I hope you enjoy our latest episode of Napoleon's Marshals! Let us know your favourite Marshals in the comments, and if you think we got the rankings correct!

2 little Facts about Soult: 1) He was the longest Prime Minister in service ever. 2)When he was sent to Queen's Victoria coronation, the Duke of Wellington caught him, took his arm and said: "Finally I got you"

The Ney section gave me chills. Imagine being outnumbered in enemy territory, you and your men freezing to death, and having the overwhelming courage to inspire them to keep moving and fighting. Incredible.

“A mother abandoned her five-year-old son twice in the snow. Both times Ney discovered the child and heaved him from the frozen ground. Failing to persuade the mother to take her child, he found another woman to care for him.” That speaks so much about his character

Poor Suchet, he was always getting the short end of the stick. Despite all this he still gave his best performance, and also helped lay the foundations for anti-guerilla war tactics, that are still in use and being studied to this very day. And on top of that, also gained the respect of the people of Aragon. Truly an incredible marshal and general.

“Michel Ney is truly the bravest of the brave”...I love that painting of him in square formation with his men. A leader should never send his men in a place he wouldn’t go himself & Ney led from the front.

"It was during the retreat from Moscow that Ney ensured his place among the legends of military history." Just WOW.

The part about Ney was truly epic. The narration of his deeds and his fate was awe inspiring. No wonder he was such a legend, after watching this part even I was ready to follow this man to battle.

“Surrounded by Cossacks, and down to 800 fighting men, they formed square and kept moving.” Epic.

Another fun fact about Soult: He was married to a German, Louise Berg, who apparently held quite some influence over him. Napoleon was shocked that "a man of such authority" as Soult would "let himself be managed by his wife". When in 1813 he sent back Soult to Spain after the battle of Dresden, Soult (maybe not really too keen on going, as he had not seen his family in years) told Napoleon: "M`kay. I`ll do it. But you explain that to my wife!" So Madame Soult then had an interview with the emperor, at the end of which Napoleon exclaimed: "Madame, you cannot talk to me like that - I'm the emperor, I'm not your husband! ... And if I was your husband, you still could not talk to me like that!" (The anecdote was told by Napoleon on Saint Helena.)

Ney was a great man to have in a crisis. If there wasn't a crisis, he could usually cause one.

Wait, so Ney gave the order to fire to his own firing squad. What a legend.

Michel Ney, my favourite Marshall of the Empire: Born the son of a poor cooper in Lorraine, a German speaking area of France. He said of his childhood "I esteemed myself rich when I had two loaves of bread on the table." Fought at Valmy to save the young republic. Sealed the Ulm manoeuvre at Elchingen. Captured Magdeburg during the Prussian flight of Germany. Drove the Russian left into the river at Friedland. Beat Wellington in Portugal. The last Frenchman on Russian soil during the retreat from Moscow. Stood up to Napoleon at Fontainebleau, forcing him to abdicate. Led the last great cavalry charge of the Napoleonic wars at Waterloo. Could barely read or write until later in life yet still recognized the talent of the great military theorist Antoine-Henri Jomini. Condemned to the firing squad by his own countrymen after having fought in nearly every country in Europe with the Emperor because he was not of the restored nobility. He may not have been the best statistically but he was, as Napoleon put it best.... "The Bravest of the Brave"

“Suchet remained undefeated.” Damn that hits hard.

I literally gave a salute to my monitor while listening to Suchet's story. THIS is how you treat your troops and the occupied provinces. Truly the backbone of the Spain campaign.

Suchet is my favourite marshal. You don't see such humility in every marshal....

"Ney was more than a hero to the army, he was it's talisman" - it was great!!

He has done the unexpected gave us Napoleon's Marshals part 5 truly a man beyond mortality

"Michel Ney is truly The Bravest of the brave" this quote always get to me i have huge Respect for Ney and His ability to lead and motivate his men.

