Napoleonic Wars: Battle of Waterloo 1815

[@EpichistoryTv]

I hope you enjoy the video! Remember that you can support Epic History TV and get exclusive ad-free early access, as well as votes on future topics, at Patreon: www.patreon.com/EpicHistoryTV You can also check out our new Napoleonic merch here: teespring.com/en-GB/stores/epic-history-tv-merch-shop

[@deuxpomme9777]

Possible remake?

[@shawngilliland243]

@Epic History TV - Was Blücher in fact ever a prince? I know that he was a field marshal, and I have read that he was made a count (graf), though never before watching your video have I ever seen him referred to as prince (prinz).

[@EpichistoryTv]

@@shawngilliland243 He was a Fürst, which is usually translated into English as prince (though not the same thing as a royal prince in England, for example).

[@shawngilliland243]

Thank you very much for clarifying/explaining that. Though I have seen Fürst among Blücher's titles; I didn't realize that it could be translated that way.

[@vinayakkamble5824]

@Epic History TV , plzz plzz for god sake remake this video ! Plzz

[@ArkadiBolschek]

It simply blows my mind that we have actual _photographs_ of people who fought at Waterloo.

[@cool-68]

Paintings and depictions!

[@gwarkan]

@@cool-68 There are photographs of veterans of the Napoleonic wars.

[@spikespa5208]

@@cool-68 Photography was in use by 1840, plenty of time for a young soldier from Waterloo to have his photo taken.

[@thomastucker7317]

@Darius Kang Wow, that's a photograph? It looks so much like a painting

[@Bruh-jr2ep]

@Darius Kang So he was born in 1769? That's crazy!😰 EDIT: I just chechked the year 1769 from Wikipedia and wow that was a crazy year! For example 1/6 of city of Brescia (Italy) was destroyed by explosion and 3000 people lost their lives. The explosion was caused by lighting striking to gun powder storage which held 90 000 kg of gun powder. That storage was in local church but the craziest thing was that there was no lighting rods attached to the church because it was againts their religion!! Makes me appreciate that I was born in 1990s and not in 1760s🤣🤣

[@tuntuu]

Paris newspaper headlines in 1815: "The Monster Has Escaped Elba," then, "The Usurper Has Taken Toulon," then, "The Former Emperor Is In Lyon," and finally, "His Majesty Arrives In Paris Tomorrow."

[@pozzthanapat]

That’s escalated quickly

[@zharasamanzholov5005]

Well, journalists haven't changed much.

[@HetLedie]

@@zharasamanzholov5005 They called him emperor not your highness

[@JohnsonTheSecond]

You can see them go from being killed for supporting Napoleon, to killed for supporting the king

[@Moustic13]

bouffon, en vrai les anglais font un large sourire parce que les prussiens sont venu en arrière et que ce stratège n'a pas compris que ces boulets allaient s'ecraser. Napoléon est comme tous les autres; un connard

[@LeeRenthlei]

I have to say escaping Elba and retaking France with 700 personal guard and then the whole of Europe declaring war to you personally is arguably the most badass move ever!

[@nixon9346]

Hey paul,what are you doing here?

[@wjf0ne]

@The Truth Greedy badass.

[@antiparticle1765]

It fits the stereotypical super villain story in a movie.

[@LeeRenthlei]

It's like something straight out of a fictional story.

[@samsmith2635]

@@antiparticle1765 If you think Napoleon was a villain then you haven't been paying attention.

[@michaeldoloricon8842]

i know this video was 7 years ago, but i’m so amazed of how well done it is. The editing,the pictures, the narration and also the animation of every frame.

[@TrueSubmitter060206]

Coming back after 5 years. Following up after Napoleon: Endgame.

[@scrunchgumpkins623]

Same brother

[@maynorsanchez1342]

Same here

[@slider903]

Just did that. LOL

[@kathrynavery8983]

Me 2

[@TheMaskedSam]

What is napoleon endgame?

[@andyc3088]

It's ironic that when Wellington and Blucher met they had to speak using French as they couldn't speak in each other's languages

[@leroiarouf1142]

France was the egemonic language of europe after the roman empire until ww2

[@SantomPh]

@@leroiarouf1142 French was the language of Prussian nobility even up to the German state in WW1. Wellington was a diplomat in Paris before the war, so he was also fluent. The man who was previously his liason to Blucher , Baron von Müffling was also there, so any translation would be available immediately.

