Europe's Largest Monument Marks Napoleon's Surrender

Standing nearly 300 feet tall, Europe’s largest monument is a dedication to the army that defeated Napoleon. Named after the battle that took place in 1813, The Monument to the Battle of the Nations is located in Leipzig, Germany, at the very site where Napoleon surrendered. Statues of knights and angels adorn the structure, representing the fallen soldiers and the spirits that watch over their souls. They are shadowed by 31-foot giants representing the four historic qualities attributed to the German people: bravery, faith, sacrifice and fertility. Although many structures were torn down during the Communist era, this one survives as a symbol of a time when German and Russian forces fought side-by-side.

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[MarkusKretzschmarPhoto]

I live in Berlin and Leipzig is my beloved hometown. Really gives me homesickness in the most positive way!! Thanks for this video

[marcusguanio]

Fun Fact that Napoleon didn't surrender at all, but abdicated
Napoleon was defeated at Leipzig, but continued to fight until the Agreement at Fountainbleu, where he abdicated without conditions :)

[MakeMeThinkAgain]

Napoleon was defeated here (it took years for the French to rebuild the cavalry they lost in Russia in 1812), but they withdrew and continued to resist into 1814.

[marcellabutay]

The sad part is a bigger conflict started a year after they were celebrating and built the monument.

[tonyhawk]

Napoleon didn't surrender in Leipzig the war continued after that.

[basketballfan]

I was in Leipzig for an exchange 3 years ago and I came across this monument at dusk while I was on a casual run. I still vividly remember the momentary shock and awe feeling I had the moment I noticed the huge structure in the dark. I had no idea what I was looking at from the distance until they gradually turned on the lighting. Thinking about those few minutes still gives me chills :) Good times..

[grimmer]

In 10.000 years they will find this place and say "it was a place for worship".

[gregmodelle]

So did this amazing edifice just fall out of the sky and land in Leipzig? Who designed it?

[mmccorm]

This is definitely not the place where Napoleon surrendered. Napoleon did not surrender at Leipzig, he withdrew.

[Daswars]

I love my country! We dont need flags everywhere to show that.

[abhishekdev]

It took whole of Europe to contain Napoleon.

[generalstrike]

Napoleon didn't actually surrender in the conclusion of the Battle of Nations - he gave the order to begin an orderly retreat on the 18th of October and - supported by an excellent and courageous rearguard action by commanders such as Oudinot and Poniatowski, this retreat continued in an orderly fashion until 1pm on the 19th, when a corporal - unaware of the precise timings arranged, blew the only bridge over the Elster while it was still crowded with French forces. This led to a panicked route and the loss or capture of tens of thousands of troops. However, by this stage, Napoleon had left the field of battle.

The monument is supposed to be near where Napoleon gave the order to retreat.

[nibs]

This gives me a kinda dark soulsy feel, anyone else?

[Claiis]

You guys should give credit to the music used in these, you guys do a good job of picking out background music.

[braedenh]

Although the battle was a victory of combined forces over Napoleon - Russia, Sweden, Austria, and several German states (Saxony even swapped sides mid-battle!) - the monument itself seems to be more about pan-Germanism. It's like a window to the past, rather than an eternal monument to a pivotal moment in a conflict.
Napoleon had never lost a campaign prior to 1813 (Spain was still contested) and had lost very few battles to the nations arrayed against him. Many Germans loved Napoleon at first, but once he crowned himself emperor many saw him as yet another despot. The Saxons and some others continued to love him, but as he conscripted their young men and stole their wealth and his armies pillaged the countryside, they turned against him too. At this place, all the nations turned against him and began the campaign that would win their freedom. That is why the battle meant so much.
A century later, a now unified Germany wanted something to show pride in a united people and pan-German culture and heritage. The old divides and rivalries still existed, and not all were comfortable being part of an Empire under heavy Prussian influence. To remember a time when they united and won their freedom from foreign domination was important.
Two centuries later, that hopeful, striving, youthful Germany is dead. Killed by two great wars and massive political, economic, and cultural change imposed after its defeat in the last one. Now a recently reunited Germany is less hopeful, less youthful, less ambitious, and more humble. Pan-Germanism is gone, and is perhaps even anathema to modern Germans, many of whom consider themselves to be more European than German.
It makes me wonder what another century will bring, and if this monument will become more relevant, or less.

[jonathanwilliams]

Napoleon didn’t surrender here, but it was the site of his most decisive defeat

[ozdoits]

Great videography of magnificent architecture & sculptures! Would like additional close-up images of sculptures. Thank you!

[edelweiss-]

i live in Leipzig. Believe me, its the most beautifull city in the world <3

[brindade]

Is there any video of Great Bug Story where one can't hit like? The narration, the cinematography the stories are just awesome.

[eruno_]

It's interesting to note that Napoleon is still respected across Europe to this day by many