"Death of Napoleon or Death of Wellington" Topic
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Old Contemptible | 15 Aug 2021 9:08 p.m. PST |
What would have had the greatest effect? The death of the Duke of Wellington at Quatre Bras or the death of Napoleon at Lingy? I would say the death of Napoleon. Much of the French Army may have melted away. Without Napoleon there was no reason for the war to go on. What says you? |
Heedless Horseman | 15 Aug 2021 10:38 p.m. PST |
Napoleon. End of war. Wellington? A bit 'hazy' but had he already made his intention for Waterloo field known to subordinates? Would a replacement… (WERE there any? Must have been… 'chain of Command' always a part of orders!)… have made the same commitment, or retreated to Brussels? If Picton contender… would probably have made good job of it. Somerset, hmm, no. Prince of Orange? THAT would have changed things! Allies 'Attack' at Waterloo? Lol. But… with Allied dispositions 'masked' by reverse slope… ? Don't forget Blucher was almost 'taken out'. If HE HAD been, Prussians would have been away. |
42flanker | 16 Aug 2021 2:24 a.m. PST |
Wellington himself asserted, "I don't think it would have done if I had not been there." Lord Uxbridge was Wellington's 2i/c in June 1815. The relationship was cool as a result of Uxbridge's adultery with the Duke's sister-in-law. When he enquired as to Wellington's plan in the event the commander-in-chief became a casualty, he was given short shrift; the Duke reportedly replying, "Bonaparte has not given me any idea of his projects; and as my plans will depend on his, how can you expect me to tell you what mine are?" Softening the snub, with a hand on Uxbridge's shoulder, he added, "There is one thing certain, Uxbridge, that is, that whatever happens, we will do our duty." (So that's all right then) Uxbridge was as active and as fearless as Wellington during the battle, although more reckless of his safety in leading cavalry attacks. If command had fallen to him, he would have been as active as his superior but as reportedly he confided to Vivian the night before, "I have not the slightest idea what are the projects of the Duke. I would give anything in the world to know the dispositions which, I have no doubt, have been profoundly calculated. It will be impossible for me to frame them in a critical moment." It would no doubt have been a damnably nice thing, the nearest thing you saw in your life. |
javelin98 | 19 Aug 2021 9:12 a.m. PST |
Definitely Napoleon. Wellington was but one general, while Napoleon was the force holding the French Empire together. It's kind of like comparing the deaths of Hitler vs. Zhukov or Eisenhower. |
Tortorella | 19 Aug 2021 10:48 a.m. PST |
Napoleon, IMO. His personal abilities to hold his scratch forces together were a much more critical component for his army' s survival than Wellington was for the Allies, who also had Blucher. The French had little enough chance in the long run with so many veterans and Marshals gone and massive numbers of Russians and Austrians getting mobilized. |
Richard Alley | 19 Aug 2021 11:56 a.m. PST |
Napoleon's death would have had a greater effect don't forget he was head of state as well. Wellington could have been replaced by Hill (no mentioned him above?) or Picton (who did die) Troops liked Hill he was nicknamed 'Daddy' |
Trajanus | 20 Aug 2021 8:58 a.m. PST |
No contest! No Napoleon, no War! |
deadhead | 20 Aug 2021 9:54 a.m. PST |
It is an if only. "Napoleon has ridden within range. May we try a shot sir?" We know the rest, but if Plummer had said "Damn your eyes, fire if you must" and Napoleon is then decapitated…..I often imagine the generals standing around saying "Hmm, wasn't expecting that. Doesn't really seem much point now. Actually I quite welcomed Louis back last time. Vive le Roi!" |
Old Contemptible | 22 Aug 2021 2:22 p.m. PST |
To see the Emperor decapitated on horse back in front of his entire army. That would of been very bad for morale. |
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