Napoleon in Italy: Battle of Rivoli (5/5)

In 1796, at the height of the Revolutionary Wars, Napoleon Bonaparte took command of French forces in northern Italy. He was just 26 years old and had never commanded an army before. Within weeks, he had turned his ragged, demoralised troops into a ferocious fighting force, defeating the Austrians and knocking Piedmont out of the war. With success, Napoleon began to believe it was his destiny to shape the fate of nations. In this series, we follow Napoleon's first glorious campaign step by step.
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#EpicHistoryTV #NapoleonicWars #napoleon

[@EpichistoryTv]

I hope you enjoy the final episode of our 'Napoleon's First Campaign' series! Big thanks to PMF Productions for all their hard work on the series. What's your top moment of the campaign? Aiming the guns at Lodi? Chasing the Austrians through the valleys on the way to Bassano? Storming the bridge at Arcole? Let us know in the comments. And don't forget you can get ad-free early access to all our videos at Patreon www.patreon.com/EpicHistoryTV

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Love You guys! You rock and mine has to be the storming of the Bridget at Arcole! 🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🤴🤴🤴🤴

[@kwezicanca3698]

Not to sound cheesy but the entire series has been a top moment but I love to see how the Marshall's started under Napoleon and also the origin of the famous painting where the Emperor is waving a flag (storming of the bridge)

[@maximequesada2080]

Probably the decision to abandon the siege of Mantua and the subsequent manoeuvres in central position to keep Wurmser and Quasdanovich separated at the battles of Lonato and Castiglione. Really a masterpiece.

[@Supertortoes]

@@kwezicanca3698the origin to the painting is from the battle of arcole it’s in the 4th episode of the series 😁

[@Aubrey1000]

Charles , your narration skills are amazing ❤ 👍

[@RollTide1987]

For those of you who aren't members of the Patreon page: some great news. They will be finishing off their videos of Napoleon with his campaign in Egypt, followed by the 1799 coup of the Directory, and then finishing up with Napoleon's second Italian campaign and the Battle of Marengo.

[@merdiolu]

I canot wait for Siege of Acre (Napoleon's first operatyional and strategic defeat) and Battle of Canopus (Alexandria) between British and French

[@Cancoillotteman]

noice

[@_greenrunner_]

@@merdiolui’m more hype to see the insanity that is the pyramids and mount tabor in glorious epic history fashion

[@rhysnichols8608]

I think they definitely should make a video about Napoleons political career, his reforms, systems, and life under his rule both in France and under occupation.

[@senurilsvicrai3708]

Are you allowed to share this? Lol You paid for a membership and get info that we, those who are not members, do not get.

[@maximequesada2080]

Joubert is probably one of the biggest what-ifs of the Napoleonic Wars. He was so promising.. his chase of the austrians after Rivoli was perfect and his campaign in the Tyrol, just touched upon here, was magnificient. Just imagine Napoleon with him as Corps commander in his campaigns.

[@enzonicolas7501]

What about Desaix ? If I remember correctly Napoleon whispered his name when he died on St Helena.

[@maximequesada2080]

@@enzonicolas7501 Yes Desaix is another great one.. Also Moreau if he got along with Napoleon.

[@manupontheprecipice6254]

Don’t forget Le Harpe!

[@user-cj4df7vs7w]

Could be in Bonaparte's place as a military dictator.

[@DetodoUnpoco-rl4mm]

But Died😅😅

[@Talancir]

Goosebumps when Napoleon said "they are ours." The man knew how to flaunt his swag.

[@artofstorytelling9406]

I can only imagine all his men must have been in disbelief before, during and after Rivoli , I was in disbelief myself even knowing Napoleons whole life 😂

[@battle-brotherthiel1563]

Not to mention the huge bluff against Archduke Charles making him believe there was a lot of forces in Austria when it was only Napoleon’s army behind enemy lines and short on supplies. The absolute balls.

[@larrylucid5502]

@@battle-brotherthiel1563 He was 'in the zone' and more importantly, HE KNEW IT, so he rode the high tide. There is a clear explanation why fortune favours the bold. Its not gambling, its a sort of magic. Theres no better feeling.

[@SandboxHistoryTV]

Yes, the man was great, maybe I should do a video on Napoleon too. As my second video

[@Paezano]

⁠😂

[@yestam3181]

​I thought that the Battle of Austerlitz was the most beautiful and complete Napoleon's victory, but the Battle of Rivoli is on a whole other level. Never had so much emotions in a span of few seconds. Vive l' Emperur

[@jl88570]

Maybe Rivoli was his first masterpiece.

[@g.santoro1387]

​@@jl88570Nah that was the Battle of the Pyramids the casualties in that battle are incomparible

[@pierren___]

Lempereur*

[@PueSaness]

@@g.santoro1387 "the casualties in that battle are incomparable" Mount Tabor 1799 begs to differ

[@Leaffordes]

@@g.santoro1387 Were Mamluks ever successful against European armies at this time?

[@TheModeler99]

Generals to Napolean: They are surrounding us Napolean calm and collected: They are ours 15:13 Such a BOSS MOMENT. Thank you for the Amazing series

[@potato88872]

He liked the odds, like a certain mandalore

[@BattleHardenedGames]

That's honestly one of the coolest lines I've ever heard in history, given the situation he was in.

