this and Bessieres was incensed and cried out that he'd show that popinjay what courage means. Besseries than launched him the attack with great vigor. Lannes later explained to Marbot that insulting Bessieres was the best way to ensure that he launched the attack as violently as possible to disjoint the enemy.

    • @EpichistoryTv
      @EpichistoryTv  3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Haha, yes. And as far as I know, it was all because Lannes blew the budget for the Consular Guard, and Murat and Bessières told on him, and got him sacked!

    • @onetwothreefourfive12345
      @onetwothreefourfive12345 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      thats a hilarious detail thanks for sharing haha

    • @onetwothreefourfive12345
      @onetwothreefourfive12345 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      pretty clever

    • @user-cj4df7vs7w
      @user-cj4df7vs7w 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@EpichistoryTv only suchet deserves to be number 1

  • @HunterKiller762
    @HunterKiller762 3 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    Honestly, I wish there'd be an HBO series about the lives of these men. Each are unique and quiet interesting in there own ways.

  • @b.chaline4394
    @b.chaline4394 3 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    I highly recommend the novel "The Battle" by French author Patrick Rambaud - it's a tale of the Battle of Essling, from the point of view of French protagonists, whether they be common soldiers or high ranking officers. It is one of the very best Napoleonic fictions even written, and Masséna is a standout in it. There is one scene in particular that is totally awesome, in which Masséna addresses his aide, the Marquess of Sainte-Croix : "And you, my little Sainte-Croix, with your conspicuously aristocratic name, who do you believe in?" "I believe only in you, Your Grace." "Ah! Good answer."

  • @1987MartinT
    @1987MartinT 3 ปีที่แล้ว +136

    Wellington also said about Masséna that he was the fiercest opponent he ever fought aside from Napoleon himself.

    • @EK-gr9gd
      @EK-gr9gd 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Well, Old Nosey has been generous to his adversaries always.

    • @TheWorldisaLIE2
      @TheWorldisaLIE2 3 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      @@EK-gr9gd yeah it makes himself and record look better if he talks up his opponents lol

    • @etoiledesneiges3999
      @etoiledesneiges3999 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Wellington didn't fight that much.apart from the peninsular campaign. A bright commander, but except in Waterloo, he only fought isolated french corps/marshals.

    • @EK-gr9gd
      @EK-gr9gd 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@etoiledesneiges3999 The Duke did most of his campaigns, without a staff genius like Berthier. George Kennedy got the commissary under control. But beside that Wellington was much of a one man enterprise.

    • @thunderbird1921
      @thunderbird1921 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Considering Messena crushed Naples almost singlehandedly, it's easy to see why he might say that. On a related note, I've always wondered how different history might have been if Carlos IV or his son were not overthrown in Spain and they split Portugal with Napoleon as planned. Would the British still have pushed the allied Spanish-French army out in the end?

  • @lord_napoli
    @lord_napoli 3 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    Me and my family have been waiting for this for literally months!

    • @doctortabasco
      @doctortabasco 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      And we have to keep waiting!!

  • @landfish8039
    @landfish8039 3 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    This series just makes my day

  • @omarbradley6807
    @omarbradley6807 3 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    MacDonald was too loyal to France, he avoided politics at all, however being an inmediate subordinate of Dummoriez was a bad step in his luck, and then he was an inmediate subordinate of Moreau, who was another bad step in his luck

    • @haveagreatday6822
      @haveagreatday6822 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      He is literally the dear child of badluck

    • @joshuagrover795
      @joshuagrover795 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      But at least MacDonald "Walk the walk" as much as "Talked the talk" by rigorously defending former colleagues like Marshal Davout and ensuring most of the time the ex Marshals and soldiers were treated well and fair.

