Napoleons Influence on Todays Military - Essay Example

? Napoleon’s Influence on Today’s Military Introduction The strength of a nation has always lied in its structures. Some of these structures are in its government, the military and the jurisdictions. However, the military seems to be the subsequent head as it other structures as it determines the formation of the government hence directly influencing the mode and area of jurisdiction (Brian 34). Notably, the French being the first to embrace the republican government after the overthrow of the last monarchy rule under Louis XVI opened a new phase to power structure first to Europe, then to the West globe, and eventually the world. The French revolution stimulated the greatest changes in warfare because it away with its kings, nobles and church and created a nation of citizens, organizational changes to their army that increased their lethality and sparked military reform and it abolished the limits on warfare. Today, we look back to the Napoleonic era and we find a direct link in the military reforms and tactics that were used during the 1792-1815 French revolution having a direct impact on our very own military structures and organizations (Brian 46). France revolution was the of a monarch regime breaking loose and transforming into a nation founded on equality for all. This evidently was not an easy process as it meant doing away with monarchial rule, the nobles and breaking free from the church. It also meant that people would seize from being referred to as subjects, and embrace citizens as a title (Stewart 29). This was a task that had the rest of Europe at odds with France. Late 1791, the French King sought the help of other Europe rulers to aid in his reinstatement. This officially resulted in the emergence of the French revolution in April 1792; with the French new nation aiming at bring change through battle throughout Europe. Their first victory was marked in Belgium at the end of 1792 (Paul 25). The French armies were now composed of talented men from all parts and class of France as with a nation structure, citizens were all equals unlike subjects who were greatly divided by the class system. This was one of the strengths of the French military as with such a tactic, it had more soldiers at its disposal than others (Brian 45). Moreover with a common goal, and the zeal to overcome whatever form of obstacles, the French military had a bond that was previously scarcely heard of in Europe, the ‘trust’ bond. Soldiers from France were able to with ease exploit tactical maneuvers hence breaking logistical constrains a factor that proved to be advantageous in battle and a contributor to their numerous successes in the fields (Stewart 29). War had been declared and the first coalition was formed by seven nations namely: United Provinces, Great Britain, Spain, Austria, and Prussia. This was at the beginning of 1793, marking the beginning of the 23years of struggle by France against these Nations. This is what created the need of an exceptional military leader who could face up to this challenge (Paul 25).The leadership of the French army was dynamic and strategic, especially since March 1796 when the great Napoleon Bonaparte took over the position of general. Napoleon was a brilliant soldier, a genius of sorts. He was a leader who could gather troops of up to 300,000 or more troops and maneuver them to success against their enemies as was the case in 1812 in Russia. The treaty of Campo Formio is an evidence of the organized and brilliance of Napoleon as a French army leader as it resulted from the defeat of Sardinian and Austrian forces back in Italy that led to French domination of the Belgium and Luxembourg then known as Austrian Netherlands. These two regions were the first additions of the now growing French Republic (Stewart 30). The French made organizational changes to their army that increased there lethality and sparked military reform in other states. Under the governance of Napoleon, greatness was curved for France and other states. Napoleon went by several names from the war god, to the military genius, and even the great reformer. As a captain to the France military, Napoleon‘s influence as a tactician and strategies went beyond France and helped in the shaping and developing of the world’s military strategy (Paul 24). Basically, the French learned the proper equipping, unity in mass military and unpredictability were virtues of success in war. Among the most attractive attributes of Napoleon to the military were in his personality. He was creative hence imaginative, resourceful, and unpredictable (Brian 42). He used these personality virtues to enhance practical strategy and establish reforms that made the French military seem invincible especially with the wide array of coalitions against it. Basically, Napoleon made minimal reforms to the military, but his versed knowledge on using his predecessor’s knowledge such as Bourget’s proposal brought words from texts to actualization (Brian 40). Moreover, the foresight to visualize a situation and ascertain the most profitable action were attribute that over time resulted in admiration by other nations. Later, scholars were introduced to French lessons so as to capitalize on the Napoleon knowledge, and tapping it and using it in various parts of the world as it was an assuring tactic of military success (Stewart 26). The divisional system was perfected by the French by grouping divisions and other unit’s flexibility, according to the task at hand in to an all army corps. This was a tactic that proved resourceful especially in the enhancing the element of surprise to unprepared enemies (Brian 39). Moreover, this ensured survival of troops and division of responsibilities for a common goal. Prussians have a long history of defeat from French till they adapted the retreat strategy whenever the French troops under Napoleon approached. Worst case scenario was in 1806 when they honed the Bildung after their dreadful defeat by Napoleon (Paul 23). The French revolution abolished the limits on warfare. Before it, most act of war was between two monarchs at a time. The French however was not a monarchs but a republic. War had to have the blessing of the church and the nobles strategized on attacks (Stewart 30). France was however beyond all these war rules, it had no King, no nobles, and had opposed the church. Moreover, it was more of a brutal regime where concur and control was all that mattered. The 23years was also another broken rule for one nation to stand against an array of coalitions (Paul 22). The French where determined, and nothing would get in their way, they had an agenda, and they need to be heard. Though termed as straightforward rebels, the French remained committed to war, even with instances of total defeat and leaders such as Napoleon being captured. For them, war would be total (Brian 40). War during the French revolution was not just external, there were also internal wars as the former king Louis XVI still felt entitled to the throne, and often had attacks on the New France Republic under Emperor Napoleon (Stewart 29). Moreover, acts such the trading of France Louisiana Territory was not received warmly by most government officials and rebellion against Napoleon were heard as whispers. Later, there were evident traitors and spies who fed the enemies with information that enhanced the defeat of France, and the unfortunate capture of Napoleon and exiling by British at the Saint Helena Island (Paul 27). The French revolution stimulated the greatest changes in warfare because it did away with the cast system and unified a nation, the organizational changes to army and they abolished the limits of war. This was a fearless struggle but one that inscribed a mark of greatness on the pages of history. This is more inspirational than any other before and after it (Brian 39). This is because it managed to overcome changes from leadership, terrain and weather with extemporary conditions tactics, morale, training, transport and even weaponry. Its lessons go beyond the military but also largely impact on leadership, encouraging leaders to better judgments and exploiting all available opportunities in both the political and military arena (Stewart 30). Conclusion Today, there is a lot of borrowing from Napoleon evident in the American military, the talk on all captains are based on reforms, practicability, strategy , tactic and proper administration. Also sectors such as schooling and resource generating activities are encouraged to build a health and strongly grounded nation. All these are thanks to Napoleon and his impressive leadership that help shape the world to what it is today. Works Cited Adams, Brian O. "Military and French revolution Contributions." Revolution (2012): 34-58. Document. Dickens, Charles. A Tale of Two Cities. London: Saddleback Educational Publ, 2011. Document. Gibson, David J. Military Subjects: Organization, Stategy and Tactics. July 2000. Document. 03 November 2013. http://www.napoleon-series.org/military/organization/c_rma.html Hanson, Paul R. Contesting the French Revolution. New York City: John Wiley & Sons, 2009. Document. Riley, Jonathan. History Today. 03 November 2013. Document. 03 November 2013. http://www.historytoday.com/jonathon-riley/how-good-was-napoleon Ross, stewart. The French Revolution. London: Evan Brothers, 2002. Document. Read More