[@Camtard]

ils sont a nous .. dixit Napoleon ... SO BADASS

[@Cancoillotteman]

@@Camtard I can't find the original quote but it seems more logical to me the actual quote would be "Nous les tenons" "Ils sont à nous" sounds really English

[@sach29gamers]

@@Cancoillotteman I just check and it is "ils sont à nous !" according to Napopédia

[@TwoFistsOneHalleluja]

The popularity of this channel will go through the roof once the Ridley Scott movie hits theatres. And it is well deserved, no other history channel on youtube delivers this level of quality and with this consistency.

[@jonathanherrera1510]

Which Ridley Scott movie? :O

[@Rockcrusher22895]

Ridley Scott has a new historical movie on Napoleon hitting theaters this Thanksgiving.@@jonathanherrera1510It's called Napoleon starring Joaquin Phoenix as the French Emperor.

[@MonkeyBanjo7]

@@jonathanherrera1510”Napoleon” it starts Joaquin Phoenix Trailer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXK9iIuLoNedhsUsi=opqKp_CcNV9aIUTR

[@12mexer]

@@jonathanherrera1510 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXK9iIuLoNedhsUsi=VAgzgpFHGJCdjaTD This one 😆

[@theindoboi]

​@@jonathanherrera1510the upcoming Napoleon this year starred by Joaquin Phoenix

[@DrachenBlasen]

A few extra fact: In Rivoli there's a little Napoleonic museum. At the start of the first Italian independence war, Austria hevely fortified the area, there's around 7 forts in the valley. Forte di Rivoli is visitable and it's a muesum now, the other forts are visitable but in an abandoned state.

[@aarongodinez9022]

Had to protect themselves from the local tribes.

[@mixererunio1757]

I just love how Napoleon went: "We're surrounded? Great! We can shoot now in every direction."

[@AlphaSections]

Sounds like the USMC. Maniacs like them have the will to overturn impossible odds.

[@dastemplar9681]

@@AlphaSections “Men, they are to our left! They are to our right! They are in front of us! And they are to our rear! They can’t get away!” -“Chesty” Puller, 1st Marine Division Chosin Reservoir

[@AlphaSections]

Hah! Wow you found the quote I was thinking of! Perfectly done!@@dastemplar9681

[@JM-bl3ih]

He didn't said they are ours out of some overly optimistic view, he said it because he envisioned and knew from a soldiers perspective how they would eventually get themselves tired and strung out as they attacked

[@NapoleonBonaparte05]

I love that the mention of Captain Lasalle is made in this series. He is quite a famous cavalry general in his last years and it good to see his early years.

[@NeverGoingToGiveYouUp000]

One best light cavalry commanders of his time.

[@fxdx68]

@@NeverGoingToGiveYouUp000 Lasalle who said: any cavalry man who is still alive at the age of 30 is a wanker.

[@enzonicolas7501]

« Mon cœur est à toi, mon sang à l’empereur, ma vie à l’honneur. » "My heart is yours, my blood to the Emperor, my life to honor" Lasalle, letter to his wife.

[@user-dg8uh5gj1c]

"My heart belongs to you, my blood to the Emperor, and my life to honor." -Lasalle, predicting his to death in a letter to his wife on the eve of the Battle of Wagram

[@NeverGoingToGiveYouUp000]

@@user-dg8uh5gj1c He gathered some hussars to chase down the fleeing enemy, sadly he was too fast found himself alone and was shot. Could've been a Marshal

[@pughcody]

This battle has a very strong case to be considered Napoleon's true military masterpiece. At Austerlitz, he was assisted by some very poor tactical decision-making by the combined Austro-Russian leadership, which played right into his battle plan. At Rivoli however, Napoleon was up against arguably one of his most challenging opponents in Alvinczi, whose battle plan was really about as good as it could have been in this situation. Napoleon simply had a better understanding of the critical factors of combat, including the use of terrain as a force multiplier, the effective deployment and use of artillery and ability to rapidly redeploy forces. All were on display at Rivoli and he utilized these insights to snatch victory from almost certain defeat. Furthermore, this is a great example of how Napoleon saw military advantage where other generals may have only seen disaster. Instead of Lusignan's flanking maneuver being seen as a major strategic threat to his retreat, Napoleon see's it as the Austrians isolating their own forces and depriving themselves of strength for their main attack. Instead of seeing Reuss's advance as being too overwhelming to stop, he see's that the terrain his perfect for defense. Instead of seeing his forces as objectively outnumbered, he knows his artillery and cavalry give him a decisive tactical advantage. It was these observations and calculations that he made on the battlefield, particularly early on in his career, that reveal his true genius. And when compared against his latter campaigns, where he more often than not simply opted for frontal assaults, its very indicative of how that genius was worn down by years of campaigning, the mental fatigue of command and the never-ending adaptability of his enemies

[@MrHnm92]

For this battle, probably in the minds of Masséna, Joubert and other officers of the French Army of Italy: "Remember, nothing is lost while courage remains"

[@kabodra]

I swear while watching the video (and in particular that part when the French were about to be encircled) I also remembered that sentence - "Nothing is lost while courage remains"

[@vattghern257]

To add to this epicness. It was this Italian campaign waged by Napoleon that inspired Polish Anthem🇵🇱. As we all sing the line of chorus of our anthem - "From Italian land to Poland" at least several times. The brilliance of Napoleon sparked the barrel of gunpowder... ... as the Polish Nationalism arised with it. The force which will ultimately lead, through countless risings and rebellions to the independent Poland " We'll cross the Vistula, we'll cross the Warta, We shall be Polish. 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆 has given us the example Of how we should prevail. " My greatest grettings to Italy and France ! 🇵🇱 🇮🇹 🇫🇷

[@hirohito5399]

Love from France 🇫🇷 ❤️🇵🇱

[@kabodra]

Though the French didn't show you the same level of commitment in 1939(

[@stefthorman8548]

​​@@kabodrathey weren't the same france by that point, each new government means the previous accomplishments are wiped, and they when through several, it's no wonder they were so lackluster and white flaggy in ww2, btw, the US is one of the oldest standing governments currently, germany, russia, france on the other hand are young, within 120 years old, standing in the bones of the people of before.