  • @frozenfire5917
    @frozenfire5917 3 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    "When Masséna was opposed to me on the field, I never slept comfortably"

  • @napoleonibonaparte7198
    @napoleonibonaparte7198 3 ปีที่แล้ว +68

    I can imagine a decrepit Greek architecture hall with the hall’s sides lined with statues of the Marshal’s, with myself in at the end... with chants of, “Terror Belli, Decus Pacis” while walking down the hall.

    • @natehammar7353
      @natehammar7353 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      This hall must be made to exist if it doesn’t. We already know what order to put them in. 😏

  • @crownprincesebastianjohano7069
    @crownprincesebastianjohano7069 3 ปีที่แล้ว +118

    What can one say about Massena? He was Massena.
    Even if he always brought his mistresses on campaign.

    • @MarvinT0606
      @MarvinT0606 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      It was that myth of Massena that broke him in Spain. He developed too many bad habits in Italy that wouldn't pass muster in a unforgiving theater like Spain.

    • @EK-gr9gd
      @EK-gr9gd 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      And he was a damned looter! Second to Soult.

    • @TheKastroman
      @TheKastroman 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Here is another view of Masséna's lidership of the invasion of Portugal:
      The Duke of Wellington wrote of the murder, thefts and worse: “The British people, I’m certain, wouldn’t believe the indecent behaviours of the French after their retreat. I have never seen, nor heard, nor read of such behaviour and am convinced their actions have no equal in world history. You will hear several shocking recounts which should be told to the world at large. They killed all the countryfolk they found. Every day, we found the bodies of women, young and old, who were either stabbed, or shot. Since we were near Condexia, they regularly sent patrols to fetch all girls over the age of 10 to the camp to satisfy the soldiery… Every child we met was in tears, mourning the death of a parent. The houses were systematically burned … They dug up and looted the graves. Two days ago, one of our patrols entered a village where they found 36 corpses, most of whom were in their beds…”

    • @MarvinT0606
      @MarvinT0606 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@TheKastroman Soult, Massena, and Murat were primarily responsible for the large-scale violence in Spain

    • @sanfordwong
      @sanfordwong 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Come on his health was bad at that moment. Now I'm very understanding about why he had to bring his mistress with him to take care his everyday living. Battlefield is a very harsh environment especially in Spain instead of Germany or Italy. If Napoleon called him to Russia, he would be very likely to died there.

  • @santamaria7733
    @santamaria7733 3 ปีที่แล้ว +163

    Napoleonic wars: Me and the boys taking on the monarchy

    • @lukebrand6382
      @lukebrand6382 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      the revolution marches on the legs of the boys

    • @khameronsmith108
      @khameronsmith108 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Gf: Come over
      Me: Can't me and the boys are fighting for the glory of the Emperor

  • @aydrianna22
    @aydrianna22 3 ปีที่แล้ว +74

    "It is a terrible loss for you and your children, but an even greater loss for me." lol anyone else think that's a bit weird to write to a grieving widow?

    • @Talyrion
      @Talyrion 3 ปีที่แล้ว +31

      For all his talents, Napoléon wasn't the most considerate person in the world, I'm afraid.

    • @YiannissB.
      @YiannissB. 3 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      Imagine being that widow.
      “Thnx your majesty. That really helped...”

    • @duxveritatis2569
      @duxveritatis2569 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      I mean he was one of his few true friends and a very good subject so it's not that weird. Especially in a time where service to your country was held on very high regard.

    • @aydrianna22
      @aydrianna22 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@duxveritatis2569 Oh, I'm not doubting that he was closer to Napolean, just a funny thing to actually say to the spouse and her children lol.

