ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel Epic History TV Napoleon's Marshals: Bessières, Macdonald, Masséna.
The phrase “Terror belli… decus pacis,” meaning “Terror in war… ornament in peace,” was inscribed on the baton of every French Marshal. The title of Marshal, or Maréchal, has a long history in France, dating back to at least the 13th century. It represents the pinnacle of military authority, symbolized by the marshal’s baton. Although the title was abolished during the French Revolution due to its perceived conflict with the era’s egalitarian ideals, it was reinstated by Napoleon in 1804 when he established a new empire.
This article is inspired by Epic History TV’s guide to Napoleon’s Marshals, where all 26 marshals are ranked based on their achievements, with insights from Lieutenant Colonel Rémy Porte, a former chief historian of the French Army. So far, we’ve explored the lives and careers of Marshals such as Pérignon, Brune, Sérurier, Kellermann, Grouchy, and others.
Jean-Baptiste Bessières was born to a surgeon in southwestern France and enjoyed a relatively comfortable upbringing. When the French Revolution erupted, he volunteered for the National Guard and was sent to Paris to join the King’s Constitutional Guard alongside his school friend Joachim Murat. Although this unit was soon disbanded, Bessières stayed in Paris and defended the Tuileries Palace during the storming by the mob on August 10, 1792. Following this event, he quickly left Paris and volunteered to fight on the Pyrenees front, where his bravery earned him a commission in the 22nd Chasseurs. He distinguished himself at the Battle of Boulou.
His transfer to Italy and friendship with Murat caught the attention of General Bonaparte, who appointed him commander of his new bodyguard, ‘Les Guides de Bonaparte’. Bessières excelled as a cavalry commander in Italy and Egypt, earning a promotion to Brigadier and becoming one of Napoleon’s trusted friends. When Napoleon became First Consul of France in 1799, he appointed Bessières to lead the elite Consular Guard cavalry, which played a significant role at the Battle of Marengo the following year. In 1804, Bessières was made a Marshal, more for his loyalty than any specific military achievement.
Bessières was well-liked, known for his kindness, good manners, and generosity. A devout Catholic and social conservative, he and his wife, Marie-Jeanne, were favorites at Napoleon’s court. In 1805, he commanded the Imperial Guard and played a crucial role at the Battle of Austerlitz, repelling the Russian Guard. At Eylau in 1807, his squadrons supported Murat’s cavalry charge and executed disciplined attacks to cover the withdrawal. However, his opportunities for glory were limited, as Napoleon often reserved the Guard for last-resort actions, as seen at Friedland.
In 1808, Bessières received his first major independent command in northern Spain. When the country revolted against French rule in May, he acted swiftly to secure key towns and roads. He then attacked Spanish forces at Medina de Rioseco, achieving a decisive victory despite being outnumbered two-to-one. However, after the immediate crisis, he hesitated and failed to capitalize on his success. When Napoleon arrived in Spain, Bessières was assigned command of the Reserve Cavalry, a role he maintained during the war against Austria in 1809.
The role of a Marshal during Napoleon’s era was not only a military position but also a symbol of loyalty and trust. Napoleon’s marshals were often chosen for their unwavering support and personal connection to him, which sometimes outweighed their battlefield achievements. Understanding the dynamics of these relationships provides a deeper insight into the strategic decisions and outcomes of the Napoleonic Wars.
Moreover, the reinstatement of the Marshal title by Napoleon highlights the balance between revolutionary ideals and the need for structured military leadership. This duality reflects the complexities of the Napoleonic era, where tradition and innovation coexisted in shaping the future of France and Europe.
Engage in a role-playing debate where you assume the roles of Napoleon’s Marshals. Discuss the merits and challenges of reinstating the Marshal title during Napoleon’s reign. Consider the balance between revolutionary ideals and military hierarchy. This will help you understand the political and social dynamics of the Napoleonic era.
Analyze the Battle of Austerlitz or another significant battle involving Marshal Bessières. Work in groups to create a strategic plan, considering the historical context and available resources. Present your strategies and compare them with the actual historical outcomes to gain insights into military decision-making.
Research and present a detailed biography of one of Napoleon’s Marshals, focusing on their military achievements and personal relationship with Napoleon. Highlight how these factors influenced their career and contributions to the Napoleonic Wars. This will deepen your understanding of individual roles within the broader historical context.
Watch a documentary or a series of clips from Epic History TV’s guide to Napoleon’s Marshals. Follow this with a group discussion on how the marshals’ personal qualities and military strategies contributed to their ranking and legacy. This activity will enhance your analytical skills and historical perspective.
Write a fictional diary entry from the perspective of Marshal Bessières during a key moment in his career, such as the Battle of Marengo or his command in Spain. Focus on his thoughts, motivations, and challenges. This exercise will help you empathize with historical figures and understand their personal experiences.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
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“Terror belli… decus pacis.” Terror in war… ornament in peace… The words inscribed on every French Marshal’s baton. In France, the title of Marshal, or Maréchal, dates back to at least the 13th century. It represents the highest possible position of military authority, symbolized by a marshal’s baton. The title was abolished during the French Revolution, as it was seen as incompatible with the egalitarian spirit of the age. However, in 1804, Napoleon founded a new empire and restored the ancient rank.
