Davout routing an entire Prussian army with a single corps is like a grown man breaking into your house, and your eight-year-old son fights him off.

Hench forth, Epic History shall be referred to as “the iron channel”

Berthier truly was a master of diplomacy. He convinced his wife and mistress to live together in the same house, truly a legend!

Davout knocking out an entire Prussian Army with III corps was just incredible. Of course hes ranked number 1

I found your channel a Pygmy, you’ve become a giant.

Fun fact EHTV fans: Check out the epicness that was born in 1769 Jan 10 - Marshal Ney Mar 29 - Marshal Soult Apr 10 - Marshal Lannes May 1 - Duke of Wellington Jun 18 - Lord Castlereagh Aug 15 - Emperor Napoleon

Lannes is the prototype of the « romantic hero ». Deadly in the battle but so kind outside of the field. And a real friend to the emperor. One of the very few to speak to Napoleon plainly and frankly.

Nietzsche’s idea that Napoleon had reignited the flame of antiquity is so incredibly true, especially after you read about Marshall Lannes. He was something akin to a hero from antiquity.

Epic History TV is one of the purest glories of UKposts!

“ill show you that before i was a marshal i was a grenadier, and still am!” Lannes Bravery and leadership abilities were awe-inspiring his death was the saddest of all the Marshals in my opinion.

French officer: Marshal Davout, they outnumber us 3 to 1!! Davout: "Then it is an even fight".

" History may never see such an extraordinary, diverse, and colorful collection of military commanders again. " What a line to end this series! Bravo!

Lannes may have had the saddest death, but Berthier suffered the most (of those who did not get killed horribly). Never got the glory for all those victories, but had to do all the work necessary to make those victories possible as well as taking all of Napoleon's ill-tempered, and unjustified, abuse. A toast to all the staff officers at there, past and present!

"Terror Belli, Decus Pacis" the words permanently inscribed in my head after this series.

Berthier was The Brain Lannes was The Heart Davout was The Sword

Davout, the only Marshal so great that Napoléon felt threatened and tried to bring him down a peg. What an amazing conclusion.

God damn Lannes, what a chad. The epitome of "Fine, I'll do it myself."

Napoleon once said it is impossible to give Marshal to everyone who deserves it. There are lots of small stories about colonels and generals of his army. Some of colonels even refused to be promouted to higher ranks coz they did not want to leave their regiments.

In 1815, after the battle of Waterloo, Marshal Davout gathered a small loyal troops to the Emperor which located on the south bank of the Loire together with some weapons and equipment that Davout gathered in secret. The Austrian, Prussian as well as the British were about to invade the whole of France but even though the coalitions have a great numerical superiority than the French soldiers at Loire, they turned around and fled when they learned that "The Bald Marshal" was in command of the small troops. This actions of Davout prevented a total invasion of France.

Lannes, shaken, due to the death of his old friend, walk off to sit alone for a moment, was hit by a canon ball which skipped along the field, this make my heart broken. Faith truly hasn't been kind with him.

Marshall Berthier is an interesting example where not bravery and honour, military might and prowess, but organisational abilities and supreme understanding of logistics win wars.

Lannes and Murat had a love/hate relationship. On any given day they could be best buds, enjoying a spa week together (this happened). Or they could be on the verge of killing each other. During the Egyptian Campaign Murat and Lannes were both in hospital from wounds. Murat had taken a musket ball to the mouth, knocking out a few teeth. His jaw had been tied shut and he was unable to talk. Lannes was also wounded and placed in the bed next to Murat. Noting Murat's condition, Lannes proceeded to spend the next week insulting Murat. Calling him names, mocking his flamboyant clothing, calling him a pretty boy etc. And Murat just sat there fuming as he could not respond. Lannes was well pleased.

As a Pole I say that Marshall Davout was the greatest man ruling our land since Kazimierz the Great

I once read that following the end of the Napoleonic Wars there existed this saying among the French People: "The Emperor lost Lannes too soon, gained Suchet too late and didn't use Davout when he needed him the most". PS: THANKS A BUNCH FOR THIS SWEET RIDE OF MILITARY HEAVEN, Epic History TV, IT'S BEEN A BLAST!!! 👏 👏 👏 👏 Overall, I appreciate the standards you've set for summarizing the merits of the Eagle's top adjutants and agree with them 👍 (the only notable exceptions to that being Murat and Masséna, who I feel deserve to have been ranked Better in spite of their Flaws). For someone who will always have tons of History to yet learn, it's always la crème de la crème listening to experts such as you!!! 👌👌

One day, in some distant land they will say: "If Epic History TV had been there, I would not have met this misfortune."