[@stefthorman8548]

​@@kabodrait's also why the US doesn't own france anything, we were in the dept of the French king, who put himself into dept for us, not to the savages that beheaded him.

[@gundarvarr1024]

@@kabodra it's French, not Empire of French. If it's empire of French they will give the same commitment

[@letsgoooo342]

Napoleon really said " Call an ambulance but .... NOT for me !!! " 15:13

[@Tuathadana]

Amazing work as always! Thank you for such content. I hope you are able to produce Napoleons Egyptian campaign as well and also have a Thomas Alexander Dumas episode.

[@walideg5304]

He played a crucial role in the Expedition of the Tyrol, « The expedition of the Giants »

[@spillee]

YES! Next the Egyptian Campaign PLEASE! With Lannes, Lasalles, Murat and Napoleon of course!

[@elphil123]

@rishi6335 Thank you for financing these amazing creations.

[@Tuathadana]

@@elphil123 it's my pleasure they're the next step up from history Channel from back in the mid 2000's

[@saulgoodmanclone]

WE FUNDING THE ARMY WITH THIS🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@animeyahallo3887]

18:44 am i the only one loving this scene? I love how Epic History gives the spotlight to the secondary commanders. For all his talents, Napoleon is not a one-man army, his victories are due to his brilliance and his subordinates.

[@jebbroham1776]

The whole battle of Italy was insane considering the fact that the French Army of Italy was barely holding when Napoleon got transferred to it, and nothing really improved for them for the entirety of the campaign. Yet even despite this they were still able to fight off, and win battles against, an army that always outnumbered them. Those were very brave and very tough lads indeed.

[@KidoKoin]

I mean, if your only way to a decent meal is wasting a bunch of Austrians...

[@potato88872]

There is a reason that they are called " The Brave" and that "He belong to the army of italy" This soldier, who were suppose to be just "smoke and mirror" are the one that put an end to the first coalition war.

[@strongest32]

Imagine watching the dude that has all the responsibility of the battle and the war as you think you and everyone are f*ckd and he says "they are ours". beautiful, simply beautiful.

[@jgmaster12]

More of Napoleon please, all your stuff about Napoleon is next level quality

[@Bluediamond2023]

Egyptian campaign.

[@youio9063]

does this mean it's accurate? sorry i don't know how to know whats historically accurate. i would love an answer :)

[@SandboxHistoryTV]

Yes, the man was great, maybe I should do a video on Napoleon too. As my second video

[@andrewmartinez7559]

​@youio9063 yes.

[@Youbeentagged]

Austrians: We have them surrounded. Let us finish off the French. Napoleon to his troops: The Austrians have sent us bodies for target practice.

[@SymbolicLogic24]

Napoleon was bold, lucky and aggressive. Where many would see defeat he turned into a victory. He really was brilliant for his time.

[@filb]

Reminds me of Julius Gaius Caesar, he had many moments like that.

[@artofstorytelling9406]

I saw defeat and I already had the spoilers 😂

[@reborninflames2188]

Exactly what I was thinking. It stands out so clearly, and Napoleon was an avid student of Caesar. @@filb

[@AemondOneEye]

Seemingly in a situation where the entire army is about to be encircled and destroyed. Then the words "They are ours" appear on the screen... Goosebumps. Thank you once again. Best history channel on KZbin.

[@pewpewtactical5288]

At the scene of “fourteenth! Will you let them take your guns?” Gave me goosebumps. I watched this with my wife and I told her how grateful I am to live in America in ‘23. Being on the line with the fourteenth at my age was a very real possibility if I were born in France in the 18th century. Hypothetical… but put myself in those boots…

[@Kerestin1]

What boots? Army of Italy suffered from a chronic shortage of footwear, don't you remember?😊

[@jazzjj7665]

@@Kerestin1LOL

[@trevdestroyer8209]

​@Kerestin1 the ones stolen from Austrian corpses

[@bishop6218]

"...but the Fourteenth fights valiantly" My brain : " FOURTEENTH !"

[@AlexC-ou4ju]

Thibault Pulleau and lucien Vaurenne

[@bishop6218]

@@AlexC-ou4ju i wished i could give you a 100 likes for this one ! You made my day ! 🤣🤣🤣

[@mitchelcole7007]

“The clock is ticking! The Austrians MUST relieve Mantua by THAT date…or lose the city. And with it, the War in Italy.” I am more invested in this series than I am in most movies. And I’m a film major btw.