    • @ryandepaulo
      @ryandepaulo 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@duxveritatis2569 "my true friend and very good subject is more important than your husband or father" lol it's so napoleon

  • @faridmakhluffarras524
    @faridmakhluffarras524 3 ปีที่แล้ว +50

    Messena: *Got shot in his Eyeball by Napoleon
    Berthier: It was my fault
    Man i wonder how Napoleon feel in that moment

    • @haveagreatday6822
      @haveagreatday6822 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      To be fair Napoleon had always been a little bit intimidated by Massena since his on par with Moreau and Jourdan and infact his above Dumouriez,Serurier and Most of Napoleon’s Other marshal such as Lannes,Mortier,Bessieres,Soult and Macdonald.
      So i think Napoleon was kinda hella Scared that he shot massena. But Massena wasn’t really the type of person to be vengeful

  • @dogestranding5047
    @dogestranding5047 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    It's awesome that you were able to get a former French Chief Historian to help you on this video. Epic History TV is easily one of the greatest TH-cam channels out there.
    Marshal MacDonald seemed like a genuinely good and well-intentioned man. I didn't know much about him before other than seeing his name and thinking it was out of place for someone in the French army, but he's one of my favorite Marshals now.

    • @Kidvirus44
      @Kidvirus44 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      out of place ? The oldest alliance in the entire world, scott and french. with irland too, not so old but still... Jeanne d'arc entered in orlean with musicians/soldiers playing the march of robert bruce (la marche des soldats de bruce < french name).
      Thats a very old story between our people

  • @yazui.i.9368
    @yazui.i.9368 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Because of the effort made on this Channel, my interest in History and Wars went pretty high starting from last year on. I must say if there would be more people like you guys, spreading history so interestingly, than usual people like me learn more

  • @canisrah
    @canisrah 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Incredible series. Absolute masterpiece. Engaging, and deeply authentic.

  • @josephbenjamin2413
    @josephbenjamin2413 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    "Massena was notorious for extorting vast sums from the local Italians, often while his own troops went hungry and without pay."
    My heart fell when I heard this. The man forgot his roots.

  • @PipoZePoulp
    @PipoZePoulp 3 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    "Good and brave, but unlucky"
    Bad luck was the worst flaw in a general according to Napoleon. Ambition and treachery, he could work with or around, Fortune he couldn't.

  • @Princeofthebow
    @Princeofthebow 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Truly beautiful! We want part 5!

  • @AtheAetheling
    @AtheAetheling 3 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    My Brain: Buy the flag of the Imperial Guard from that website.
    Me: why?
    My Brain: You gotta

  • @deuxpomme9777
    @deuxpomme9777 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Hearing the intro always hypes me up I swear this is the best youtube channel for the Napoleonic wars, Love the video as always epic history tv!!!! Much love to you guys over there 💜

  • @Rublecurrency
    @Rublecurrency 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    For Russian People Massena is a special historical figure not because of his victories over enemies (for example over russo-austrian army at Zurich) but because of his attempt to trap and destroy Suvorov's army after defeating allies at Zurich. He was beaten by Suvorov who had 14 thousand soldiers VS 24 thousand of Massena's army at Mutotal, Switzerland. After Suvorov's death, Massena said "I would give all my victories for one Suvorov's Swiss campaign"
    That defeat didnt make Massena a bad general, because of Suvorov's brilliant military leadership, may be at one level with Napoleon at that time..
    For me Massena is one of 5 Best french marshals as Ney, Lannes, Davout and Murat.

  • @toochangz
    @toochangz 3 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    Massena visited Great Britain on his later years, apparently he and Wellington got along really well in their later years
    At one dinner Massena came up to Wellington and grabbed him and playfully said "I finally caught you!"
    Massena then pointed to his grey hair and said "Wellington turned every hair on my body grey in Portugal."
    Wellington and Soult also met late in life but did not have as good a relationship as Wellington and Massena did

    • @centurymemes1208
      @centurymemes1208 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Umm isn't that Wellington when he grabbed soult instead of massena?
      Besides massena died in 1817

  • @jeanlannes8710
    @jeanlannes8710 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I am addicted to these! Seeing an analysis like this of Roman generals would be fantastic.