[@leroiarouf1142]

@@SantomPh french was not only the german elite language but franch was the diplimatic language all leader speak french like today we speak inglish

[@ihl0700677525]

Yep, just like how the WW2 Axis leaders from Germany, Italy and Japan communicate with each other in English.

[@dcmhsotaeh]

Immanuel Herman Persian had the same position over Central Asia and Indian subcontinent for many decades Next to come Mandarin or Hindi/Urdu

[@AustenKime]

Nice and to the point, no bias, mentions the Germans in the British Ranks as well as the prussians, , focuses on where the real action takes place, not on theories or what ifs. Fantastic illustrations, good narration. 10/10 best Waterloo documentary.

[@EpichistoryTv]

+Rastingo Kime Thank you Rastingo!

[@ISawABear]

+Epic History TV The animations were fantastic!

[@EpichistoryTv]

+IDidSawABear Thanks! I hope you checked out the WW1 and Russia videos too!

[@ISawABear]

Epic History TV I did indeed! say, have you heard of another channel called "The Great War"? and if so, perhaps both of you could do collaborations? that would be so awesome!

[@EpichistoryTv]

+IDidSawABear Yes I have, great minds think alike, it may be on the cards.

[@drg111yt]

Thank you for your marvellous painstaking work on the history of the Napoleonic Wars, culminating in Waterloo. Superbly illustrated animated color maps and illustrations, intelligent detailed commentary and personal testimonies. History as it should be presented, you deserve high praise.

[@ijitorikku5018]

The old photos are so badass. Those are really good pictures. you can feeling the pride, valor, dignity of the old guys.

[@jockbawheid5089]

Ijitorikku b

[@jockbawheid5089]

Ijitorikku iinnnjiii

[@jockbawheid5089]

Ijitorikku iiiiiiiii

[@yarpen26]

I don't know which I hate more: the fact that photography was developed so late in history or that it took color photography seventy freaking years to become widespread after it was invented?

[@thiagohenrique-in9my]

Totally agreeed. It so strong and feels like it’s alive just by looking at those old photos!

[@nootnoot5623]

When your potential captors become your troops. Charisma 100

[@frandovian]

also Intelligence 100

[@Alizz1187]

Turns out he had some Khajit blood in him!

[@sirknight6283]

or Speech 100

[@someotherguy3699]

When your Charisma skill is maxed

[@Anonymous-lz6qj]

turns out his height was actually average for the time

[@bertsedgwick9828]

Blücher, leading a cavalry charge at 72 now that's badass

[@wejuggernautentertainmentl3156]

Bert Sedgwick literally just told my girl that same thing

[@wierdalien1]

Amazing man.

[@garyhewitt489]

@Steven Hickman And mad as a hatter.

[@aaronstorey9712]

After having his horse shot out from under him.... tough bastard he was very tough indeed

[@jbsills7043]

Tough as nails!

[@chasemanhart]

Your Napoleon videos have sparked a historical passion for me. Over the past several months I have begun reading and writing both historical fiction and nonfiction surrounding Napoleonic France. Please make a wonderful in depth remake of this epic battle. It will go appreciated.

[@DasLamm68]

One interesting fact: At Waterloo the Irish Inniskillings and the Germans of the KGL were standing side by side and fighting against the Frenchs like crazy. Almost exactly 100 years later they slaughtered each other in one of the bloodiest battle at Passendale/Belgium

[@vanbrabant6791]

Yes, in Belgium, that from the treaty of Meersen in 870 till Napoleon's grabbing it had belonged to the German empire as the Southern Nethrrlands for nearly a millenium ...

[@johncorrall1739]

General De Gaulle:France has no friends,only interests. This applies to most nations.

[@krips22]

To DasLamm68: Ah yes, at Waterloo, the Irish inniskilling regiment was positionned in a key position in the centre of Wellington’s line where the French artillery and sharpshooters mowed them down. Kind of in the same spirit than your anecdote, during the Irish rebellion of 1798, France sent a few soldiers to help them against the British (it was only 17 yrs before Waterloo, when Irish troops would be firing on the French for the UK). The most salliant moment of the Franco-Irish fight against the British would be the battle of Castlebar: Near Castlebar (in Ireland), during this Irish Rebellion of 1798, a Franco-Irish force of 2,000 fighters (almost 900 French soldiers, about 1,100 Irish rebels) advanced towards a British force of 6,000 men (mostly militia) with a few cannons. The Franco-Irish advance was met by artillery fire and they had to take cover. The French officers then rapidly decided to do a bayonet charge, which caused the British line to quickly break and flee before they were reached, many abandoning their weapons in the process, then running in panic for many kilometers. Although achieving a stunning victory, the losses of the French and Irish were high, losing about 150 men, mostly to the cannonade at the start of the battle and most of them experienced French Regulars. The British suffered over 350 casualties of which about 80 were killed, the rest either wounded or captured, including perhaps 150 who joined the republicans (Irishmen who had been fighting with the Kilkenny and Longford militias who deserted and joined the rebellion). The event has since become known as The Races of Castlebar in reference to the speed the British troops fled. The attack has been described by Thomas Pakenham in "The Year of Liberty" as one of the most ignominious defeats in British military history.