That's why I love Berthier, a man that knows his limitations is a rare thing.

Davout is the silent and talented kid sitting at the corner.

From letters of one of his minister (Maret of Bassano) we know that Napoleon said about giving command of the duchy of Warsaw to Davout: "I will have to order him to take that honor since he never asks, doesn't he sees that he is more fit than the others".

Lannes was a true soldier, who had the trust and friendship of Napoleon. Someone worthy of respect.

From a history-based UKposts channel, to becoming a staple internet diet, Epic History TV is what the name suggests, just epic. I would argue that they are becoming history itself by making such invaluable pieces on human history. What a series this Napoleonic one has been! Kudos!

Damn Lannes. His passing nearly brought me to tears. A loyal and brave friend, his passing was accurately depicted by the tv series “Napoleon” 2002. He and the marshals of Napoleon’s inner circle were the most talented, courageous, skilful and loyal warriors of their time. And now I know why Napoleon has so many successes upon the field of battle: He had the best entourage a leader could ever hope to have.

In my opinion, the feeling I get from Napoleon's treatment of Davout is one of narcissism. Napoleon had a reputation for being a master tactician, and he started to see someone within his own army being the one who brings decisive moments of victory in his battles. He seemed afraid of being upstaged, and only being seen as a great overall commander, with Davout being the brains behind his victories. Therefore to prevent this from happening, Davout was relegated to positions where he would not have the opportunity, authority, of weight of force to perform decisive actions which might win a battle or be considered crucial to a campaign. Given how the other marshals did not like him, I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't one of them putting the idea into Napoleon's head.

I am french, passionate about History and military History. I read lots of books on French Revolution and Napoleonic wars era. I think all your ranked Marshall list is fair, and the top one, the Iron marshal Davout is justify. He has never been interested by political matters, but as a military leader, it can be compared to Napoleon himself. All in all, this list clearly highlights the quality and the importance of all side partners of Napoleon. It was an amazing military leaders generation...

Alright guys if Davout isn’t #1 we riot Edit: A well earned ranking

"The lack of Troops Will decide your faith" "Marshall jean lannes: I AM THE TROOPS!"

Davout was like a postman : always deliver

Davout is truely a role model today, especially in a workplace environment. You don't need to play politics and be friends with everyone. Sometimes, all you need to do is do your job well and trust that your deeds, and not your voice, will bear fruit to your career.

*hovers mouse over end of the video timeline* *see's Davout's bald head* "Oh yeah, it's all coming together"

I read in his biography that, in Borodino, Davout was hit in the abdomen by a cannonball then a bullet pierced his right thigh. Despite this, he still continued fighting. Guy was literally made of iron.

TODAY IS ANNIVERSARY of Marshal Lannes death,Rest in peace

"What a youtuber. The army is full of brave youtubers, but Epic History TV is truly the bravest of the brave"

How in the world did Bertier coordinate 500000 men in a time without fast and reliable communication?! Incredible

Legendary formation: Vanguard: Lannes Center: Soult Right Wing: Davout Left Wing: Suchet Rearguard: Ney Cavalry: Bessiere Artillery: Sernamont

The Indispensable Marshal was clearly cooler than I thought. His organization of supplies and armies, and his skills in implementations was enough to make him a very different of all marshals. I did not support Berthier earlier, but now, looks like he is hella underrated.

Thank you so much for your impeccable work on this period! It's obvious how dedicated you were and how much you care about the history. Truly, your entire Napoleonic Wars series, from Toulon to the last Marshals video is something else. You have made a truly special video series for all military history lovers like myself to enjoy. I've had a fantastic time watching this series from the very start, when you first uploaded the Battle of Waterloo. I've even shown these videos to my coworkers during breaks, and they've grown to love it too. Even though I'm sad to see Napoleon come to an end, I'm glad I got to be a part of it. I hope that you continue to meet the same standards in your future productions (maybe you'll do World War II next?) Vive l'Empereur et Vive Epic History TV!

