Full Description
This is the first comprehensive history of the campaigns that determined control of Germany following Napoleon's catastrophic defeat in Russia. Michael Leggiere reveals how, in the spring of 1813, Prussia, the weakest of the Great Powers, led the struggle against Napoleon as a war of national liberation. Using German, French, British, Russian, Austrian and Swedish sources, he provides a panoramic history ranging from the mobilization of the belligerents, strategy and operations to coalition warfare, diplomacy and civil-military relations. He examines the strategy, military operations and battles in Germany from Napoleon's initial campaign which drove the Russo-Prussian army to the banks of the Oder and the verge of defeat to the epic four-day Battle of Nations at Leipzig and Napoleon's retreat to France. This study not only highlights the breakdown of Napoleon's strategy in 1813, but constitutes a fascinating study in coalition warfare, international relations, and civil-military relations.
Contents
Volume 1Saale; 5. Grossgorschen; 6. The Elbe; 7. Bautzen; 8. The Prussian Thermopylae; 9. Silesia; Assessment; Bibliography; Index. Volume 2: Introduction; 1. Trachenberg and Reichenbach; 2. The Silesian army; 3. 'The infamous conduct of the Prussians'; 4. Lowenberg; 5. Goldberg; 6. The Katzbach; 7. Blucher's hare hunt; 8. 'Nothing more remains than to have them shot dead'; 9. Lusatia; 10. The Middle Elbe; 11. The Mulde; 12. Hide and seek; 13. Opening round; 14. 'A battle of the most obstinate and sanguinary class'; 15. The battle of Leipzig; 16. Race to the Rhine; Assessment; Bibliography; Index.