[@DaliborPerkovic-sw8mh]

Yes, but in 1914, they were allies against the Germans/Prussians. And who was a real winner of all these wars? Just Great Britain!

[@jacktattis]

@@krips22 Another Anglophobe one of the few victories I would say,

[@yatsumleung8618]

It's hard to believe the last episode of your Napoleonic War series was the first one you made. You'll definitely need a remaster version of this video!

[@tommunism8778]

I actually like the building block army. But i think the map needs to be remastered.

[@DaliborPerkovic-sw8mh]

Agree!

[@digantakumargogoi1166]

Agreee

[@DaliborPerkovic-sw8mh]

@@digantakumargogoi1166 I am not sure what we were discuss. I was sure it was something about Napoleon and Waterloo, but what you agree with me?

[@digantakumargogoi1166]

@@DaliborPerkovic-sw8mh i actually agreed with the comments of @yatsumleung8618 that the episode need to remastered

[@flemhawker9134]

I’ve studied Waterloo, read a lot about it etc and if someone with no real knowledge of the battle wanted to quickly get a rough overall view of what happened this is the channel to watch, in my opinion this short documentary is very well done & all in less than 15 minutes.

[@hell_yeah0173]

Is it possible for napoleon to win hougoumont if he just bombarded and bombarded the farm continuously? And is it possible for napoleon to win at all? Like napoleon just bombarding and bombarding the allies with his cannons?

[@faeyrie4747]

Yes he could have won.The French forces had the upper hand for most of the day, it was the weather, the late arrival of Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher's Prussian Black, and Michel Ney's mistakes which led to Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo.

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

It was a defensive battle and Wellington had picked a great spot. I always believed that Wellington had his men in lines instead of carré formation giving it more fire power in a direction of choice. So basicly Wellington was in an offensive advantage over the French.

[@faeyrie4747]

Yes this is true, but he also said afterwards, "It has been the nearest run thing you ever saw in your life" hence what i was saying earlier.

[@morningstar9233]

Quite agree. This a concise, clear account. Quite an accomplishment all considered. An excellent refresher for enthusiasts and a great starting point for those new to the subject. Well done.

[@turnip9367]

Escaping from the island you were imprisoned on, then retaking your empire with just 700 personal guards before having the entirety of Europe declare war on you in just under a month perfectly demonstrates how accomplished Napoleon was. The odds were always stacked against him, but he always pushed on. As an Englishman, I have to begrudgingly respect that.

[@SupaMan2122]

Just tell yourself he was Corsican

[@elliotchinneryhinks8554]

Yh...but the odds were only against him because of his own errors...in my opinion.

[@pogman8356]

@@elliotchinneryhinks8554 i disargee

[@elliotchinneryhinks8554]

@@pogman8356 fair enough, any reason why you think this?

[@dvdortiz9031]

Asian dbglish man, you have to recognize that napoleon paved the way for the Albion blonde to dominate the continent!

[@theenlightener3361]

I had a great-great-great grandfather who survived the Battle of Waterloo. He was an NCO in the British 10th Hussars and had 3 horses killed from under him during the engagement. It continues to amaze me how tough these blokes used to be.

[@dynamo1796]

Wellington said before the battle that the entire hope of the allied cause would rest of whether there were enough redcoats. While the other allies contributed some smaller units of varying quality, the general body of professional redcoats was what Wellington had to rely on to turn the brunt of Napoleon's attacks. He was also saddled with disastrously bad commanders like Prince "slender Billy" William of the Netherlands, who cost the allies many pointless losses. The saving grace for the Allies was the British redcoat discipline, particularly their formation drilling in and out of squares, and the fact that the British had the superior light and heavy cavalry. 10 years earlier the French had indisputably the best horses/ cavalry in Europe. But after more than a decade of attrition and a starving France, the French horses were, like the Prussians and Austrians, of poor stock and limited numbers. The British however, having never really used their cavalry en masse in the Peninsular campaign, still had many fine horses who were more than a match for the French - until their hubris overcame them. Wellington said famously that 1 British heavy cavalry division was easily a match for 2 French but he would not like to see 4 British against 4 French. At those numbers the heavy dragoons would famously lose their discipline and charge headlong at the enemy without consideration for strategy or holding a reserve. This was seen to occur at Waterloo.