Great job on this series. I know you will be moving on to other subjects for awhile and I look forward too it but I hope you consider revisiting Napoleon in the future for almost like a prequel series on his military career from after the siege of toulon up until right before he became emperor.

I couldn’t hold my tears when Napoleon’s letter to Lanne’s wife was read.

My family name is Lannes. They came to Brazil before the french revolution because of the Gold rush in Minas Gerais. But my grandfather told us that we are relatives with Jean Lannes. I highly doubt that. But It is fun to imagine that we have an ancestor such as Jean Lannes.

Davout reminds me of Aurelian, stern commander, gifted strategist, miraculous administrator, but whose downfall was his iron hand and lack of charisma

I hope you enjoy the final episode of our Napoleon's Marshals series. What do you think of our final rankings? Find out what we're up to next at www.patreon.com/EpicHistoryTV

I have been a student of history for over 50 years. This is the best overview of Napoleon's Marshall's I have ever viewed. I have studied Napoleon and his armies so much that I had to obtain a real Cuirassier 19th Century sword, marked 1813. The sword is huge, even compared to an American 1840 "wrist breaker" cavalry sabre. I also ride horses a great deal. I cannot imagine the fear 1.000 heavy cavalry would create when coming at you at a full gallop, boot to boot. Those men, on both sides, were brave in the extreme.

Alexander had his Diadochi, and Napoleon his Marshals!!! great series!!!

Can't wait for the next series :))

An incredible adventure from beginning to end! I always knew Davout would be ranked number 1 although I only wish Lannes had survived 1809, I reckon he would have been Napoleons finest perhaps even changing the course of future events

As a french patriot, what an emotion this serie was! I am no't used to let comments, but i am so astonished and thankful for this marvelous work you made, from the research to the editing. Nothing is neglected here. Un grand bravo!

Full Ranking List of Napoleon's Marshals 1. Marshal Davout "Iron Marshal" - "Davout was one of the purest glories of France." 2. Marshal Lannes "Roland of the Grande Armee" - "He had truly become a superior being by the time he perished. I found him a pygmy but I lost a giant." 3. Marshal Berthier "Napoleon's Wife" - "No one else can replace him." 4. Marshal Soult "Iron Arm" - "I should have made a great example and had Soult shot. He was the greatest pillager of them all." 5. Marshal Ney "Bravest of the Brave" - "Ney was priceless for his valour, his obstinancy in retreats. He was good for leading 10,000 men. Otherwise he was a true idiot." 6. Marshal Suchet "Fox of Spain" - "If I'd had two Marshals like Suchet I would have not only conquered Spain but kept it." 7. Marshal Massena "Child of Victory" - "He came alive when surrounded by danger... When defeated, he was always ready to begin again as if he was in fact the victor." 8. Marshal Macdonald "His Outspokenness" - "Good and brave, but unlucky." 9. Marshal Bessieres - "If I had Bessieres with me at Waterloo, my Guard would have brought me victory." 10. Marshal Murat "The Dandy King" - "I cannot conceive how so brave a man could be so unreliable. He was only brave when fighting the enemy... in the council he was a fool with no judgement." 11. Marshal Victor - "Victor was better than one might suppose." 12. Marshal Oudinot - "A decent fellow, but not very bright." 13. Marshal Saint-Cyr - "He is the best man in defense among us in the line of defense, though I am superior to him in attack." 14. Marshal Marmont - "I was betrayed by Marmont, whom I could call my son, my child, my creation..... Vanity was his undoing." 15. Marshal Mortier - "The three of my best generals were Davout, Soult, and Bessieres. Mortier was the most feeble." 16. Marshal Lefebvre - "A truly brave man, who does not concern himself with the maneuvers on his left and right, but thinks only of fighting well, and is not afraid die." 17. Marshal Augereau - "His courage, his outstanding virtues elevated him far above the crowd. But honours, titles and money plunged him back to it." 18. Marshal Bernadotte - "I can only say Bernadotte let me down... I can accuse him of ingratitude, but not of treason." 19. Marshal Jourdan - "I certainly used this man very ill... Jourdan was a true patriot, and that is to answer to many things that have been said about him." 20. Marshal Poniatowski - "A man of noble character, brimming over with honour and bravery." 21. Marshal Moncey - "He was an honest man." 22. Marshal Grouchy - "His conduct was as unfortunate as if his army, on the march, had been struck by an earthquake and swallowed up." 23. Marshal Kellermann - "I think that I was probably the boldest general who ever lived, but even I wouldn't have dared to take post there." 24. Marshal Serurier - "He retained all the characteristics and severity of an infantry major - an honest man, with integrity and reliability, but unfortunate as a general" 25. Marshal Brune - "He was justly proclaimed the saviour of the Batavian Republic... By saving Holland he also saved France from invasion" 26. Marshal Perignon Best Generals who deserved to be Marshals 1. General Bertrand 2. General Clauzel 3. General Desaix 4. Prince Eugene 5. General Gerard 6. General Gudin 7. General Junot 8. General LaSalle 9. General Maison later Marshal 10. General Nansouty 11. General Saint-Hilaire 12. General Vandamme This has been a great series. Wish you guys recreate the Waterloo campaign for the 200th death anniversary of Emperor Napoleon.