Various Fun Details : Suchet's promotion was somewhat unconventional. After Arcole, the French officers were having a big party in a farm. Lannes came to Napoleon's table, drunk as a skunk, and said "Well then, when are you going to make my friend Suchet a colonel ?" Napoleon, himself pretty wasted, took a medal from a guy near him and threw it to Suchet. And that was that. Wich should help us remember that most of them were in their late twenties at the time. Suchet composed the plan at the battle of Ostrolenka, while Oudinot was to apply it, due to their commandant, Savary, being mostly a placeholder with Napoleon's trust. After the victory, Savary and Oudinot were rewarded, but Suchet stayed humbly in the background, pretty representative of his career. Suchet called his own son Napoleon, and took the fall of the empire and the Napoleonian dream very badly, maybe worse than any other marshals. Soult's action at Ocana was one of the few correct applications of Hannibal's Cannae tactic to be done in military history. It's also the worst defeat of the Spanish on their own territory. Soult had an almost surreal ability to see the value of an art piece. This made some call him one of the greatest thieves in History. Soult's experience in Spain may have something to do with the brutality of the repression in Algeria, while he was in the government some decades later. When Ney engaged Wellington with only 7000 in a rearguard action in Portugal, He manoeuvered so well Wellington thought he was fighting the entire French army. While he would not succede in breaking his line at Quatre Bras, he still managed to force him to withdraw. Ney was famous for basically bullying ennemy cities into surrendering, yelling boasts and threats from under the walls, firing empty cannon shots and claiming he had much more men than he had. Magdebourg and his 25 000 men fell in twenty days with this method. Ney very probably suffered heavy PTSD from his time in Russia, having exhausted himself by constantly staying on the frontline in the rearguard, without respite and under extreme physical and emotional duress. He was never the same after. Ney could have possibly avoided the death penalty by claiming Prussian nationality due to his place of birth being lost after 1815. Ney refused. His trial was a big affair, with Moncey, Davout and St-Cyr pleading for his life, and the royalists aiming for an example. Wellington accepted, then declined, to speak in his favour. He was executed after refusing to wear a blindfold and reluctantly accepting a confessor.

"I And Others Were Fighting For France While You Sat Sipping Tea In English Gardens" Marshal Ney Wow That was Brutal Edit: "Thank You So Much For 1K Likes "

This was the best episode of the series so far. The last one was so good too and had 2 of the most heartfelt moments with Napoleon’s parting words to MacDonald and to Massena.

A movie about Ney would be an amazing perspective on Napoleon's rise and fall.

As soon as I heard Beethoven at the beginning, I started reciting the entire intro. The impact of this series is indescribable to all military historians such as myself, it’s just too good!

When you're French and watching these videos, you can't imagine the pride and admiration we have for those men. The return to reality is harsh when you compare them to the idiots we have in charge today...

Suchet is such an incredible marshal, had Napoleon only made him the most senior in spain he would've altered the course of the entire peninsular wars, once again thank you for the hard work and dedication epic history tv 💕

Fun fact: When asked who was his greatest marshal Napoleon actually said: “Thats difficult, Once It was Massena. But Suchet succeeded him”

Suchet seems like an inspiration for Grand Admiral Thrawn in Star Wars. Intelligence, administrative capabilities, deep interpersonal skills, immensely capable on the battlefield.

Many marshal own their victories to Napoleon, with them winning whenever Napoleon is with them and losing whenever Napoleon was absent, But Marshal Suchet own his victories to his own and his troops just like Massena, Davout, Lannes and Soult. Fun Fact: When Ney was being trialed after the Hundred Days, Massena was one of the men who refused to try Ney even though the two of them are not in good terms.

Imagine a TV series about all this with a Game Of Thrones budget and good writing. It would be unmissable.

I want that picture of Ney shouldering a musket on my wall now

Suchet : best administrator and best counterinsurgency tactics. Ney : best soldier. Soult : best indépendant commander.

Ney and Jomini were a formidable duo, the impetuosity of the former being kept in check by the analytical thinking of the latter. Jomini’s feud with Berthier made him defect to the Tsar the day before his long awaited promotion to general of division was confirmed in 1813. Jomini’s presence at Quatre-Bras could have prevented Ney’s blunders…

Next episode : 3rd: Berthier, 2nd Lannes and 1st goes to Davout.

Never thought I needed Manga Marshals in my life until I heard it for the first time

A small anecdote: two infantry regiments of the Portuguese legion were in Ney's corp at Vitebsk, Smolensk, Borodino, Krasny during the breakout and retreat of Ney's rear guard; Portuguese remains were found in mass graves meant for battle casualties around Krasny. A testament to the brutal fighting, and Ney's obstinance. The Portuguese, for their part, earned their legions of honour and, more importantly, Ney's praise, while having earned Oudinot's and Napoleon's praise and awards in the German campaign and battle of Wagram. Davout was also a fan, hosting dinners for Austrian nobility soon after Wagram and presenting some Portuguese officers as the "brave Portuguese of legends"; something that seemed to entertain the Austrian noble women...don't ask me why.