[@MrHnm92]

My God, what a piece of episode. I've been excited every minute that passed, what a tension and epicity from start to finish. Without a doubt, Napoleon is not only one of the greatest civil and military leaders in history, but one of the most exceptional and indomitable men with great self-belief in history. First, I can't help but feel empathy and anger with Napoleon for what the Directory did to him during practically the entire war. Literally abandoning him and his army with very few reinforcements and supplies is one of the reasons that led him to his coup against that corrupt and inept government, only receiving help when the campaign on the Rhine did not advance and if it did so in Italy. And it's one of the reasons they let him go to Egypt. In this episode we already see Napoleon not only thinking tactically, but strategically as a whole. It is crazy that he was able to analyze the situation so quickly and act in such a decisive way (thanks in large part to a great staff of future French Marshals who will mark the history of France, Europe and the entire world). Being in such dire straits and looking at your Commander in Chief waiting for an answer is just beautiful. Now I understand the Old Elite Imperial Guard (made up of many veterans from Italy) and the main reason why his men remained so loyal to him even in the worst conditions: they knew he would be with them in the field, risking their lives together, bringing them victories, honor and riches wherever they went. To him they were his children, to them he was his father. They would die for him without hesitation, for their general, for their Little Corporal, for their Emperor. It is a pity that Joubert did not live long enough to become a Marshal of France. I am convinced that he would have been one of the best, on a par with Suchet, Ney, Soult, Lannes and Davout. Of Austria, I can only say that the Austrian staff is a herd of incompetents. Planning an offense without analyzing the terrain is worse than being a rookie and even worse that Alvinczi didn't realize it. What I can do is praise for the two great Austrian military commanders: Wurmser, for his tenacity, toughness and strength to carry on despite his increasingly worse situation against Napoleon; and Archduke Charles, who proved to be the best of all the Austrian military and almost changed the situation in Germany, but his performance in Italy cannot be blamed, since he was given a situation and an army practically on the verge of surrender (reminds me to Soult when Napoleon sends him back to Spain to try to save the situation). Finally, I can only thank EHTV and PMF Productions for this sublime work of art. The work with maps, paintings, the portraits and the recreations are worthy of any praise. I have to subscribe to the Patreon of this channel as soon as possible, otherwise I would be a full-fledged Talleyrand. Best regards to the EHTV team, PMF Productions, History Marche and Charles Nove for this great and hard work: you are the history staff of our time.

[@pierren___]

Is there anything the directory could have done ?

[@christopherf8912]

@@pierren___ probably send more men

[@battle-brotherthiel1563]

>Be Napoleon staff at Rivoli >Austrians are pushing hard >Big risk for encirclement >ohshit.oilpaint >Napoleon smiles >”They’re ours” >Proceed to win the battle >Refuse to elaborate further >Leaves

[@porphyry17]

">ohshit.oilpaint" looooooooool

[@IlFruttoDellEden]

Fun fact: the main street in Paris next to the Louvre Museum is called “Rue du Rivoli”. I come from this town and that makes me super proud whenever I go to Paris

[@BruneSixtine]

It's one of the most notorious street of Paris indeed.

[@beats4hobner]

For Napoleon still has many extraordinary things to achieve. That line gets me.

[@sethsun]

19:27 when the violins kick in is just amazing with that transition, feels like the climax of the whole campaign

[@historymanZP]

Truly a brilliant video and a brilliant conclusion to a brilliant series. You make some of the best documentaries on KZbin, hands down. It's one thing to tell history but another to make it exciting. This flowed like a drama with highs and lows, despite me knowing what the outcome would be. You don't get nearly enough credit for the work you do. C'est Magnifique. 😁

[@enzonicolas7501]

C'est ... ÉPIQUE !😅

[@flashgordon6670]

They should’ve locked Napoleon in the Tower of London, the first time he abdicated and charged £100 to play chess with him. “Come and play Chess with Emperor Napoleon!” I mean if you’re going to exile him on islands you may as well keep him as a trophy.

[@stephenjohnson8237]

Couldn’t have said it better!

[@perfectgallows9599]

Agreed. Very fine work.

[@NightmareOfEurope]

Combined with the fast running orchestral music, epic paintings and awesome animations, this series is truly a legendary masterpiece.

[@AngryCenturion576]

Napoleon’s first Italian campaign took a year, and this series took almost as much-eight months. It’s great because it makes it feel like we were with him on this journey. Thanks for all the amazing effort you put into this fantastic series, Epic History!

[@Eluzian86]

In my opinion, the victory at Rivoli was more impressive an accomplishment than Austerlitz. Austerlitz was a grander scale, but Rivoli was a far more desperate situation and took greater calculation and troop management to pull off. Napoleon's army was also proportionally more outnumbered at Rivoli than at Austerlitz.

[@PueSaness]