[@Ulfcytel]

@@dynamo1796 Although the British infantry at Waterloo were mainly second battalions of regiments and inexperienced troops, not the hardened veterans of the Peninsula. They had been shipped across the Atlantic to fight the Americans (in the War of 1812) and not yet returned.

[@jestice75]

Like virtually all British in history, he fought for the wrong side.

[@baronreturns4175]

What was his name ? The 10th Hussars were in Vivian's light cavalry brigade. He was an excellent cavalry commander. Most, but not all, of Wellington's cavalry brigades actually fought well-led. The British Heavy Cavalry - and inexperienced-though mighty Scots Greys, ruined themselves in their over exerted charge against D'Erlon. I hope you share an anecdote or two of your relative if you know any?

[@baronreturns4175]

@@Ulfcytel Lambert's brigade arrived literally almost fresh in the battle, and largely got destroyed as reinforcements in Wellington's center.

[@fusionfray6133]

The Napoleonic Video that started it all, now ends it.

[@daynight3328]

yeah it is quite ironic

[@derpynerdy6294]

Nou, nowitzendz

[@cantbanme8971]

Poetic

[@NoNameAtAll2]

?

[@jonathanallison785]

this is probably the best documentary on any 19th century battle ive ever seen

[@EpichistoryTv]

+Jonathan Allison Hi praise indeed, thank you! Stay tuned for future releases!

[@hungryhippopotamus1152]

Well, they forgot to say that duke of Wellington hid his troops, during the battle.

[@scl9671]

+Epic History TV Loved this video would you ever consider doing the Battle of Trafalgar in the same style of this i think it would be awesome :D

[@EpichistoryTv]

+Scotty SCL Definitely.

[@Aman-ye6md]

Jonathan Allison yes I agree

[@nguyenquangminh3302]

"Next to a battle lost, the saddest thing is....a battle won!" - Duke of Wellington in the movie "Waterloo"

[@MrLenoir99]

Which is a true quote. He wrote it. Another quote: "I do not know what it is to lose a battle, but I doubt that it is worse than winning one where you lose so many friends". His staff had been decimated.

[@a_little_flame589]

@@MrLenoir99 wellington is the sass lord with quotes honestly kind of surprising he didn't do better as prime minister but I guess when you have nearly nothing to gain from the job you're just going to fight for what you believe in even if it makes you less popular which he did with both the catholic emancipation act and the reform act

[@BucyKalman]

@@MrLenoir99 Ponsoby, De Lancey, Picton, Hay, just to name a few of his staff who died at Waterloo. And Uxbridge lost one leg, despite ultimately surviving the battle.

[@BucyKalman]

@@a_little_flame589 Wellington didn't actually support the Reform Act. Catholic emancipation, his greatest legacy as PM, was probably natural to him as Wellington, despite being a Protestant, was nonetheless still Irish.

[@a_little_flame589]

@@BucyKalman yeah I knew reform was opposed by him (which some people use as commentaries on his character as if he wasn’t around in the 19th century when making these decisions) but both him proposing catholic emancipation and opposing reform made him unpopular

[@fuckyourreply.8110]

"Soldiers, when I give the command to fire, fire straight at my heart. Wait for the order. It will be my last to you. I protest against my condemnation. I have fought a hundred battles for France, and not one against her ... Soldiers, fire!" - Michel Ney 1st Duke of Elchingen, 1st Prince of the Moskva (10 January 1769 - 7 December 1815)

[@Чабан-м7д]

The most badass speech i ever read

[@onehope6448]

Shame on his killers. Ney the Patriot lives on forever.

[@frandovian]

one Marshal Ney, loyal to the very end

[@ivan0525wow]

Badass speech. Ney was badass and an amazing man. Sad that they thought he was plotting to bring Napoleon back from St Helena so they executed him (st Helena was the final place Napoleon was exiled to)

[@MrVolvobloke]

@@Чабан-м7д I recon Charles Lucas had a better one, when facing the enemy firing squad in 1648: he beckoned the squad to take a few steps forward. 'Gentlemen I have been closer to you than this before now, and you have still missed me '

[@tomashize]

Those French veterans still look pretty tough even after 40 years!