Finally! The End is Here!!! Oh well, still another episode to go :D

The music when Ney's rearguard retreat is quite epic, what a astonishing event, astonishing bravery. Truly the Bravest of the Brave. Side note: I'm not crying, you're crying

It seems the case that if you were told to "Pick any one commander to fight your way out of hell with", Ney should be in your top five.

Another curiosity about Marshal Soult: He was responsible for the creation of the French Foreign Legion after the Luis-Philippe's decree on 9 March 1831. The Legion was not wanted by the Army and scoffed by the officers. Former Napoleonic officers under house arrest and half-sold were called to command and train this "Legion of the Damned"; one reason for it having the Ancien Regime's slower march of 88 paces per minute. The Legion was the very end of the priority's pipeline in the Army, being clothed with anything scrounged from stocks, making a motley collective of men, being dubbed "The Scracrows of Algiers". Since nobody wanted or care for it, this sad force would be dubbed by many decades as "The Bastard of Soult".

I can't believe this content is free

Very impressed by Suchet. He seems to have been a great man, who strived to be humane and competent, even in the worst situations and posts.

dropped everything immediately and got comfy as soon as I saw the title

Marshal Suchet is criminally underrated

I'm curious of what Wellington thought of Suchet. He once said he couldn't sleep easy with Massena around, and he told Soult he finally "caught" him at a state dinner. Oh and for some reason, regarding Ney's "last man out of Russia" story, I always imagine him firing one last pistol shot across the pontoon bridge and shouting a final curse at the Russians before crossing.

There is so much we don't know about the goings-on behind the scenes. Like how far exactly did Bernadotte get under Ney's skin with his notes before and after Dennewitz telling him that Napoleon would never win, and that the Allies would never be content to leave him on the throne? And that to save the fruits of the Revolution Napoleon must either make peace of abdicate? And that he, Ney, and the other Marshals were the only ones who could save France? Did it play a part in eroding Ney's confidence in Napoleon? Were the Allies secretly in touch with the other Marshals the same way? Bernadotte wrote letters to Ney, Berthier, Murat, Macdonald and Oudinot. At least Murat and Berthier took Bernadotte's advice to convince Napoleon to make peace to heart. Napoleon was furious when he read the letters, and when Berthier urged peace, abusing him as "an old fool," and he called Murat "a traitor." It was immediately after this that Murat, who was very close with Bernadotte, left for Naples. There are also rumors that Napoleon planned his return from Elba even before he left for exile. And that Ney was in on it. Was Ney's betrayal of Louis XVIII foreordained? Was the iron cage comment high theater?

Out here in Texas. My power just came back on AND there’s a new Epic History video? Today is looking up!

Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide - Napoleon Bonaparte

I was surprised Ney live pass his 30’s as a hussar because they don’t usually live pass it.

Napoleon and his gang were arguably the best general staff in modern history.

I swear the words and music for Marshal Ney inspired me.

Tsar Alexander: "I have an army." Napoleon: "I have a Michel Ney."

"I have fought 100 battles for France and not one against her" - Marshall Ney❤. What a legend and what a leader. A truly brave man.

Ah, Ney. Had he fallen as he brought the last remnants of the Grand Army back from Russia would have been considered a Top 3 Marshal. Ney was not well after Russia and it showed in his performance in 1813. Bautzen and Dennewitz were avoidable mistakes. I don't think a healthy Ney would have made those mistakes.

It is interesting seeing the mentor/mentee relationships in the Marshalate. Soult's mentor was Lefebvre, Ney's mentor was Bernadotte. All four became marshals. Desaix would have been made a Marshal had he survived Marengo, his mentee was a young Nicholas Davout. These relationships survived the Empire. Following Ney's execution, Bernadotte made Ney's son Aide-de-Camp to Crown Prince Oscar.

Michel Ney made me feel proud of being French, and I'm not even French.

Legend says Neys balls are preserved and analysed to this day in hope to find the source of his courage.

IMO, Suchet is such a Underrated Commander, that even though that his fellow marshalls looted Spain, he choose to instead Leave the Civilians alone, and in turn respect him, such a marshall that I take good interest in

This was truly an age of heroes , when men were more afraid of losing their honor than their lives , Men like Ney deserve to go to heaven just for their courage honor and love for his country. Even when face to face with death , this titan did not flinch, even ordering the squad to fire , men like these would make any country proud

If one manages to conquer the hearts of people of the country that are in open nationwide rebellion against your occupation......well, that's a dammed good job Suchet!

