With Eagles to Glory: Napoleon and his German Allies in the 1809 Campaign

Highly illustrated account of German battle histories.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 528 pages
Publication date: 04 September 2018
Publisher: Greenhill Books

When Napoleon's Grand Armee went to war against the mighty Habsburg empire in 1809, its forces included over 100,000 allied German troops. From his earliest imperial campaigns, these troops played a key role as Napoleon swept from victory to victory, and in 1809 their fighting abilities were crucial to the campaign. With Napoleon's French troops depleted and debilitated after the long struggle in the Spanish War, the German troops for the first time played a major combat role in the center of the battle line. Aiming at a union of German states under French protection to replace the decrepit Holy Roman Empire, Napoleon sought to expand French influence in central Germany at the expense of the Austrian and Prussian monarchies, ensuring France's own security. The campaign Napoleon waged in 1809 was his career watershed. He suffered his first reverse at Aspern. Victory was achieved at Wagram was not the knock-out blow he had envisaged.

In this epic work, John Gill presents an unprecedented and comprehensive study of this year of glory for the German soldiers fighting for Napoleon. When combat opened, they were in the thick of the action, fighting within French divisions and often without any French support at all. They demonstrated tremendous skill, courage, and loyalty.

The German troops played a pivotal role in the campaign, providing a significant numerical advantage over the French forces. They were well-trained, well-equipped, and highly disciplined, and their fighting skills were unmatched. The German troops were able to take advantage of the terrain, using their knowledge of the local landscape to their advantage. They were also able to coordinate their efforts with the French troops, allowing them to launch coordinated attacks and defend against enemy counterattacks.

One of the key factors that contributed to the German troops' success was their loyalty to Napoleon. They were committed to the cause of French expansion and were willing to sacrifice their lives in the pursuit of victory. They were also highly motivated, driven by a sense of pride in their country and a desire to prove their worth to their emperor.

Despite their success, the German troops were not without their challenges. They were often outnumbered and outgunned by the French forces, and they faced constant pressure from the enemy. They also had to deal with the harsh conditions of the battlefield, including extreme weather and long periods of boredom.

Despite these challenges, the German troops remained steadfast in their support for Napoleon. They continued to fight with courage and determination, and their contributions to the campaign were invaluable. In the end, the German troops' success in 1809 was a testament to their skill, courage, and loyalty. They played a crucial role in the defeat of the Habsburg empire and helped to establish the dominance of the French empire in Europe. Their legacy continues to be celebrated to this day, and they will always be remembered as one of the greatest military forces in history.

Weight: 878g
Dimension: 225 x 179 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784383091
Edition number: 3 ed