[@boss180888]

it's the onion diet ;)

[@jamiengo4987]

+boss180888 no the garlic diet

[@richardkajander1126]

The pictures taken some 40 years later were at the start of the 2nd French Empire and the old 1st Empire veterans were looked upon with admiration at the time. Bragging rights, I suppose.

[@jamiengo4987]

Well fighting in no less than well I say 10 campaigns, 7 wars and fighting all of Europe that is impressive.

[@smaakjeks]

Hard as nails.

[@robertshuxley]

just found out about this channel. It puts history / discovery channel to shame

[@Garith000]

Wanking to paintings of Marie Antoinette puts the content on history / discovery channel to shame

[@keithkania3810]

SirRoger Let me guess, they said Napoleon is short :/

[@drspaseebo410]

Yes ~ the History and Discovery channels are now mainly UFOs, ghosts, oddball characters, etc. A hodge-podge of nonsense. Time was !

[@napoleonbonaparte7692]

When you said @ 11:00 "the battle is ..." Your words won, but my heart said lost.

[@stephenmason9527]

The photos of the real life soldiers in military uniform, just wow

[@simeonnedkov894]

Yeah, harsh folks.

[@hoatattis7283]

Stephen Murderers Torturers, Plunderers Looters Oh yes they were wonderful men

[@ethandrake5380]

@@hoatattis7283 like any soldier in history

[@hoatattis7283]

@@ethandrake5380 No not as bad as the French

[@ethandrake5380]

@@hoatattis7283 communists and axis soldiers would like to have a talk with you

[@maning04]

You know that the emperor is a serious threat when all of Europe formed a coalition against him

[@RamesesBolton]

Just like when Europe formed a coalition to help the colonists win the war of independence

[@rafaelbogdan9307]

His fault, he blew up his AE score :D

[@MonkeyBuRps]

Then "Wellington" would be honored over 125 years later by getting the famed medium bomber lines named after him (for WWII). :O)

[@toker6664]

@@RamesesBolton not the same at all and really where was Britain making its money sure wasnt America

[@cliveburt2638]

Ben Little India & China .... tea, opium & silver ... called the virtuous triangle. Silver from UK is used buy opium in India, which is sold for silver and used to buy tea in China, which is sold in UK for silver, which is used to fund acquisition of black gold (humans) from Western Africa and sold in Southern United States/ West Indies.... Slavery was outlawed in UK, but not British Empire (West Indies).

[@ThePerfectRed]

It is nice to see this focus on the Prussian Army which contributed to this victory but has rarely received much appreciation.

[@EpaminondastheGreat]

It didn't just contributed, it defined the victory. Without them Wellington was doomed...

[@Keevas2123]

A century later allied forces consists of french and british defeated the germans in the trench wars. The irony

[@AleraKira]

Blame Napoleon, the peace deal struck the scales of power tipping it from France to Germany. Coupled with the industrial revolution, France had no way of keeping up and still struggles to match German power.

[@toddmatosian9179]

Blucher was a prince (video graphic at 2 min)? I'm not recalling any such reference. Though he deserved a promotion after LBA...

[@EpichistoryTv]

Blucher was made Prince of Wahlstatt in 1814.

[@supergeek0177]

That part at the end with the photographs of the old veterans ... just wow! They looked so fit and healthy as well considering their age and being able to fit into their old uniforms is crazy as well!

[@caturdaynite7217]

Very good doc. The movie "Waterloo" made in 1970 is the best film about this epic battle. The movie features 70,000 Soviet troops as extras. A must see and one of my favorites.

[@phbrinsden]

Sergei Bondarchuk made Waterloo after doing War and Peace where the battle scenes were huge. Apparently they used large numbers of the Soviet Army as there was no computer generated technology then. For Waterloo I understand they even regraded a farm to get the right landscape. I can’t imagine the work it took to make all the uniforms alone for real actors.

[@kerryxu119]

@@phbrinsden and to add on, they had to supply thousands of uniforms, guns, and horses for the scenes. They had to drill the Soviet troops on Napoleonic infantry and cavalry formations, as well as how to load and fire muskets. They also demolished several hills, built farmhouses, and paved dirt roads to make it seem like it took place in Belgium (it was filmed in Ukraine).

[@nixon9346]

More like 10 000 not 70 000

[@NapoleonBonaparte-of4sl]

Waterloo 1970 deserve more

[@minot.8931]

There were two types of uniforms.. “closeup” uniforms were better quality and well made, whereas the long shot/ background uniforms were very simple and not very detailed.