Napoleon: “Okay guys, here’s the plan. Murat, right flank, hard & fast. Ney, along the high road & wait for my command. & Soult? Smash.”

I knew Lannes would be one of the top 3! Guess I shall have to wait. Another spectacular video, Epic History!

Me:How could this be any better Epic History:Manga Marshals Me:Il take your entire stock.

They say the French Revolution paved the way for the Napoleonic Wars. Little did they know it would pave the way for EpicHistory TV

33:19 there's something funny on this part.. Baresford face and soults serious looks are funny looking.

Tragedy in how he was treated in the end ! Someone should make a movie on Ney ! A truely remarkable man !

A series on Julius Caesar and Ancient Rome after Napoleon would be good.

Today is a glorious day we have Part 5 of Napoleon’s Marshals!

Marshal Ney was something else, man.

At last, my napoleonic thirst has been quenched

Since we all like these epic quotes: Napoleon about General Dominique Vandamme. "If I had two of you, the only solution would be to have one hang the other" and "If I had to march on Hell, I would give that man command of the vanguard."

Man, you are gonna make me suffer for the last part? I wass missing this for a long time. And the storytelling superb it moved me to tears in Ney's part!

The part for Ney is the best. So inspiring! What a soldier, what a man!

The biography's description of Ney is truely exceptional, very well done . Despite his blunders at a strategical level, he was the saw of the army. Thanks to put in perspective the situation for him and his relatives during the first restauration. He was the embodiment of an antics titan.

"What business has the Emperor at the rear of the army?" And, "We were fighting for France while you sat sipping tea in English gardens." Damn, Ney was savage. These men are legends of war and giants of history. Can't. Wait. For. Part. 1.

Imagine being in the place of ney , being loyal to France till the end , still getting defeated by a betraying marshall and still executed by the same nation

The man who played Ney in the Waterloo movie is actually a descendant of his

The intro... pure goosebumps!

Man, when you are such a benevolent occupier that the former subjects of your occupancy hold a mass for you after your death YEARS after you were kicked out, you know you did something right.

Marshall Ney is one of my favorites along with Davout, Lannes and Masena. He fought like a man and died like one too.

18:40 onwards is why we love Epic History TV.

Ney truly bravest of the brave

I fought a hundred battles for France... and not one against her..

This video is EXACTLY the content that I've been looking for, all these years on UKposts.

37:21 Wellington said of Soult, in effect, that Soult was first-rate at getting his men to the battlefield, but didn't seem to know what to do with them once he got them there.

The part about Ney was so epic and portrays so well Ney's character, I've never understood why there are no films or series about the Marshals, the Krasny's episode would be so epic and dramatic to watch with greats actors and a good soundtrack... :/

Did Napoleon's tendency for favouritism deter him from appointing Suchet to Marshal earlier? Feels like this actually would have made a difference to the trajectory of the empire. Ney is just an incredible character. Thanks for another great episde, can't wait for the last one. :D

I can only say that... Masterpiece.

In my head, number one goes to Marshal Davout. However... In my heart, number one goes to Marshal Ney.

When the last 6 have so much feats that theyre taking two full 40’ episode to tell ^^

Ney was brave, fearless and active. He was called the Bravest Red - faced Fighter and also was an expert on rear defense tactics

Always knew that Lannes for his calculated aggression & Davout for the iron discipline would have been among top 3. But expected Massena for his exploits (except fiasco at Portugal) or Suchet for his brilliant administrative skills, despite knowing that Berthier was great at his organizing job. Overall, the spectacular job done by Epic History TV is always commendable. I respect you for your presentation, minute details and also the ranking (I believe that you'll have great explanations for the TOP 3).

My god, such an outstanding work! Ney's legacy is so well told than it make me thrill. What a legend, He really represents this French spirit from French knights to poilus: brave, great warrior but sometimes undisciplined and not pragmatic. thanks for this new great episode!

Suchet- Master of Administration Ney- Master of the battlefield Soult- Master of Tatics (Also Master of paintings)

First of all, thanks for translating these videos into Turkish regardless of what happens, I wish you success in your work.

A truly outstanding video. Many thanks for airing it, and I very much look forward to part six!

Welp looks like I won't be winning a free baton lol

So thrilled every time when I see a new episode is out.

Yaaay! Been waiting for this as the series nears its superlative conclusion. Absolutely top notch presentation. Thanks again!

One of the best historical series I’ve ever watched. Bravo! Can’t wait for the final episode.