  • @beramtaib4713
    @beramtaib4713 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Yes, been waiting for this one

  • @ralexmarquez
    @ralexmarquez 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    if you guys were to do a series on the Diadochi and the battles they waged, It'd be grand

  • @sephiroth5815
    @sephiroth5815 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    This channel improved my history knowledge. Thank you Epic History :D

  • @cjthegood
    @cjthegood 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    If circumstances were favorable, I think both MacDonald and Masséna would have been ranked higher.
    Honestly, I thought Masséna would have been included in the Top 5 marshals. But, after learning about his unfortunate blunders, I've seen this ranking as reasonable.
    In the case of MacDonald, if he hadn't been too close to Moreau, he wouldn't have been suspected by Napoleon. Maybe he would have been included in the first batch of marshals and have fought during the emperor's earlier campaigns.

  • @CosmicFaust
    @CosmicFaust 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    The amazing series continues. Thanks for all the hard work EHTV! It really is greatly appreciated 😁.
    After this series, will you be working on new ones (like World War 2)?

  • @victoriousomen
    @victoriousomen 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I absolutely love these biographies! They give such extra depth to the previous battle videos, feature some truly inspirational individuals and portray the age in amazing detail.
    Thank you!

  • @KHK001
    @KHK001 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Yes been waiting for this!

  • @alanclark4722
    @alanclark4722 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Best series i've watched in along time.

  • @maartenroelofs6665
    @maartenroelofs6665 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    It has been 2 and a half months already since part 4, when is part 5 coming? The other parts were only 4 weeks apart if im correct. You guys are my favorite history channel!

  • @ftr1453
    @ftr1453 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Such a great work! With these videos you are rising up a new generation of Napoleon's time lovers. Thank you and continue with it!

  • @internetstrangerstrangerofweb
    @internetstrangerstrangerofweb 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I remember so many years ago when you guys made your first videos on the Napoleonic war. I was immediately hooked.
    It’s so amazing to see how your channel has grown and improved. You should have so many more subscribers. Goes to show how broken TH-cam is.
    Simply astounding work as usual, epic history! They should use this in colleges!

  • @khalidal-hasan9535
    @khalidal-hasan9535 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    My favourite TH-cam series. Thank you Epic History for this great content 👏 👌 ❤

  • @archibaldmccutcheon5884
    @archibaldmccutcheon5884 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Incredibly well done! Massena in his prime would have made anyone suffer restless nights. Being a proud member of Clan Donald was quite pleased with McDonald's placement. He has similarities to Longstreet. Lee's Old War Horse. Can't wait for your next installment. Maybe get an answer to the Ney question. I myself believe he resides in restful peace in North Carolina.

    • @joshuagrover795
      @joshuagrover795 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      In his prime Masséna was alongside Lannes and Davout as one of France's finest commanders especially with independent command. If Napoleon had let him recover from his campaigns instead of throwing him immediately back into the fight, then his military abilities despite aging might well have been sharp and decisive a big "what if."
      Clearly a man with many raw military abilities, incredible since he never received any formal education or military training. The only other problem with Masséna was his love for looting.

  • @spartacus4187
    @spartacus4187 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    can`t wait for part 5!!!

  • @owenowen212
    @owenowen212 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    The production quality and historical detail of your documentaries is simply outstanding.

  • @antivalidisme5669
    @antivalidisme5669 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    I won't lie, gotta love Bayonne's omnipresence on your maps of France ;)
    MacDonald was brave for sure, but he was a noble person too.

  • @jpharris5757
    @jpharris5757 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    As a true blue Brit, I've obviously always been blind to the French perspective, reading the only 'real' account of how things were. note: limited in depth reading. This Chanel is excellent to provide counter points and thoroughly enjoyable and readily digestible accounts, but really loving these Marshal reviews. Just hurry up with the next 3...

  • @claymccarver6446
    @claymccarver6446 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Been waiting for this just made my night thanks EPIC!!!

  • @picovinztalplacido553
    @picovinztalplacido553 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I can’t wait for the part 5!

