The Age of Napoleon Podcast Episode 96: Our Favorite Enemy
Nov 1, 2022
Exploring the aftermath of Napoleon's victories over the Prussians, highlighting the French occupation and Prussian defeats, chaos and lawlessness in northern Germany, attitudes and sentiments during the war, triumphs and rivalries, and the effects of Napoleon's invasion on Prussia and the Polish people.
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Clausewitz on Defeat
- Carl von Clausewitz, a Prussian officer, reflected on the psychological impact of defeat at Auerstedt.
- He noted the harsh confrontation with the "terrible truth" after trust in chance and courage proved insufficient.
Erfurt's Quick Surrender
- Following Jena-Auerstedt, many Prussian soldiers retreated to Erfurt.
- Despite fortifications, low morale and mutiny threats led Prince William of Orange to surrender to Marshal Murat.
Pasewalk's Bluff
- At Pasewalk, a small French cavalry force bluffed a larger Prussian garrison into surrendering.
- Marshal Lannes remarked on the Prussian panic, where the mere sight of a Frenchman induced surrender.