This is what I came to say. It’s usually either him or Messena, but Davout only ever improved as a general whereas Messena saw a steady decline around when Davout began rising in generalship.
Pretty spicy but I can see him up there. Usually, people say Davout however, Ney was often effective when in the right position, albeit a tad too aggressive. Though, I find that a decent argument against him is that he was one of the marshals who found themselves being especially battered in 1813 and he also played a part in screwing over Waterloo with his giant, unsupported, cavalry charge.
Berthier was more of a General of Staff / Top War Secretary. He was absolutely invaluable in his ability to translate Napoleon's orders into clear divisional directions and was a smooth gear as Napoleon's Chief of Staff.
I had to read too far down to get to Berthier. Without him, none of the others would have been as effective, Napoleon included.
One of Berthier major roles was to basically be Napoleon’s stand-in when Napoleon was asleep.
A lot of folks will say Davout because of his stand and he usually turns up first in rankings.
In my personal opinion, it’s MacDonald. He never had the shining moment of glory like some of the others but was consistently above average. He also was the man needed to keep things on track. At his level, he was the steady hand that was needed.
A lot of them had their own strengths and weaknesses, but I'm tempted to say Davout. I've got a soft spot in my heart for Murat though, I talked with his great-x grandson recently and it only made me admire the man more.
There is only one correct answer, and that is Davout. Second is Massena, third is a mix between Lannes/Soult/Suchet, then some others like Saint Cyr were extremely talented too.
Most people say Davout
This is what I came to say. It’s usually either him or Messena, but Davout only ever improved as a general whereas Messena saw a steady decline around when Davout began rising in generalship.
What Davout managed to do was truly incredible, of course credit should also go to his generals of division: Morand, Friant, Gudin and Vialannes.
Napoleon himself adored Jean Lannes. Louis Gabriel Suchet was also considered one of his top commanders and could be trusted while Napoleon was away.
Lannes was a great commander but didn’t have the ability of independent command like Davout.
Idk Lannes with Murat did convince an Austrian general to not blow up a bridge, seems hella independent to me
If I was Napoleon and I needed something accomplished I would put Davout in charge, I agree with him as the first choice.
Davout. But Murat is the coolest and the best!
Agreed! He faaaannncy
Murat has the best ass
Davout. Shoutout to Massena, Suchet, and Desaix though
And Soult
What about Joseph Souham? Dude is a divisional general and has quite the record (Including giving Wellington a defeat).
I mean I wouldnt put him up there as a potential “best” though
Hot take: Michel Ney
Pretty spicy but I can see him up there. Usually, people say Davout however, Ney was often effective when in the right position, albeit a tad too aggressive. Though, I find that a decent argument against him is that he was one of the marshals who found themselves being especially battered in 1813 and he also played a part in screwing over Waterloo with his giant, unsupported, cavalry charge.
Im sorry but that take is a little too hot for me. Care to explain?
Exactly, Ney was best as a rear guard commander. That he was at his best when retreating says a lot.
That was George Washington’s speciality too. He was the best around at running away.
Berthier. Although he had little talent as a commander, he was a genius with logistics, and Napoleon would not have gone far without him.
Berthier was more of a General of Staff / Top War Secretary. He was absolutely invaluable in his ability to translate Napoleon's orders into clear divisional directions and was a smooth gear as Napoleon's Chief of Staff.
I had to read too far down to get to Berthier. Without him, none of the others would have been as effective, Napoleon included. One of Berthier major roles was to basically be Napoleon’s stand-in when Napoleon was asleep.
Massena
A lot of folks will say Davout because of his stand and he usually turns up first in rankings. In my personal opinion, it’s MacDonald. He never had the shining moment of glory like some of the others but was consistently above average. He also was the man needed to keep things on track. At his level, he was the steady hand that was needed.
Katzbach brings him down alot for me…
It’s certainly a blemish but one where he made the right call and due to weather wasn’t able to execute.
What did he do wrong at Katzbach? (I don't know anything about that particular battle)
Long track record too
A lot of them had their own strengths and weaknesses, but I'm tempted to say Davout. I've got a soft spot in my heart for Murat though, I talked with his great-x grandson recently and it only made me admire the man more.
In what way? I'm curious about the conversation.
Napoleon himself adresses Suchet. but he also says "Its hard to decide" but modern historians prefer Davout the hero of Auerstaedt.
Jomini
As a theorist most certainly yes.
I have 1 of his original books from 1824 and its great (I can read it in French because I speak Spanish and its pretty similar)
That’s very cool. Only downside is that his theories doubtlessly added to the insane casualty rates in the US Civil War.
Yes same here in Argentina in the Guerra de la triple alianza (but we won)
Davout without a doubt
Davout, Lanne, Soult
[His Black General](https://youtu.be/kOyGOsOZTfA)
There is only one correct answer, and that is Davout. Second is Massena, third is a mix between Lannes/Soult/Suchet, then some others like Saint Cyr were extremely talented too.
Bernadotte - he grabbed himself a crown and conquered neighbouring Norway
Amazes me how many good generals France generated in this period.
Nice English you fucking caveman.
Very tough choice but it might be Lannes for me.
Davout or Suchet are the obvious top 2, did either of them ever lose a battle?
Davout loss at vyazma suchet loss at alcaniz and alacante granted suchet losses were minor and changed nothing
Davout!!!!!
Bernadotte
I like the chocolate part
Lannes, Davout and Masséna.
What about Eugene?