[@yusufelnehdi7945]

the old guards die, they never surrender

[@EpichistoryTv]

Napoleon's Imperial Guard was divided into the Old Guard, Middle Guard and Young Guard. The regiments of the Old Guard were obviously the most senior, and elite.

[@matseg7103]

+KZbin User old guard was basically : imperial foot grenadiers, imperial chasseurs à pied, imperial chasseur à cheval and Grenadiers à cheval

[@gerryhouska2859]

Merde!

[@thelvadam2375]

@@gerryhouska2859 Me: he never said that. French: No he did. We even slapped it on his statue.

[@Handconnonierr]

@@EpichistoryTv then he probably recreate it from roman army, where on first line was newcomers, 2nd line with some battle experience and 3th-last line was veterans. But yes I didn't know ether then there was young guard or even middle, just heard about old guard, veterans of veterans and Napoleon last reserve.

[@MrMastera]

Who's here after watching Napolenon's Endgame: France?

[@hermanlai6035]

They really should update this video to fit the style of the newer videos :o

[@MrMastera]

@@hermanlai6035 Yeah, now it shows how much the channel has grown in five years.

[@hermanlai6035]

@@MrMastera production quality is still superb

[@mr.c.3760]

This video was great, I really hope they update though. His production value has incredibly increased

[@Aufenthalt]

Me

[@BoredAsf-ji5rc]

Here on this anniversary. Amazing to see photos of men who fought with Napoleon. Thank you

[@mayes33]

The photos at the end of this really blew me away - I had no idea there were photos of the veterans. This is an amazing link to the past - thank you so much for including!

[@norcofreerider604]

I wish the History Channel was airing content of this quality, instead we get Ancient Aliens... Sigh...

[@elrobbio1]

It used to have great content and then, yeah, ancient aliens and other BS

[@Guy-cb1oh]

Dont cha know? Aliens caused the Napoleonic wars!

[@howardthealien2606]

Guy2015 bruh they didn’t

[@rc59191]

It's to prepare us for the eventual reveal of aliens amongst us.

[@dean1039]

I remember a time when documentaries of this type were aired on the history channel. But that was many years ago now.

[@wd-type9643]

This is an AMAZING educational video! No joke, they need to show these in world History classes! This video in my opinion is rather unappreciated!

[@EpichistoryTv]

Thank you!

[@wd-type9643]

+Epic History TV no problem! I myself am a history buff, and I'm rather impressed with the accuracy of your videos! Can you do the history of Egypt next?? I'm really looking for a good Egyptian history video! If you can, thank you so much!!!!

[@EpichistoryTv]

I'm working on a timeline of the US Presidents at the moment, and then finishing Russia, but would love to do something on ancient Egypt soon too. FB/Twiiter for updates, and anyone wanting to vote on future topics can find out how here: www.patreon.com/epichistorytv

[@wd-type9643]

+Epic History TV That's sounds epic! Can't wait to see it!

[@Brianw1812]

Seramic _Skeptical 🇰🇾

[@kylewit]

The photos at the end are REMARKABLE. Thank you so much for producing this series. So informative and well made.

[@jnb894]

Woahhh those veterans pictures at the are just unbelievable. I wasn't aware at all of their existence! Just watched all of the videos of your Napoléon serie and man I loved it. +1 sub

[@louchy]

Everything about this series has been amazing. The artwork, the music, the pacing and the description of battles have all been superb.

[@evankelly4346]

Second that! Amazing series. I've watched them all over the last month. Just kept coming back until I finished them all

[@GetUpTheMountains]

You know a Napoleonic documentary is going to be good when you hear “Emperor of the French”.

[@عنادمطهر]

A fantastic ancient history documentary that brings forgotten civilizations back into the light, showing their relevance in today's world.

[@rafaelbogdan9307]

Man those old veteranos in the photos at the end still looked ready to kick arse at the drop of a hat.

[@bloodndestroy]

The French veterans gallery at the end is the military equivalent of a stacked roster/dream team

[@kooroshrostami27]

men in their 70s and 80s, who look not like some crooked worn out senior citizens, but rather like some mythical war heroes. Gave me chills.

[@jcb5782]

This is the first documentary I've seen that actually mentioned the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and that the battle of Waterloo took place in, at that time, The Netherlands. I appreciate that.

[@ronaldmacintyre567]

The prince of orange was on the field with his troops.they took heavy casualties. This video lacks the full battle.it was raining the nite before. The day opened grey.the smoke from the guns was immense vision was limited. The cavalry that charged were the Scot greys. Etc.

[@Jaasau]

I am simply GOBSMACKED that we actually have photographs of these men. I am in awe.