Also, since Davout is the best Marshal, and the rivalry between Davout and Bernadotte is well known, I thought I might give some background on Davout and Bernadotte's relationship before and after Auerstadt. 1) Bernadotte and Davout were not on friendly terms before the battle since about 1802. At the time Napoleon had made Davout head of the military police, and as a consequence Davout had the unhappy task of monitoring the activities of his generals. It was at this time that Davout's subordinates sought to tie Bernadotte to the Donnadieu Conspiracy which sought to assassinate First Consul Napoleon. Davout moved by suspicion, and some dubious evidence, and if Fouche is to be believed, some resentment, had Bernadotte's house watched, and even had his mail opened. As it turns out, Bernadotte was not involved in the Donnadieu affair, nor the subsequent Plot of the Placards. When Bernadotte found out his personal letters to his wife had been opened, he threatened to horsewhip Davout, and challenged him to a duel. Bernadotte probably reacted too harshly. Napoleon managed to calm both parties down and by 1804 the two men were cooly civil to one another. Davout even attended a ball in Hannover, given by Bernadotte who was then governor there, and, according to the accounts of the ladies of high society, Davout surprised many as, despite his shabby appearance, he demonstrated extreme grace on the dance floor. Where he danced the night away until the wee hours of the morning. 2) In 1812 Napoleon decided to occupy Swedish Pomerania to secure his northern flank as a prelude to the invasion of Russia. Bernadotte had been Crown Prince of Sweden since 1810. Davout still nursed a substantial grudge against Bernadotte for what he openly perceived as having been abandoned at Auerstadt in 1806. That aside, as it is a whole post in itself, Napoleon gave Davout a chance to avenge himself on the hated Gascon. Napoleon put Davout in command of the operation to occupy Swedish Pomerania, to confiscate all property and to capture and imprison the garrison. Davout set the day for the attack on Bernadotte's birthday and proceeded to occupy the territory with his customary efficiency. So in some measure he got his revenge. However, the Occupation of Swedish territory had a cascading effect that later led to Napoleon's downfall. 3) Davout later had another opportunity to come to blows with Bernadotte. In 1813 Swedish troops reoccupied Swedish Pomerania as a member of the Coalition. Bernadotte later landed with a strong corps of 30,000 Swedes, and later joined by 30,000 Russians, 40,000 Prussians and 15,000 from North Germany, and was put in command of the Allied Army of the North. Contrary to Bernadotte's orders, a Swedish regiment took the initiative to occupy Hamburg, which had been abandoned by the French. Unfortunately for the Swedes, Hamburg was too far away from Allied lines to hold without a major effort (hence why Bernadotte did not want it occupied). Davout, with his corps of 35,000 moved in and chased the Swedes out of Hamburg and proceeded to occupy it until after Napoleon's abdication. Davout later moved to engage Bernadotte's army, and was advancing on Berlin, as part of a coordinated effort to capture the Prussian capital, when Bernadotte defeated Oudinot at GrossBeeran and the French retreated all the way back over the Elbe. Davout only had 30,000 troops with him and was forced to retreat in the face of 100,000 Swedish, Prussian and Russian troops. Davout was to make another effort to link-up with Ney's 60,000 troops to capture Berlin, but Ney's catastrophic defeat at Dennewitz at the hands of Bernadotte forced him to retreat again. Davout remained in Hamburg for the remainder of the War. 4) During the Siege of Hamburg during the winter and spring of 1814, Bernadotte commanded the Army blockading the city and he offered very generous terms to Davout: All French troops would be allowed to march back to France, with their weapons and baggage. They would not have to be put on parole and could rejoin the fight as soon as the returned to French lines. Davout declined to accept the terms and remained in Hamburg where he very competently repulsed an attempt by Bennigsen to take the city in December 1813. Davout launched a couple raids, but for the most part he and his troops, who were greatly needed in France, were left to their own devices.

