The podcast discusses the Battle of Eylau, a challenging and mysterious battle for Napoleon. It explores the intense artillery duel, defiant charges made by French cavalry, and the devastating casualties suffered by both the French and Russian armies. The episode also delves into the evolving nature of warfare and the impact on empires.
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Quick takeaways
The Battle of Eylau presented Napoleon with his greatest challenge yet, as both the French and Russian armies fought fiercely in brutal conditions.
Despite the chaos and heavy casualties, the Battle of Eylau remained undecisive as neither side was able to secure a definitive victory.
The Battle of Eylau had a lasting impact on the soldiers involved and marked a turning point in the war, with both sides preparing for further conflict.
Deep dives
The French cavalry charges and breaks through the Russian lines
Despite the blizzard conditions, Marshal Murat leads a massive French cavalry charge that smashes through the center of the Russian position. The charge results in chaos and disarray among the Russian forces, as many men are killed, wounded, or dispersed. The momentum of the charge carries on, with French cavalry continuing to push forward and engage with Russian units, causing further damage to the Russian lines.
Devout's Third Corps makes steady progress on the Russian left
On Napoleon's right side, Third Corps commanded by Devout engages in heavy fighting against the Russian left. The combat is fierce and steady, with the French slowly advancing and pushing the Russians back. However, Russian counterattacks and the advantage of their artillery prevent Third Corps from fully deploying its forces. Despite heavy casualties, Third Corps manages to bend the Russian line and occupy strategic high ground.
Undecisive battles as neither side lands a knockout blow
Although the French cavalry charge and Devout's Third Corps gain some advantage, the Battle of Eilau remains undecisive. Napoleon refrains from committing his last reserves, the Imperial Guard, fearing potential reinforcements from the Russian-Prussian alliance. Both sides trade heavy blows and inflict significant damage on each other, but neither is able to secure a decisive victory. The battle continues as the snowstorm intensifies in the already chaotic and harsh conditions.
The Battle of Eilau: A Devastating French Defeat
The Battle of Eilau was a horrific and indecisive battle that resulted in heavy casualties for both sides. The French, led by Marshal Ojiro, launched a poorly executed attack, veering off course and exposing their flank to Russian muskets and cannon fire. Ojiro's corps suffered massive losses, with many soldiers being massacred by the enemy. Despite the arrival of reinforcements and a counterattack by the French cavalry, the battle achieved little, and the two armies disengaged. The battlefield was a scene of carnage, with countless corpses and wounded soldiers. Both commanders downplayed the casualties in their official reports, but estimates suggest that around one-third of the soldiers who fought at Eilau were killed or wounded, making it a tremendously bloody and brutal battle.
The Aftermath and Legacy of Eilau
Following the Battle of Eilau, both the French and Russian armies entered a period of rest and recovery. The wider war showed no signs of stopping, and more fighting was expected in the spring. Despite the devastating setback at Eilau, Napoleon claimed victory and published a bulletin that was surprisingly frank about the horrors of the battle. The casualties were much higher than officially reported, with estimates suggesting over 29,000 French casualties and over 26,000 Russian casualties. The battle left a lasting impact on the soldiers who fought, and it marked a turning point in the war as both sides prepared for continued conflict.
The Battle of Eylau was the greatest challenge of Napoleon's career so far. For two days, the French and Russian armies fought with unbelievable tenacity in the worst conditions imaginable.