[@Deelom100]

I'm from Flanders (North-Belgium) and i've visited Waterloo three times, it's still a great sight from the 'Butte de Lion' and seeing the battlefield untouched for so many years

[@carlosmarxo8132]

Wellington was a great general and adquired a vast experience fighting the french in the Iberian Peninsula. He had many veteran troops also. He did not have the Portuguese army at his side, which gave him the upper hand in the Peninsular Wars because Portugal was expecting a war with Spain (again). The Prussians proved to be enough to help him defeat Napolean handicapped army. Portugal had to fight FOUR invasions, two Spanish-French invasions and 2 french invasions, one of them lead by Napoleon - fortunely he had to leave the command half the campaign, which allowed Wellington to hold on the invasion and couter-attack. Napoleon was really impossible to defeat given a proper army.

[@danthundercat]

Sir Sidney Smith would disagree with you.... "That man made me miss my Destiny". - Napoleon Bonaparte.

[@jacktattis]

He did have 600000 when he went into Russia in 1812 and less than 50000 when he came out If that is NOT a defeat I do not know what is.

[@garymoore2535]

Exactly......To start a campaign with a Grand Armee of 600,000 and return with less than 50,000 takes a special kind of stupid ! To lose your Capital City TWICE along with your Empire for absolutely no gain......military genius or total berk ? 🤔

[@DaliborPerkovic-sw8mh]

My opinion, why Napoleon was defeated on Waterloo, 1815, were two uncompetent Napoleon Marschalls: Ney and Grouchy. If Napoleon had on the both flanks mans like Davoult or Murat, battle near Brusselles would gone in other way. Probably, Napoleon will thriumphed.

[@teddypicker8799]

Wellington won 32 battles and lost 0. Napoleon won 48 and lost 12, but also lost many wars. Honestly Napoleon is overrated in my opinion

[@711honved]

The names of these great British lions were carried on hundreds of pub & street signs. The Duke Of Wellington & The Iron Duke were incredibly popular pub names. Many towns had a Waterloo Terrace, Road or Street.

[@DaliborPerkovic-sw8mh]

Yes! For the Great Britain Waterloo was really decisive battle. And the Duke of Wellington was really a hero. And he is still to these days. Is just ironic that, in ww2, Wellingtons were british bombers who bombarded Germany and german warship Blucher was enemy of the british royal navy in 1940. And in 1815, Wellington and Blucher were allies.

[@abdihassan7208]

Thank you so much for this amazing Napoleon Series! Perfectly executed and eloquently written. The art and the mapping of Troops is otherworldly! Thank you, once again, for this stunning series

[@ringo1692]

Awesome video, those photos of the soldiers in their uniforms remind me of the reality of this and other historical battles that before I saw them just now I've only perceived through a drawing or painting

[@lovablesnowman]

These are pictures and paintings?

[@ringo1692]

Photos

[@DigginSoul]

+Brian Ring Yeah man. I felt the same.

[@CaptainCsaba]

Coming from The Great War. Brilliandt video and very well made, you must have put a lot of work into it. I look forward to more of your videos.

[@burritofilms1714]

Cainsgames t

[@troyvirgona8738]

30 seconds in and I knew I would have to subscribe. Top notch production, engaging, and informative. Excellent work.

[@DuncanWoodruff-chap]

@EpichistoryTv I have just been introduced to your channel. Your programmes are utterly splendid, and Mr Nove narrates with sublime command of English (rare and wonderful to hear correct pronunciations and control of pitch, pause, and pace!) Bravo!

[@SubBrief]

Wow. Amazing. Wonderful. I had heard so much about Waterloo but I never understood what happened, until now. Thank you.

[@Tarik360]

I don't know how this appeared on my recommended videos on the main-page. But I'm glad it did. Insta-subbed!

[@amandacamilleri1239]

Tarik360 fte

[@dbzshadow1440]

10:35 "Mr. Napoleon, I don't feel so good"

[@Noblepilot_abrahamvwi_aeroplan]

I love it! This is arguably the most superbly intriguing account of the Napoleonic epoch. Its lovely. Let's support and implore support for the maker of this series.

[@TheMiniArmyShow]

Absolutely brilliant account of the battle. I've read so much about Waterloo over the years but this animation has made it much more clear to me. Great work! Thank you.

[@fidelquintela7128]

No nonsense, concise. Beautiful.

[@TheStapleGunKid]

Napoleon's final words on his deathbed in St Helina: _"France, Army, Head of the Army, Josephine."_ Such poetic final words, the kind you'd only expect from a movie. Sounds like he was listing the four things that mattered most to him in life.

