Napoleon and the Struggle for Germany: The Franco-Prussian War of 1813, Volume II: The Defeat of Napoleon

Napoleon and the Struggle for Germany #2

by Michael V. Leggiere

The first comprehensive history of the decisive Fall Campaign of 1813 that determined control of Central Europe following Napoleon's catastrophic defeat in Russia the previous year. Using German, French, British, Russian, Austrian and Swedish sources, Michael Leggiere provides a panoramic history which covers the full sweep of the struggle in Germany. He shows how Prussia, the weakest of the Great Powers, led the struggle against Napoleon and his empire. By reconstructing the principal campaigns and operations in Germany, the book reveals how the defeat of Napoleon in Germany was made possible by Prussian victories. In particular, it features detailed analysis of the strategy, military operations and battles in Germany that culminated with 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.

Genres: History, Military History, Germany, France

887 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2015

About the author

Michael V. Leggiere is a professor of history who works at the University of North Texas as deputy-director for the Barsanti Center for Military History.

Reviews

[Fernando D · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my review for part one. Massive and extraordinarily thorough, part 2 is a better and easier read than part 1, mostly due to the fact that the tempo of operations picks up in this period so the narrative does as well. Still only for the most serious student of the Napoleonic period.

[José Alfonso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice readings

For me, an amateur historian, this book is extremely well documented and detailled. It provides a nice inside to the extraordinary fighting spirit of the Prussian army