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Hisotry/Military Buffs Only - Why Nap?

by Kurt
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Here's something I don't understand about history...Maybe it's just the US...But why is Napoleon considered to be such a great general?

Hear me out:
Napoleon lost his entire navy in Egypt while he was exploring the Nile. He left his ships behind and the Brits found them and sunk them.

Napoleon lost 100,000's of soldiers in Russia. Alexander would never have done the same, as Alexander was very concerned about supply lines.

Napoleon lost at Waterloo to the Duke of Wellington.

On the other hand, Wellington beat Napoleon's troops in Portugal. Granted, Napleon wasn't there, but Wellington won.

Wellington was undefeated in his India campaign.

And...Wellington beat Napoleon at Waterloo.

Napoleon had three catostrophic losses. Wellington was undefeated.

Can any of you history buffs convince me as to why Napoleon is considered a great general, yet Wellington is just an after-thought?
  • Profile picture of the author pjlyons1uk
    Well maybe a good question...

    Not that I am trying to convince you one way or the other however so interesting thoughts...

    Yes he lost at Waterloo to a new tactic of actually hiding forces rather than having them all on display so underestimated the strength of the Duke of Wellingtons army.

    Yes he lost his fleet at the nile delta however the british fleet had superior ships in that ours had less of a draft so we could enter shallower waters his fleet 'beeched' on the sand banks.

    Yes he lost 100,000 troops in russia but then again the Germans were also close to that mark nearly 150 years later.

    Waterloo was just the ultimate embarassment for him so sticks in the memory longer.

    Remember he did unify a nation (not once but twice) that was in disarray and lead them on many many successful campaigns across europe building a small but respectful enough empire for the time. The people of France loved him for the pride he instilled in the people until his ego blew out.
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