Napoleonic Wars: Battle of Leipzig 1813

I hope you enjoy the latest video in our Napoleonic Wars series! As far as I'm aware, this is now the most detailed coverage of the Battle of Leipzig in an English-language documentary. It's a very neglected battle, particularly among English-speakers, but deserves to be much better known and understood. Not only was it fought on a vast scale, but this is where Napoleon's empire suffered its mortal blow. For those interested in details: for the battle, I've used a VERY rough scale of 1 big block (of 4 smaller blocks) = 1 infantry division, or roughly 5,000 troops. That means a small block is roughly half a brigade / 2-3 battalions, or 1,250 troops. For artillery, roughly 1 cannon icon = 50 guns (in reality, of course, guns were much more widely dispersed across the battlefield). For cavalry, the scale is roughly double that of infantry, so one big block = 2,500 cavalry. However cavalry operated in much smaller formations than this, so they, plus smaller units and skirmishers, should be thought of as operating in most of the gaps between units on the map. For anyone interested in detailed orders-of-battle for Leipzig, I recommend this page from The Napoleon Series: www.napoleon-series.org/military/battles/leipzig/c…

In the darkest hours of qurantine, TOP QUALITY CONTENT ARRIVES

>Difficulty: Mad Emperor >Spain: Disabled >Enemy Rockets: Enabled

I like how Bernadotte went immediately and attacked Denmark... a true Swede keeping the feud alive

"If all were demoralized and he appeared, his presence was like an electric shock. All shouted 'Vive l'Empereur!' and everyone charged into the fire." what a great quote to discover.

"i made him a count but i couldn't make him a general" Well done Napoleon you certainly managed to give General Von Wrede a sick burn.

For anyone who is wondering, Marshal MacDonald was born and raised in France, the son of a Scottish Jacobite who had fled there after the failed 1745 Rising. MacDonald was made a Marshal on the battlefield of Wagram after distinguishing himself there, and later received the Grand Eagle of the Legion of Honor and was named the Duke of Tarente. Due to his Scottish heritage, Napoleon often joked that he wouldn't dare let Macdonald within the sound of bagpipes, lest he defect and join the British.

Regular battles: "Sir, the enemy right wing is advancing" Leipzig: "The enemy is approaching from the South, North, East, South-West and North-East !!!"

People talk a lot about dogs, but Horses have been our allies in War, sport, agriculture, transport and more. They deserve some recognition, they are the real MVP.

If Napoleon would have been alive he would have probably given Epic History TV Salute of Guns and Cannons for describing his era with such professionalism.

In the words of Count Dooku: "I've been looking forward to this"

I've studied the Napoleonic Wars for 60 years (started when I was 15. This the most clear and concise description of the battle that I have ever seen! Most of the books that deal with the battle leave one befuddled and confused. Great job!!

Bernadotte : " I'm only pursue Swedish interests" Everyone : "It's treason then"

"Napoleon would prove he was still the master of war." Positively cannot wait. I was never interested in the history of the Napoleonic era until this series came along. I've been following it for months now and I eagerly await the next chapter. Thank you for this amazing work.

Absolute masterpiece, this battle as well as it's depiction over here at this channel. Can't believe a 200 year old event had me glued to my screen for half an hour.

Only a man of Napoleons genius could hold at against a coalition force of this magnitude. A testament to his place in history as one of the most brilliant generals in human history.

Just imagine being in that exact scenario, 4 days of artillery, gun fire, no sleep, outnumbered, and soo lil left ammunition... Also Marshal Poniatowski sounds like a brave man along with the rear guard. "Sire, we will hold on! We are all ready to die for your Majesty! Vive l Empereurer!

Fun fact: During the Battle of Leipzig and other campaigns, the Russian army employed Bashkir and Kalmyk horse archers against Napoleon, essentially in a manner similar to that of the Mongols. The French called them some of the most useless troops they had ever fought, but they were among occupying troops in Paris in 1814

Man, that was a lengthy interesting insight into the battle of Leipzig. It was the Battle of the Nations. The battle for Europe. The men of their respective nations fought with a greater determination and courage one could have bear to witness. Poniatowski, who was made a Marshal by Napoleon made the ultimate sacrifice in covering the retreat of the French army. Marshal MacDonald barely escaped with his life in the retreat. And Marshal Murat, went secretly to the allies in order to preserve his kingdom. It clearly was the end for Napoleon. He was down, but not out. He could win battles, but never hope to win the war.

“ I made him a Count, but I couldn’t make him a General “ the burn😂😂