Elite French Napoleonic Infantry Tactics 1792-1815 Osprey Books

For over 20 years France was the dominating, controlling and conquering power within the continent of Europe and beyond. This was not only the result of Napoleon's inspired leadership but also due to the committed efforts of almost an entire generation of Frenchmen under arms. The French Revolution heralded not only social change but also a seismic shift in how armies were organised, trained and deployed. This book will provide a careful analysis of the preparation of the French troops from manual regulations to the training ground, as well a study of the changing quality of command and control within the army. Initially this ensured that the French infantry were virtually unstoppable and for several years they enjoyed blistering triumphs at Austerlitz and Jena. Paddy Griffiths explores the role of the French infantry at the apex of their powers and their role in these key battles. However, he also provides a detailed explanation of their eventual decline until their final defeat at Waterloo providing a critical overview of French Napoleonic Infantry tactics.