  • @shubhambeniwal7146
    @shubhambeniwal7146 3 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    *Waiting for next part Lannes and Davout in particular.I believe the Imperial Guard would have changed tide of Waterloo if used by Napoleon with Lannes or Davout as Commander in earlier stages of battle.*

    • @yrsjhydjmdhyt
      @yrsjhydjmdhyt 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      The Battle of Waterloo may have turned out different if Lannes and Davout were present. But the outcome of Napoleon’s downfall was never in question. No one single country can outlast an alliance determined to destroy you forever. Napoleonic France was simply worn down, not defeated by brilliant war maneuvers.

    • @Benkenobi8118
      @Benkenobi8118 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@yrsjhydjmdhyt Disagree. After Schonbrunn and the war of the 5th coalition, it was just Britain vs France. I think had he not invaded Russia, and went to Spain, he could have won. But I don't know how it would have worked after his death. The powers that be were determined to crush the French.

    • @yrsjhydjmdhyt
      @yrsjhydjmdhyt 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@Benkenobi8118 Wrong. The Russian invasion only accelerated the inevitable. There was no way Napoleonic France could match the resources of the Coalition. Take a look at the makeup of the French army that fought at Austerlitz vs Wagram vs Waterloo. You will see an continual decline of quality soldiers. Whether it was 1815 or a few years later, a single country cannot win a war of attrition.

    • @nixon9346
      @nixon9346 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@yrsjhydjmdhyt i dont see decline at wagram,it was big battle with alot of cassualties and austrians were getting better.Napoleon lost his army in russia,i mean 500k soldiers,you just cant recover from that.

    • @natehammar7353
      @natehammar7353 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@nixon9346 Exactly. The generals, veterans, and most especially horses, lost in Russia made Leipzig and Waterloo inevitable. Napoleon couldn’t beat Russia in Russia, but he was the master of the rest of Europe, especially with Emperor Francis’ treatment of Charles, the only commander to really defeat the Grand Army.

  • @brianjtarr
    @brianjtarr 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I would love to see more more of his battles when you're finished with the marshals. You could still do Marengo, Dresden, the Egyptian Campaign... The list goes on. In fact, it's kinda strange that there's a video about Toulon, and then the next battle you cover is twelve years later. Such high quality videos every time.

  • @hyperjohn6627
    @hyperjohn6627 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love this channel!!! Thank you so much for doing this!!

  • @JohnWayneCheeseburger
    @JohnWayneCheeseburger 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Omg waited so long for this you guys rock!

  • @cagatayaksu6549
    @cagatayaksu6549 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I Just LOVE This Channel ❤️❤️❤️

  • @karimsamyhaidri8132
    @karimsamyhaidri8132 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Bessières was killed at Rippach few meters away from Ney who said: "It's our fate to all". His aide de camp was also killed by a cannon ball that day.

  • @danielharpwood3837
    @danielharpwood3837 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Been waiting for this!

  • @rabast
    @rabast 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Greatest history channel on youtube, no doubt. Narrator is so damn good.
    Can't say how many times I've listened to the Napoleonic Wars series. It's my favourite series ever.

  • @Mike22Katana
    @Mike22Katana 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Absolutely wonderful channel and series, can't believe I have only just stumbled across this! My total novice stab at the top 5.
    1. Davout
    2. Soult
    3. Berthier
    4. Suchet
    5a. Lannes
    5b. Ney

  • @saifakib8346
    @saifakib8346 3 ปีที่แล้ว +85

    If Davout doesn't Win I am gonna take legal action.

    • @mobitouchiha
      @mobitouchiha 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Make it a class action. He is in all but name Napoleons Labienus.

    • @babmax9499
      @babmax9499 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Lannes could win if it would not be incredible

  • @iamjacksspleen379
    @iamjacksspleen379 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank God! Been waiting forever!

