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Marengo and Hohenlinden : Napoleon's Rise to Power
“My house began on the field of Marengo.”
So spoke Napoleon Bonaparte when reflecting upon his victory over the Austrians in 1800. He recalled a desperate afternoon when his future hung in the balance. Marengo and Hohenlinden: Napoleon’s Rise to Power relates the momentous events that began in the late autumn of 1799. Within a thirty-three day span starting with his return from Egypt, Bonaparte escaped punishment for deserting his army and ascended to ruler of the nation. Yet his position was precarious. At home, political and military rivals abounded. On France’s frontier, the forces of the Second Coalition prepared an offensive to crush the Corsican upstart. Bonaparte knew that France would accept his rule only if he gained military victories that brought peace.
These events provide the story line, beginning with Bonaparte’s rise to power via the coup of Brumaire. Applying his organizational genius to the challenge of overthrowing the government, Bonaparte brilliantly plots a coup. At the last minute his political naivete almost derails him. Only intervention from a most unlikely source saves him.
To consolidate Brumaire, First Consul Bonaparte needs a military victory. To redeem his pledge to France, he needs a favorable peace. To obtain these objectives he must enlist support from his greatest rival, General Jean Moreau. Moreau is a popular, gifted soldier and one who seldom cooperates with anyone. Moreover, he holds deep suspicions about Bonaparte's motives. Their relationship and their actions dominate events during the decisive year of 1800. We follow Bonaparte’s army over the Alps to its fateful collision with the Austrian army at Marengo. Then we turn to Moreau’s campaign culminating in the epic Battle of Hohenlinden. The twin campaigns prove decisive, since the Battles of Marengo and Hohenlinden secure Bonaparte's rule. In turn, the failure of the Second Coalition condemns Europe to a fifteen-year struggle to overthrow him.
So spoke Napoleon Bonaparte when reflecting upon his victory over the Austrians in 1800. He recalled a desperate afternoon when his future hung in the balance. Marengo and Hohenlinden: Napoleon’s Rise to Power relates the momentous events that began in the late autumn of 1799. Within a thirty-three day span starting with his return from Egypt, Bonaparte escaped punishment for deserting his army and ascended to ruler of the nation. Yet his position was precarious. At home, political and military rivals abounded. On France’s frontier, the forces of the Second Coalition prepared an offensive to crush the Corsican upstart. Bonaparte knew that France would accept his rule only if he gained military victories that brought peace.
These events provide the story line, beginning with Bonaparte’s rise to power via the coup of Brumaire. Applying his organizational genius to the challenge of overthrowing the government, Bonaparte brilliantly plots a coup. At the last minute his political naivete almost derails him. Only intervention from a most unlikely source saves him.
To consolidate Brumaire, First Consul Bonaparte needs a military victory. To redeem his pledge to France, he needs a favorable peace. To obtain these objectives he must enlist support from his greatest rival, General Jean Moreau. Moreau is a popular, gifted soldier and one who seldom cooperates with anyone. Moreover, he holds deep suspicions about Bonaparte's motives. Their relationship and their actions dominate events during the decisive year of 1800. We follow Bonaparte’s army over the Alps to its fateful collision with the Austrian army at Marengo. Then we turn to Moreau’s campaign culminating in the epic Battle of Hohenlinden. The twin campaigns prove decisive, since the Battles of Marengo and Hohenlinden secure Bonaparte's rule. In turn, the failure of the Second Coalition condemns Europe to a fifteen-year struggle to overthrow him.
301 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1990
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 6, 2010
Fantastic book. This is a great template for writing about military history. It has the right amount of background on the participants (both national, soldiers and leaders) and the situation/politics. The campaign and battle narratives are superb, as are the maps and pictures. Did I mention pictures? They give the reader a great idea of why Fort Bard was such an obstacle as well as the feel of the land at Hohenlinden.
Finally, the narratives for both battles are the best and most detailed I have read, especially for Hohenlinden. Add to all of this great OOB, and you have a fine book.
Finally, the narratives for both battles are the best and most detailed I have read, especially for Hohenlinden. Add to all of this great OOB, and you have a fine book.
November 12, 2021
Review forthcoming.
January 16, 2020
I got exactly what I wanted out of this book, but I have to say the author has a more of a knack for describing the interplay of politics (he does it quite well and concise) than for battle scenes. During the titular bang-ups I found myself getting lost in the constant interchange of musket fire. Perhaps that's the point, to be confused as one of the infantrymen?
I suggest that when you read the chapters focused on the actual battles get your own map and follow along.
Recommended.
I suggest that when you read the chapters focused on the actual battles get your own map and follow along.
Recommended.
February 14, 2023
Very neat, very tidy, very clear. Written with flair & a good pace. Good treatment of neglected campaigns with good map linkage.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews