Napoleonic Wars: Battle of Jena-Auerstedt 1806

Fresh from his great victory at Austerlitz, Napoleon's next campaign saw him take on Prussia in the autumn of 1806. Prussia's army had been feared throughout Europe since the days of Frederick the Great, but in just 5 weeks of 'Napoleonic Blitzkrieg', the French Emperor showed that those days were long gone.

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[nicolas]

Napoleon to a young Prussian officer crying after being defeated : "There is no shame being beaten by the French!"

[davidcabreonmunoz]

French officer: Marshal Davout, they outnumber us 3 to 1!!

Davout: "Then it is an even fight".

[Pelopenbc]

Great overview. There are a few interesting details about this campaign not mentioned here:

1) After the Battle of Saalfeld, Napoléon actually offered Friedrich Wilhelm a ceasefire. Napoléon was pointing out there was still time to stop, including the warning: "But Sire, your army will be defeated. You are jeopardizing a peaceful life for no cause at all. You have not yet suffered any harm and may negotiate with me in a manner suited to your rank. A month from now, you will be dealing with me in very different circumstances." This warning would prove correct. And it does seem Napoléon intended for the king to accept the ceasefire - Napoléon didn't need to buy time and there was a chance the king would accept it. But there was no response in time for Jena-Auerstedt.

Why not? The French messenger, Montesquiou, wasn't announced with a bugle and was detained by the Prussians until they could be sure Montesquiou was an envoy. Friedrich Wilhelm didn't get the offer until it was too late.

2) Prior to Jena-Auerstedt, one night Napoléon was inspecting his engineers' work and then returned to camp. A sentry saw a figure, asked "Who goes there?" and Napoléon absentmindedly didn't answer. The sentry and the rest of his line opened fire, the bullet passing above Napoléon's head. Napoléon found the solider and quipped, "This rogue doesn't propose to waste his powder and shot; he fires at nothing but emperors!"

The sentry was grieved at the thought of almost killing his emperor, but explained he was following orders and if Napoléon was not required to answer, then the orders should have been changed. Napoléon responded, "My good fellow, I am not reproaching you. It was well enough for a shot in the dark; but it will soon be daylight, *fire straighter* ."

3) The video mentioned the collapse and capture of Prussian towns, but one of my favorite is the capture of Stettin. The fort defending Stettin had a garrison of over 5, 000 Prussian soldiers and 281 guns. French light cavalry commander Antoine Lasalle, a swashbuckler if there ever was one, arrived with ~800 cavalry and 2 cannon. Lasalle bluffed however and warned the garrison commander tens of thousands of soldiers would descend on the city if they didn't surrender immediately. The Prussian commander, Friedrich von Romberg, surrendered and didn't realize the ruse until afterwards. Friedrich von Romberg was court-martialed for this and sentenced to life imprisonment. After hearing of the capture of Stettin, Marshal Lannes wrote, "The Prussian army is in such a state of panic that the mere appearance of a Frenchman is enough to make it lay down its arms."

Thought I'd add those anecdotes.

[TheEmcee]

"The idea that Prussia can take the field against me by herself seems so ridiculous that it does not merit discussion." Napoleon

[jeremeyjl]

I’m 30 years old and remember fondly what the history channel use to be, and recognized what it sadly became. Your channel fills a much needed void, and I sincerely thank you for embarking a passion that benefits us all.

[kondor]

Davout is legendary, the greatest of all the marshals, and the most loyal. I plan to visit his tomb in Paris later this year.

[scottyboy]

Napoleon is the exception to the famous line: “History is always written by the winners". Even after a crushing defeat at Waterloo is remembered as the greatest military leader in history and helped build in no small part the system we have today. The guy was so feared and incredible, that 150 years after his death, the British still attempt to damage his image and reputation. hands down, one of the most impactful figures in all of history.

[HistoryMarche]

Doing the map here was a bit different. But it came out alright in the end.

[GAX-]

Charles Nove is such the perfect narrator for your work! Love his contribution.

[akrybion]

I am a German, but I must say that Napoleon is by far my favorite historical figure even before Alexander, Charlemagne and Caesar. His life's story is just so amazing and ultimately tragic.

[CastelDawn]

Dude : Marshal Davout, they have at least twice more men than us!!

Davout : Hold my fine French wine

[seahawkwhite]

the true hero of napoleonic wars : Marshall Davout, never defeated.

[Conorp]

The Prussian army and Blucher approaching Davout is the most epic part of this whole series, except maybe for 1814.

[hajimek]

Davout was arguably Napoleon's best corp commander. I also liked Ney despite his recklessness and cockiness.

[Nick_Hammer]

Fredrick the great must have been rolling in his grave at the continual poor showings of his army vs Napoleon.

[skiteufr]

So... people make fun of France for falling to the German motorized army in 6 weeks in ww2.
But no one is praising them for taking out Prussia in one month, by foot, inflicting a string of humiliating defeats...

[manilajohn]

At the end of his career at St. Helena, Napoleon referred to Marshal Davout as "One of the purest glories of France"- an understatement if ever there was one.

[simeonbradstock]

this has to be one of the best videos ive seen in this style. The production quality was outstanding and far exceeds other videos on this exact period of history (even though they were very good videos). The level of detail in a highly digestible form really made this, thank you!

[boss]

let's not forget how prussia sent their hussars to sharpen their blades in front of the french embassy as a provocation before the war. it didn't go so well did it...

[uyiuit]

“If he was still alive, I would not be here.”
-Napoleon Bonaparte at the grave of Frederick II of Prussia.