I must have watched part 5 at least 20 times, the part about Marshal Ney's fighting retreat was so darn inspirational. Part 6 did not disappoint. Thank you so much for this!

Legends tell that Davout was bald because his head needed air cooling as his brain often overheated from his own genius, and that his stuttering and limited social skills are caused by lag

What a bunch of rockstars these guys were. As varied, colorful and exciting as the cast of a well-written best seller. And what an amazing string of episodes! I only wish i had learned history like this at school. Would have had a hell of a time at it!

What an incredible generation of men France had (and women because they also played a role.) Not only in military field but also in Science, Laws, Arts, ...

There’s one more person I promised a Marshal’s Baton but died before receiving it... Do a short special for General Louis-Vincent-Joseph Le Blond de Saint-Hilaire (1766-1809).

I need to visit Paris as soon as this stench of a lockdown is done. I have an overwhelming urge to visit Napoleons tomb, and Lannes, and Ney and Davout. In fact, all that rest in Paris.

“The cowards will die in Siberia, the brave will die on the field of honor.”

Last time I was this early, Napoleon wasn't even trying to invade Russia yet

And here we are at the end of a beautiful arc called Napoleon's Marshals. Epic history TV as a fan and a subscriber I salute you and hope for great things to come.

Napoleon: "I hereby declare the narrator as Marshall of this UKposts"

Could you imagine a series of the same caliber of "Band of Brothers" being made about Napolean and his Marshalls. It's truly staggering how much reality posseses so much drama.

Ah yes, at last. Jean Lannes, my absolute favorite of Napoleons Marshals.

I just recently bought a sword and pistol from Napoleon souvenirs after seeing it on this channel and I must say I’m very pleased

Why do people always start cutting onions when Lannes and Aspern-Essling is brought up? E-excuse me for a bit...

Before the Waterloo campaign, Napoleon gather his soldier in front of his Palace. Davout walk toward napoleon and ask " Emperor, are you not bringing me as your general in this campaign?" Napoleon hug Davout and reply " it was you only I can entrust Paris with"

Guys,we fans of epic history tv shall now cry and smile as well A great series has come to an end 😢☺

Napoleon: Soldiers, who's your marshal? French soldiers: DAVOUT! DAVOUT! DAVOUT! 😁

There has been a big push lately on French media to cancel Napoléon as the commemorations of his death’s bicentenary are approaching. His detractors argue that Napoléon cannot be celebrated since he is a man who re-established slavery. While it is true that Napoléon legalized slavery in 1802, it was restricted to the island of Guadeloupe, and in a very specific context. France had abolished slavery in 1794 under Robespierre's leadership. While it is obviously a good thing that slavery was abolished, it was considered as a completely extreme decision at that time, slavery being legal everywhere else. Napoléon was a friend of Robespierre. He even owed his first commandment of the army of taly to him. He opposed slavery until 1802, saying “Nous ne devons pas retirer la liberté à des hommes à qui nous l’avons donnée” (we shall not take liberty back from people that we freed). In 1802, France was facing the Haitian revolution, and was about to lose its entire colonies to the slaves or to Britain, who had not abolished slavery. The colonial lobby mostly consisted of French nobles, who threatened to ally with the British. Napoléon had to re-establish slavery. When he came back into power in 1815, he abolished the slave trade. When talking about Napoléon, slavery was never a topic until about a few years ago. Now, it is the only topic. Clearly, Napoléon was not a saint, but he still had one of the most incredible destinies in history, his military genius was unlike any other, and he created the entire administrative and legal system that we still use today. And that’s why I have to tip my hat to our British friends at Epic History who, with a computer and a few donations, do a better job at celebrating French national heritage than all of French TV put together.

