answersLogoWhite

0

Napoleon was very victorious in many battles and who people think won those depends on your standpoint or point of view. I can list seven batlles he absolutely did not win:

1. 1796 combat at Caldiero is significant as being Bonaparte's first

undisputable defeat in open field, and although most of the

Napoleonic authors passed quickly over this episode to describe

and analyze the following battle of Arcole in much more

detail, the fact remains that by the standards of the Italian

Campaign Caldiero is a significant engagement. Napoleon was much

depressed by his defeat, and on next day he wrote a letter to the

Directory that he would oppose the Austrians once again but

that he had no hope of stopping their drive to Mantua and would

probably retreat to the line of the river Ada.

Austrian commander: Alvinczi

Armies: 12,500 French vs 12,000 Austrians

2. 1809 Aspern-Essling

Although he would later claim a victory, the Emperor had

sufferred his first major defeat. He lost out to the determined

Austrians under Archduke Charles.

After Essling, Napoleon's position was one of extreme anxiety.

The news of the reverse spread like wildfire throughout Europe

offering every encouragement to his enemies.

Allied commanders: Archduke Charles

Armies: 65,000 French vs 90,000 Austrians

3. 1812 Beresina Crossings

Napoleon lost 25,000 killed, wounded, and prisoners. The

Russians lost 20,000. Additionally at least 10,000 Frenchmen

were masacred by Cossacks,while another 20,000 died in the

freezing river or were crushed to death in the panic to cross -

the bridges. Only few thousands managed to escape . In this

situation the Russians became the undisputed masters of the

battlefield . ( Some pro - French authors consider Beresina as

French victory.)

4. 1813 Leipzig

Napoleon withstood Allies assaults and then counterattacked.

Meanwhile another army (under Bennigsen) attacked his flank.

It forced Napoleon to abandon his strongpoints and withdraw

his army closer to Leipzig. Then he was surrounded & crushed.

In terms of casualties and political & strategical results it was

probably Napoleon's greatest defeat. Allied commanders were:

Allies' commanders: Schwarzenberg (Austrians), Tolly (Russians)

Bernadotte (Swedes) and Blucher/Gneisenau (Prussians).

Armies: 200,000 French, Poles, and Germans vs 300,000 Allies

5. 1814 La Rothiere

While he exchanged blows with the Russians to his front , the

Austrians, Bavarians and Wirtembergians attacked his flanks.

Napoleon retreated, it was his first defeat on French soil.

The allied commanders (with the exception of Gneisenau) were

entirely carried away by their enthusiasm and, instead of

organising a vigorous pursuit, wasted the day following

the battle in feasting and mutual congratulations.

Allies commanders: Blucher/Gneisenau

Armies: 45,000 French vs 52,000 Russians, Austrians, Germans

6. 1814 Laon

Allies' stand had prevented Napoleon from driving them north.

The Allies were still in a position to advance on Paris, which

they did at the end of March.

Armies: 35,000 French vs 60,000 Russians and Prussians

Allies commanders: Blucher/Gneisenau

7. 1815 Waterloo

While Napoleon attacked the British-Netherland army (under

Wellington), part of the Prussian army (under Blucher) attacked

his flank. Napoleon was crushed. In strategy as in tactics the

flank attack is one of the most powerful.

Blucher Wellington Armies: 75,000 French vs 122,250 Allies

Allies commanders: Wellington (British, German, Netherland)

and Blucher's/Gneisenau's (Prussians)

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?