It's hard to compare. Austerlitz is impressive for how much control over all the conditions of the battle Napoleon demonstrated, from his men to the enemy army to even the weather conditions and the battlefield itself, resulting in a near-perfect execution of an audacious plan. It's impressive in much the same way Hannibal's victories against Rome were, where the awe comes not from the numerical inferiority or from the desperation (note that while Cannae is Hannibal's most famous victory, in most of his victories Hannibal had numerical parity or superiority), but from how how perfectly the victor played his opponent into a trap. Consider that when the Coalition took the bait to double back and confront Napoleon, there were actually only some 53,000 Frenchmen and some 90 guns in the vicinity of the battlefield, while the Coalition had a total mass of nearly 100,000 men and over 350 guns (not all of which they actually managed to get to the battlefield, but this is due to the Coalition leaders jumping the gun and starting the battle days before they had gathered all available forces) in the area. Because of this, the Coalition thought that it would hold a 2-1 advantage in men and a 4-1 advantage in artillery when they turned back to give battle. Instead, Napoleon had the forces of Davout and Bernadotte force-march to Austerlitz, with Bernadotte arriving right before the battle and Davout in the middle of the battle, while the Coalition failed to bring all their strength, resulting in only a minor numerical advantage in men for the Coalition and only a 2-1 advantage in artillery. Moreover, Napoleon controlled the battlefield so well that he even had his men tilling the earth of the battlefield before the Coalition arrived, so that when the Coalition leaders finally looked down from the Prazten Heights for the first time, the tactical advantage of their position would look more impenetrable to them than it actually was. Austerlitz is actually fairly similar to an ambush, except it's an ambush on a strategic rather than tactical level. On the other hand, at Rivoli Napoleon was caught between a rock and a hard place, and rather than a well-prepared plan, cobbled together a victory by his skill at improvisation and sheer intuition to perfectly solve a series of consecutive tactical crises, each one of which threatened to destroy him, without a chance to catch his breath. It's a testament to Napoleon's flexibility, energy, and huge adaptive abilities, but a general winning by those qualities is less rare than a general winning by controlling all the elements of the battle as at Austerlitz. Rivoli had a far more dramatic swing in momentum and crisis than Austerlitz, of course, and far more generals would be able to win if they thrown into Napoleon's position at Austerlitz than if they were thrown into Napoleon's position at Rivoli. But so would many generals win from Hannibal's position at Lake Trasimene, and that doesn't make Hannibal's victory there any less impressive. At least in the context of Napoleon himself, I think it's easy to tell which victory was harder for him. Throughout Napoleon's career, there are many cases of him improvising his way out of a seeming defeat in the moment to a baffling final victory, from Arcole to Rivoli to Mount Tabor to Marengo and on and on, but the cases of him winning by a near-perfect execution of a well-prepared tactical plan and total control over battle conditions as at Austerlitz are few and far between (actually, I'm not sure of any example of it other than Austerlitz that I can't think of some quibble over - maybe Hanau?).

[@khalidarhanighana5184]

I love you guys I hope you do all the Napoleon wars, including Egypt and others campaings or conflicts covering all what happened during those times in this format ,i love it all

[@jona.scholt4362]

I second this! Even just a two episode "series" on it would be enough. I'd love to see the Battle of Aboukir Bay covered by Epic History; I think you could call Nelson's "Victory on the Nile" just as impressive as Trafalgar.

[@chasechristophermurraydola9314]

I would love to see the fighting in Egypt and Syria like the battles of the Nile, The Pyramids and the fighting that took place between Napoleon and the ottomans.

[@umjackd]

It's not as epic, but Extra History has a fun and fascinating series on the politics of the Egypt campaign.

[@GodofThunder84]

I would like to see focus on Nelson and Wellington's early careers.

[@chasechristophermurraydola9314]

@@GodofThunder84 I agree with you on that.

[@ottovonbearsmark8876]

Napoleon according to TikTok: “There’s nothing we can do” Napoleon in real life: “They are ours”

[@stefans6853]

Quite interesting to see how the battle of Rivoli displays parallels with some of the greatest tactical maneuvers in history: Reuss' jammed and disorderly retreat - with the encircled, bunched-up and panicking Romans at Cannae (ironically the village behind the Austrians was called Canale); Alvinczi's main column's advance/the French center's retreat - with the infamous Mongol feigned retreat; Even the Austrian center's collapse - with the battle of Gaugamela, where Alexander's strike to the heart of the army also eventually routed both Persian flanks which independently seemed strong. This only shows how psychologically man hasn't really changed for thousands of years.

[@PueSaness]

I think there's another parallel with Cannae. Like Hannibal, Napoleon also let his center crumble in the middle of the battle, which is a relatively unique tactical concept (in the sense of a general allowing it to happen to himself, not in the sense of the opposing side trying to break through his center). It may technically fit under the definition of a feigned retreat, but it's a lot more dangerous for the general attempting it (whether Hannibal or Napoleon) than most Mongol feigned retreats, since their center is heavily engaged, not really mobile, and _actually_ about to collapse. It also resembles a more successful version of Waterloo, as Napoleon is heavily engaged on high ground in the center when enemy reinforcements break through his right flank, forcing him to beat one half of his enemy while holding off the other. One key difference from Waterloo, though, is that Napoleon manages to capture the high ground in the center early on, and his tactical dispositions for much of the battle resemble Wellington's more than his own at Waterloo. Something that goes unmentioned in light of how bold Napoleon could be is how good of a defensive general he was. In many (though not most) of his battles, he was on the tactical defensive early on, and reversed the situation into a successful offensive. Rivoli, Austerlitz, arguably Jena, Wagram, and Dresden are examples, even if they aren't thought of as defensive masterpieces since they ended with major offensive successes instead of Napoleon just holding a position. However, Napoleon's offensives wouldn't have been successful if he was a bad defensive general, since he needed to hold out long enough (and in the correct manner to prepare his offensive) to begin with. Here at Rivoli, Napoleon's predicament depended on defending the high ground and defending the gorge where half of the Austrian army would be bottlenecked. While the Austrians achieved breakthroughs eventually on both sides, the fact that he was able to defend from the high ground, forcing the Austrians in the center to exhaust themselves attacking uphill while his men were not as worn out, created an opportunity to swing those men against the Austrians on his right flank, defeat them, and swing back again on the disorderly Austrian center. Note at when he seized back all his positions at 17:20, he could have stopped and satisfied himself feasting on Lusignan's column in his rear to close out his victory, which would result in Rivoli being remembered as a brilliant defensive victory. Instead, he pushed for an all-out, relentless pursuit by part of his forces, which predictably stole the show and placed Rivoli into the pantheon of brilliant offensive victories, even though for most of the battle Napoleon had more in common with the Wellington at Fuentes de Oñoro than the Wellington at Salamance.