Davout testifying for Ney, Mcdonald vouched for Davout; these were the real homies---wholesome.

Well that was a brilliant series! I hope we'll get to see Napoleon's enemies ranked in the same style sometime in the future too.

In 40 days will be the 200 years of the death of Napoleon. On May 5, 2021, raise a glass for the Emperor and his extraordinary Marshals!

To say I’m obsessed with this series is an understatement. I return for a complete watch through on a monthly basis. Thanks Toby

As an Englishman, this series has installed in me a massive sense of admiration and respect for France, and too, sadness and guilt, as I bear witness to what our 2 great nations have become. Great individuals like these will only again determine history when a new revolution begins, which could be sometime.

This channel really lives up to its name and quite frankly the best in the platform, I really feel bad for marshal Berthier though in particular because he probably wasn't expecting to die in such a manner and if it was suicide there are more ways to do the "job" without it being gruesome and painful such as what had happened to him, marshal Lannes too although quite sad his wife cheated on him atleast he knew how much people and the emperor himself loved him before he had died, imo Davout was severely under-utilized by the Napoleon, he had so much potential on the wars decisive battle grounds but I'm sure i speak for everyone when I say that Davout truly deserves the number 1 spot, Thank you for making such an incredible Napoleonic war series and I'm sad and happy at the same time that this Napoleons marshal series has come to an end, hopefully a full part video will be released soon thank you for your hard work and dedication EHTV much love to you guys there

Who else believes death of Marshal Lannes was like a siren of Napoleon’s downfall??? @Epic History TV. Thanks for this masterpiece✌️ If Napoleon’s top enemies video come I think no 1 of top 10 would be 1)Kutuzov 2)Wellington 3)Charles

Prussians advancing on a single french core: *Why do i hear boss music?*

3 mins in and it hurts 😂😂 I’ve always said Napoleon would have been Napoleon without Ney, or Lannes, or Davout. But he wouldn’t have been Napoleon without Berthier.

Last time I was this early, The Prussians were retreating from Jena.

Today is 200 Hundred Years from the Greek Revolution of 1821 and 2500 years from the Persian Wars. You did a fine thing uploading this video.

So our wee Scot made it in to the top ten. A town south of Paris called Sancerre, has a street named after him. I've visited it in 1999, after the France Scotland Rugby 5 nations game. Yes I had my kilt on and yes the French loved it and yes we got a wee bit drunk. Thanks for this series, it has been wonderful to watch.

i'm french , very proud about the history of my country , and glad that some english people love Napoléon , vive l'empereur ....

Marshal Berthier, Lannes and Davout. If only those marshals were there in Waterloo he might won.

I just wanted to thank you having finished this series despite the views not being as high as on some other videos, it just shows your dedication to this topic and history in general.

40:47 davouts summary had gave me goosebumps, what a talented man!

J'accord. I agree that Davout and Lannes were the two best marshals. (retired infantry officer and lifelong history student).

I first discovered this channel when I watched world war 1 1914, and I’ve never stopped watching since. Thanks epic history, and keep up this amazing work!

Amazing series. A true masterpiece, Toby! Truly great. An all-time great series.

One of the best and possibly the most underrated channels over a whole youtube. Thanks a lot for your tirelessness in organisation of new series as Berthier, your hard work as Davout, and your devotion to us as McDonald! Definitely my favorite history channel. And we beg you to continue making videos about so interesting era of the worlds history - Napoleonic Wars. I hope you'll consider to continue the same, next time about most famous Napoleon's generals (Desaix, d'Hautpoul, Friant, Lassalle, Rapp, Moran, Legrand an so on) especially taking in account that there are so many glorious stories about them, which many of us would like to hear. Thanks agaiN!

I was starting to wonder why you guys had left out Davout, then I saw you saved him for #1 😂😂

Finally...after all these months here we are here at last lads! A million thanks to EpicHistoryTV for this brilliantly researched and spectacularly well presented series!

Finally it is done, now let's get back to our napoleonic legend and start that Italian campaign. So many incredible battles and campaigns to cover. Vive L'Empereur 🦅

“Remember that one day it will be a fine thing to be second to Napoleon” *Looks at Sir Arthur Wellesley* He has a point.

Truly epic work as always. Thank you so much for covering this incredibly epic era.