  • @MS4RS
    @MS4RS 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much for what you are doing on this project.

  • @TanzaniaCountryball
    @TanzaniaCountryball 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Wow, nice! I literally woke up and then found this was uploaded literally 42 seconds ago lol

  • @liviusorescu817
    @liviusorescu817 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Never clicked so fast în my entire life

  • @zach7193
    @zach7193 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've been waiting forever for this!

  • @bleta1594
    @bleta1594 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Finally , awesome video! Keep up with the good work you guys!

  • @kevindalton2981
    @kevindalton2981 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    So Christmas came early this year. Thank you Epic History TV

  • @saggybones
    @saggybones 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This is a great series. I recommend you guys do something similar with Alexander the Great's Diadochi

  • @marceloseixas895
    @marceloseixas895 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is absolutely the best history channel on yt!

  • @connorfritsch8618
    @connorfritsch8618 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    You guys do astounding work! You have created thee place to learn about the napoleonic wars! Thank you for all the hard work and I can't get enough of your napoleonic content, I really can't thank you guys enough❤

  • @arveanturtelcontar6138
    @arveanturtelcontar6138 3 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    Moreau would have been a marshal if not for Moreau's wife's ambitions and the intrigues that arose from Moreau's wife and the Moreau club.

    • @ernestoA.1999
      @ernestoA.1999 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Moreau was known to be jealous of Bonaparte’s military talents

    • @etoiledesneiges3999
      @etoiledesneiges3999 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Moreau was a direct competitor to Napoleon due to his wife's ambition. He was the first choice for the brumaire coup, but declined as he hadn't the balls to perform it.

    • @freewal
      @freewal 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Étoile summarise it. Sieyes was looking for a general to make the coup. Moreau didn’t have the balls. Napoleon did it and he became the Fist Consul then Emperor. End of story.
      Then the Moreau’s wife was jealous and pushed his husband to commit a coup.
      Women had a crucial political role... jealousy and bad advices.

    • @thehistoryvideogameandgame4730
      @thehistoryvideogameandgame4730 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Moreau was made a posthumous marshal by Louis XVIII in 1814

    • @ernestoA.1999
      @ernestoA.1999 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      The History, Video Game And Game Show Fan No , Moreau was killed at the battle of Dresden 1813

  • @michaelbaker9150
    @michaelbaker9150 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I would love a historical comedy with all these marshals.

    • @stefanfilipovits21
      @stefanfilipovits21 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      The team who did The Death Of Stalin would be perfect for that

  • @auswhofan
    @auswhofan 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is a top notch quality production, gripping viewing, love it!

  • @karfiolovinys.r.o.7114
    @karfiolovinys.r.o.7114 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm always so excited for vids from this series... Just throw everything else to the side and go watch... Always have goosebumps while watching... The way you make these videos is just amazing

  • @rohitnautiyal7090
    @rohitnautiyal7090 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Waiting for the Part 5 desperately. We appreciate your hard work

  • @paulblees4522
    @paulblees4522 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Please make also videos about great generals, politicians and other interesting persons of this time (like Eugène de Beauharnais, Fouché, Talleyrand and Tsar Alexander)

  • @avalle4493
    @avalle4493 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Epic History and Kings&Generals videos on the same day😍
    Christmas is really coming.

  • @Lennard...
    @Lennard... 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Another wonderful video

  • @thomascrozet3500
    @thomascrozet3500 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Can't wait to hear about Marshal Davout! His name never came out yet, but man he will get the first spot! Loyal - Undefeated - GameChanger - Effective. I know that the others 5 left are very good but still...

  • @kilrmonjaro
    @kilrmonjaro 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Come on man, I need the next episode

  • @suprakashchakraborty546
    @suprakashchakraborty546 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Epic history T. V. Is my favorite history channel, which always give perfect history documentaries and it is the only channel from where I created a great taste for history.Thank you Epic History T.V for making such extraordinary documentries.