[@GurnoorinderSingh]

and what about crossing some part of the alps? austrians thought they could pull of a hannibal barca?

[@prestonschroeder8354]

“Fourteen will you let them take your guns?!” Was the most epic part of the video.

[@kwezicanca3698]

Oh man. I just can't wait. Love this series on the Emperor. All the way from South Africa

[@yassirnakkach5171]

Napoleon keeping his composure & maintaining & radiating his confidence, issuing a series of well timed actions to overturn a desperate & hopeless situation into a magnificent victory is why he stills & will always be remembered as one of the greatest figues to ever have walked this world. « They are ours ».. goosebumps ! VIVE l’EMPEREUR!

[@cuber5003]

Epic History truly never misses with these videos. I really hope they decide to cover other theaters in the French Revolutionary wars.

[@chasechristophermurraydola9314]

I completely agree with you on that Cuber5003 because I hope they cover theaters like Northern Europe like the Flanders campaign and the Irish rebellion of 1798 and also the naval theatre of the war like the Quasi War, the glorious first of June and the battles of Cape St Vincent 1797, and the battle of the Nile.

[@umjackd]

The Swiss campaign would be wonderful. I know it's a politically tricky time to have a Suvorov series but I'd love one someday.

[@chasechristophermurraydola9314]

@@umjackd I completely agree with you on that but I would also love to see a Marengo series.

[@lordbruno47]

This will be a spectacular ending to the series... VIVE l'EMPEREUR!

[@ericdimateo5004]

The army of Italy was just a diversion army in 1796...in 1797 Napoleon is at the gates of Vienna lol !

[@joshuagrover795]

Incredibly the Army of Italy's role in the first coalition campaign was just to maintain their positions in Italy and tie down the Austrians, the two French armies on the Rhine were suppose to be the main shows. Yet Napoleon, along with his commanders, transformed the war within a year without any real expectations from Paris becoming the GOAT.

[@thierryfromgwada9312]

Exactly ! 🙂🙂

[@Cobs3cor3fi3ld]

Does anyone know the track that plays from 18:45-21:50? it totally slaps, the whole soundtrack is just pure epic!

[@tylerpetty5671]

I would like yo know as well

[@twirlyfatso7226]

I found many of the tracks on filmstro website but theres so many of them its hard to look for this one

[@frederickiiprussia7699]

Now hear me out We need a detailed series of the 1806 4th coalition campaign; there was so much more than Eylau, Friedland, Auerstadt, and Jena

[@aarongodinez9022]

Better idea: a video which isn't just propaganda for the antichrist.

[@frederickiiprussia7699]

@@aarongodinez9022 even better; they make a video from my suggestion and you have to watch The anti-christ? Really? Could pass for austrian slander

[@aarongodinez9022]

@@frederickiiprussia7699 Napoleon was the worst thing to happen to Europe before Hitler. A.E.I.O.U.

[@las_espannas]

​@@aarongodinez9022He converted to Catholicism in his deathbed.

[@aarongodinez9022]

@@las_espannas Sure he did.

[@earlybird2835]

Napoleon really said “we have them right where we want them” when out flanked, outmanned, and out gunned. Badass 15:12

[@joelgallegos09]

I have followed this channel since I was 18 now I am nearly 25, nothing short of greatness and worthy in the eyes of the gods. The closing orchesta makes me overwhelmed and happy for all that you have done, its about damn time I become a patreon supporter. THANK YOU Epic History TV for just being you.

[@Thatdudejones1]

Yes dude facts

[@harrisonlucero74]

In the same boat here and couldn't have said it better myself!

[@Ysyandre]

Joubert and Desaix are the biggest What-If Generals for France ... Both are 100% Marshals if they survived Lovi and Marengo respectively . Another good What if is if Moreau didn't leave The French Empire and stayed . Also a lock Marshal for sure

[@vietnguyenhoang5795]

Napoleon's maneuver at Rivoli was magnificent.He utilizes the steam of French reinforcements and jammed deploying Austrian columns into submission with guns blasting.That still dazes me even after I watched this stuff,even when I have watched too many miracles concocted by brilliant tacticians.

[@skiteufr]

Brillant campaign and battle from Napoleon ! Fast thinking, confident even in the most difficult moments. A legend. A what to say about the 14 Regiment d'infanterie. One of the famous of the French army to this day. Successor of an old royal regiment of the 16th century, it has fought in all wars and the most illustrious battles of French history until today. This is the same regiment who refused the order to retreat at Eylau when it was caught in a snow storm and surrounded by Russians. They chose to stay and be annihilated.

[@KidoKoin]

Lets be realistic. None of the rank-and-file of the era was aware of what was going on around them even tactically, let alone operationally. Nobody "chose" to stay and die. That's just militaristic propaganda. Nothing of value for a frenchman - except military pride and the bragging rights - was at stake at Eylau.

[@TheMormonPower]

There are MANY good history channels on KZbin... However, Epic History, by far produces the most professional, spell binding, educational and entertaining material available on YT !!! 😮

[@NightmareOfEurope]

A glorious campaign indeed Eternal glory to Napoleon 🇫🇷👑🇫🇷

[@KidoKoin]

I'd argue, that his tactical decisionmaking had been of mixed results in this battle. Oh, wait, i take it back. After giving it some thoughts, it dawned on me, that he was not needlessly reckless in his positioning. Sure, Austrians could've just "rush B" to overwhelm his overstretched lines. But their artillery and cavalry support would be lacking for sure, after movements through Alps. So, even if his lines would be in danger, he'd just take a step back to regroup with his reinforcements. Austrian troops were in no position to exploit his weakness quick enough. Napoleon himself would face similar problems with his inability to expand on his victories in 1813 due to his cavalry being repurposed into shwarma during 1812 winter. It is interesting to what degree Napoleon was aware of the the disposition of Austrian army. They did incredible job setting up his operational and strategic success in this campaign. It was a masterclass in dividing your forces in front of the enemy with interior lines of communications. But, i mean, it worked once at Chancelorville.