This is Epic History TV’s guide to Napoleon’s Marshals. All 26 have been ranked according to our evaluation of their achievements as Marshals, with expert guidance from Lieutenant Colonel Rémy Porte, former chief historian of the French Army. So far, we’ve met Marshals Pérignon, Brune, Sérurier, Kellermann, Grouchy, Moncey, Poniatowski, Jourdan, Bernadotte, Augereau, Lefebvre, Mortier, Marmont, Saint-Cyr, Oudinot, Victor, and Murat.
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**9. Marshal Bessières**
Jean-Baptiste Bessières was the son of a surgeon, with a relatively prosperous upbringing in southwestern France. When the French Revolution began, he volunteered for the National Guard and was sent to Paris to join the King’s Constitutional Guard, along with his old school friend Joachim Murat. This unit was soon disbanded, but Bessières remained in Paris and was among the soldiers defending the Tuileries Palace when it was stormed by the mob on 10th August 1792. In the aftermath, he needed to leave Paris quickly, so he volunteered to fight on the Pyrenees front. His bravery and good sense won him a commission in the 22nd Chasseurs, and he distinguished himself at the Battle of Boulou.
Transferred to Italy, his friendship with Murat got him noticed by General Bonaparte, who was impressed enough to make him commander of his new bodyguard, known as ‘Les Guides de Bonaparte’. Bessières distinguished himself as a cavalry commander in Italy and later Egypt, winning promotion to Brigadier and loyally supporting Napoleon at every turn. He became one of the few men that Napoleon regarded as a true friend. When Napoleon became First Consul of France in 1799, he rewarded Bessières with command of the elite Consular Guard cavalry, which he led with devastating effect at Marengo the next year. In 1804, Bessières became a Marshal, less for any great military achievement than for being a loyal member of Napoleon’s inner circle.
Bessières was well-liked: kind, well-mannered, and generous, a devout Catholic and social conservative. His young wife, Marie-Jeanne, was also a favorite at court, doted on by Napoleon and Empress Josephine. In 1805, Bessières commanded the Imperial Guard. In December that year, at the Battle of Austerlitz, he played a crucial role, repelling the Russian Guard at the battle’s climax. At Eylau in 1807, his squadrons supported Murat’s mass cavalry charge and made their own disciplined attacks to cover his withdrawal. However, Bessières’ opportunities for glory were limited, as Napoleon always held the Guard back as his last reserve, as at Friedland.
In 1808, Bessières received his first major independent command in northern Spain. That May, the country erupted in revolt against the French. Bessières reacted quickly and decisively, securing key towns and roads. He then attacked Spanish forces at Medina de Rioseco, winning a crushing victory against an enemy that outnumbered him two-to-one. But once the immediate crisis had passed, he hesitated and failed to exploit his victory. When Napoleon arrived in Spain, Bessières was given command of the Reserve Cavalry, a role he retained for the war against Austria in 1809. In May,
Marshal – A high-ranking officer in the military, often responsible for commanding large units or overseeing significant operations. – During World War II, Marshal Zhukov played a crucial role in the Soviet Union’s defense and eventual victory over Nazi Germany.
Napoleon – A French military leader and emperor who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and led several successful campaigns during the Napoleonic Wars. – Napoleon’s strategic brilliance was evident in the Battle of Austerlitz, where he decisively defeated the combined forces of Russia and Austria.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, often focusing on the analysis and interpretation of those events. – The history of the Roman Empire provides valuable insights into the rise and fall of one of the world’s most powerful civilizations.
Military – Relating to the armed forces or to soldiers, arms, or war. – The military strategies employed during the American Civil War have been extensively studied for their innovative use of technology and tactics.
France – A country in Western Europe with a rich history, particularly known for its role in the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and as a major power in both World Wars. – France’s involvement in the Hundred Years’ War significantly shaped the nation’s medieval history and its future trajectory.
Revolution – A fundamental and relatively sudden change in political power and political organization, often accompanied by social upheaval. – The Industrial Revolution marked a period of profound economic and technological change that transformed societies worldwide.
Cavalry – Soldiers who fought on horseback, historically used for reconnaissance, charges, and flanking maneuvers in battle. – The cavalry played a pivotal role in the Battle of Waterloo, where their mobility and speed were crucial in the conflict’s outcome.
Battle – A sustained fight between large, organized armed forces, often a significant part of a war or campaign. – The Battle of Gettysburg is considered a turning point in the American Civil War due to its scale and impact on the morale of both sides.
Empire – A group of nations or territories ruled over by a single sovereign authority, often an emperor or empress. – The British Empire, at its height, was the largest empire in history, influencing cultures and economies across the globe.
Loyalty – A strong feeling of support or allegiance, particularly to a leader, country, or cause. – The loyalty of the Roman legions to their generals was a key factor in the stability and expansion of the Roman Empire.