[@dubbyx8490]

I cry whenever I watch these videos, the sheer dedication and craft that goes into these videos is astounding.. Music 10/10, Storyline 10/10, Narrator 10/10, Art 10/10.

[@benzo4504]

As always the standard of your videos is exceptionally high. I would once again plead for another Napoleon series. Egypt campaign or other theatres of coalition wars (like the Rhine campaign) as well as video on best French generals and/or coalition commanders!

[@stuart1346]

He’s doing an Egyptian campaign series later this year

[@omtripathi1476]

Birth of legend, it shows how patience,hardwork and intelligence can pull of victory ,even when situation seems lost. These qualities make him the greatest general of all times."Viva L empereur"😊

[@jl88570]

Masterpiece. Brilliant video. Excellent work friend. Can't wait and for the Egyptian campaign👌👍😉.

[@shehansenanayaka3046]

Napoleon the goat of all time. He is my favorite military leader. His campaigns are absolutely brilliant. We always appreciate your hard work and time to these vids. Vive la emperur. ❤️❤️🇨🇵🇨🇵🇨🇵🇨🇵

[@pierren___]

Vive l'empereur *

[@OneWayToPeaceOrthodoxy]

Your Napoleon got whipped by Wellington at Waterloo and died a British prisoner.

[@shehansenanayaka3046]

@@OneWayToPeaceOrthodoxy also he was betrayed by his own marshals and the country which he loved so much. The British are slowly poisoning his body. That's why he died. If not he will come back and decimate your duke of Wellington.

[@bennettval6538]

​​@@OneWayToPeaceOrthodoxyWellington when he was asked who was the greatest general" In this age, in any age, Napoleon"

[@las_espannas]

​@@bennettval6538when Wellington said that ??

[@AlberYouTube]

Can't wait for the Egyptian campaign. All your Napoleon videos are masterfully done

[@peikman1043]

It never really occurred to me until this showed me, how much Rivoli provided definition to Napoleons character and brilliance. Well done as always btw epic history tv. Love every episode you guys do.

[@mojolmao1752]

Best series on youtube hands down

[@Themehmetozan]

One can not admire or thank you guys enough for this brilliant Napoleon series. I am here from the beginning and yet still cant pass your old videos without watching it again and again. YT would be less without this masterpiece.

[@impostor101]

I can’t help but to wonder this dude ability to lead his men to glorious battle is admirable

[@chiragkatara1224]

Finally 😍😍

[@zeroconnection]

A reason to wake up.

[@blackairforceone]

The music kicking in at 11:50 is like the beginning of one of the most amazing battle narration ive ever heard

[@seamonster936]

Once again another brilliant series. I hope for an Egyptian Campaign series.

[@joshuayllanex3716]

Such an epic series, hope to see you cover Egypt! Great job!

[@ricojasonalvarado6197]

This was epic. Do not skip any ads guys they deserve it. Can't way for the next campaign.

[@KHK001]

Yet another fantastic series comes to a close! I'm eagerly anticipating the next one. and congrats once more on reaching 2m subs!

[@PlisChroniclerAL]

I am in awe. This might be the best historical KZbin video in history of mankind till now. Kings and Generals got nothing on you!

[@amosuoladayo234]

Calm down now, they're both really good 😏

[@bigty390]

@@amosuoladayo234 nah

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

You guys are the best like Napoleon! Longtime fan! Your videos are such a joy to watch! Your dedication to your craft is a true inspiration! Another premier of yours is another day made more bright! I’m so proud to be a member of this community! You're all Truly Fire!

[@shehansenanayaka3046]

Joubert is one of the best commanders of napoelonic wars. Brilliant video. Epichistory tv is back with epic content. Napoelonic wars ❤️🔥. We always appreciate all the hard work and dedication. Your huge fan from Sri Lanka. 🇱🇰🤝🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@user-cj4df7vs7w]

He died before knowing of defeat at Novi.

[@NeverGoingToGiveYouUp000]

​@@user-cj4df7vs7wno doubt he would've served Suvorov's first L

[@illumey7884]

​@@NeverGoingToGiveYouUp000Suvorov is invincible

[@NeverGoingToGiveYouUp000]

@@illumey7884 Fate didn't want him to have a loss in his record so fate killed Joubert

[@illumey7884]

@@NeverGoingToGiveYouUp000 fate also ruined his destruction in Switzerland from Massena's threefold superior forces, granting instead salvation.

[@notdeveloperh]

This episode's music was fire

[@pascal831]

Oh YESSSS!!! Vive l'empereur!!! 🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷

[@ronniecoleman2342]

This was an epic history TV masterpiece. The animation, music, maps, and narration were excellent. I knew the overview, but have never been on the edge of my seat like at Rivoli. Truly this Napoleonic masterpiece rivals Austerllitz.

[@joshuagrover795]

Austerlitz and Jena-Auerstedt rolled into one battle.

[@brandonmejia7050]

This probably was Napoleon’s best campaign, I one year he ended the war of the first coalition and was able at a young age inspire his men, surround himself with generals and staff who were capable of fighting and helping him maintain an effective army. It also illustrated his ability to not only be a military commander but also a statesman, writing constitutions and making peace treaties without consulting the Directory.

[@pierren___]

Thank the monarchy for raising those mens lol 🫡

[@VaibhavGupta-hr8vc]

Plus Directory was a corrupt and incompetent form of govt and it was no surprise that one day Napoleon will easily overthrow the Directory. Army love those who fight and care about them not those who simply just order. That's the truth

[@kiepyon1]

you sure? my favorite is the battle of the three emperor

[@walideg5304]

@@VaibhavGupta-hr8vc corrupt probably but like all European gouvernements. Incompetent not so much. They stabilised the economy. And won the war of the first coalition. The problem was that the directory was not popular. Royalists had the majority but were divided. And the left was also powerful. So they were stuck between two very hostile factions. Still managed to win in Vendée, Brittany and the war.

[@maximecesari2533]

Almost none of those were noble men so....... You can thank the revolution instead.@@pierren___

[@Gambitfan]

Man, we need more dedicated videos of Archduke Charles and his campaigns.

[@Snotling_Fury]

Agreed, whilst Napoleon is well Napoleon, there are so many more battles, overall the revolutionary wars are very interesting but so little information exists, mostly because Napoleon takes center stage and all other stages

[@arnav9632]

This is such an awesome video EHTV! Gives proper perspective about Napoleon's rise to power too. Please make a video on Marengo and the Second Coalition too. Imo it'll make your Napoleon series complete, and gather a lot of views as well!

[@jazzjj7665]

Never have I ever seen a series so beautifully produced. This channel has single handedly sparked my love for history and Napoleon

[@legrognard7658]

Tellement épique, magnifique travail .... Vive la France 🦅🇫🇷💂

[@tigerwoods373]

This entire series has gotten me even more fascinated in napoleonic history. It's like I'm a kid on Christmas when a new video comes out. The amount of work you do to make these videos really shows between the detailed maps, quotes and detailed descriptions of the battles.

[@Guy-sb5hf]

I'm so grateful for these documentaries. Just brilliant!

[@CharlesDeGoat]

I just want to congratulate you for this formidable serie. Despite knowing this campaign very well, you brillantly gave life with tremendous animation, narration and music to one of the most fantastic military campaign. It was a true pleasure to wait and watching all those épisodes, thank you for this work sincerely

[@abstractbio]

Easily the best history channel on YT, specially covering Napoleon. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@vadimidze]

Эпичный труд! Эпичный лайк! Ждём египетскую компанию Наполеона!

[@nunodinis6355]

I feel that I have run out of praise for the Epic History TV team. you guys are constantly raising the bar for quality in your videos. excellent partnership with PMF productions. continue the wonderful work of instructing in a magnificent way. keep epic!

[@reeyees50]

Best narrator in youtube

[@jsudlow12]

Such a magnificent series, loved every video and will watch them more than once

[@Raisonnance.]

Même en situation extrêmement tendu, il arrive à nous sortir un "ils sont à nous" Quel charisme. Je crois que je vais l'épouser. Vive la France ! 🟦🟦🟦⬜⬜⬜🟥🟥🟥 🟦🟦🟦⬜⬜⬜🟥🟥🟥 🟦🟦🟦⬜⬜⬜🟥🟥🟥 🟦🟦🟦⬜⬜⬜🟥🟥🟥 🟦🟦🟦⬜⬜⬜🟥🟥🟥 🟦🟦🟦⬜⬜⬜🟥🟥🟥

[@DJ-1Q84]

The music, the presentation, the narrator, everything about this is EPIC!

[@The_dude_channel]

Ive been watching this series in combination with "The Age of Napoleon" podcast. Thanks to you I can actually see the battle formations on the map. The maps are excellent, the narration is top notch, and the music is epic. 10/10.

[@rbfishcs123]

This series is SO amazing - incredibly well done!

[@joshlesure3196]

I absolutely LOVED this series about Napoleon's first campaign! Epic History TV never fails to deliver top-notch quality content, and this series proves it! Everything about it, from the artwork, to the in-depth study of the material, and the stellar narration, makes this a documentary series worth watching!

[@Aginor88]

Napoleon was a genius.

[@danielcataneo7153]

Omg, how much i love this channel, the soundtrack, the images, and of course, these voice whom makes everthing into a perfect spectacle every episode, keep going Epic History TV

[@dutchrobb]

This series has been my favourite piece of educative entertainment in years! Thanks for the awesome quality

[@emilioperis]

The quality of these documentaries is outstanding. In my humble opinion, the best historical documentaries nowadays.

[@pretoriansoldat9434]

What an extraordinary work and closure video! With your channel I can almost smell the gunpowder. Narrator's voice is already epic.

[@HipiO7]

Epic series and conclusion for an epic channel. Can't wait for more videos (or better yet, series) about Napoleon's campaigns. Amazing work to everyone in involved!

[@joshuayllanes6448]

This has been an amazing series, Napoleon is truly an amazing commander! Thank you Epic History Tv!

[@user-zg1jv7zv8u]

excellent addition of the visual terrain of the alps. This channel has been great illustrating history with its battle animation and historical artwork depictions, but with the addition of the real photographs of the landscape, it amplifies our ability to learn and understand. Keep up the production! We are all eager for more content and with the upcoming movie of Napoleon in theatres, we will be able to fact check the movie for historical errors!

[@pugcudiler]

Honestly the best and most inspiring series ever