[@NONO-oy1cu]

Who's Josephine?

[@TheStapleGunKid]

@@NONO-oy1cu Joséphine de Beauharnais was Napoleon's first wife. He ended up divorcing her in 1810 because she didn't produce any children and he wanted an heir to his empire, but it was clear he still loved her till the end. He is reported to have told her "Josephine I will always love you, but politics has no heart." When she died during his first exile on Elba island, Napoleon was so devastated, he locked himself in his room and wouldn't come out for more then a day. Pretty significant when you consider Napoleon had callously presided over the death of millions during his reign.

[@NONO-oy1cu]

@@TheStapleGunKid at least he still has a heart

[@typicalperson6389]

@@NONO-oy1cu and she certainly is a good kisser

[@derpynerdy6294]

@@typicalperson6389 ........

[@allainefria4589]

seeing those photographs of Napoleonic veterans makes you realize that the past is not so far-off from us

[@eimkei1339]

I am 80yrs of age and my great-great grandfather was born in 1799 (the year Napoleon came to power in France); his grandson was, of course, my grandfather. That simple fact always enhances my interest when I read accounts of Trafalgar (1805) and Waterloo (1815).

[@model-man7802]

Read on Waterloo my whole life,last trip to Waterloo spent two months walking and reading my way from Charleroi to montSt. Jean to Brussels.This video hits all the necessary high spots.Very well done👍👍👍

[@RafaelCosta-oi3be]

Have you ever thought of doing videos about how battles worked: Like what was the general role of artillery, what was infantry usually comprised of, the methods of attacking.... Would be interesting!

[@yobber757]

Uniform designer:Alright, How tall do you want the hats? Napoleon: Yes

[@notmenotme614]

I wonder if the tall hats were deliberate. To make the soldiers look big and intimidating?

[@pbzeppelin6167]

Probably so you could scan a huge crowd and see where they were

[@dexterrr9163]

Paul Bayley 😂😂😂

[@sovanchakraborty1490]

LMAO

[@budwyzer77]

@@notmenotme614 Tall hats also cushioned and deflected saber blows to make them more survivable. Horsemen wore epaulettes and lots of cording for the same reason.

[@vonzigle]

Thanks!

[@EpichistoryTv]

Thank you!

[@jackydefo]

love the pictures at the end

[@boss180888]

+JayDee amazing how despite being so old(specially for that time period when people rarely got to 60) they look so vigorous and sharp. must be all the onions they used to eat xD

[@scl9671]

+boss180888 I just think its amazing to see a person in full uniform who actually fought in the battle of waterloo all those years ago in a picture.

[@EpichistoryTv]

+Scotty SCL Agreed. Possibly you already know this photograph of a British Waterloo veteran (or at least the consensus seems to be that he is wearing a Waterloo medal) www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=257088.0

[@wolliveryoutube]

Really well done! Great narration and animations, I really understood everything going on, and I liked the lack of bias in the video, giving credit to the Prussians, Dutch, Hanoverians, etc. I'm also looking forward to Russia pt. 2!

[@EpichistoryTv]

+mgmletsplay Thank you!

[@leowilly29]

+Epic History TV what is the music at 1:24?

[@EpichistoryTv]

+Sir Leonor All the music titles are listed in the end credits.

[@songohan9182]

Epic History TV right? Crash course is so biased.... Bunch of post-modernist leftist drivel whining about who were meanies back in history. I like your channel better

[@tomriddler123]

This video is clearly the best documentary about the battle of Waterloo! Amazing works!

[@EpichistoryTv]

+Việt Dũng Nguyễn Thank you!

[@Plaazzzz]

Fun fact: The soldiers in those photographs visited Napoleon's casket each year in their uniforms, alongside many other survivors to pay their respects to their previous emperor

[@keiranbradley3222]

It was the Scots Guards who took Napoleons' imperial eagle standard, it's in a pub on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.

[@williammcgrath1621]

Keiran Bradley two eagles were taken. One is in Edinburgh castle the other one is in the national army museum London

[@Kevin-mx1vi]

@@TeeloSeyna The Scots will steal anything. 😉

[@calumroney7352]

It was NOT the Scots guards,it was the SCOTS GREYS that captured one of the eagles.That eagle was captured by a man called ENSIGN EWART who was born in my hometown of Kilmarnock.The Scots Grey's went onto become the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards NOT THE SCOTS GUARDS as they are completely different regiments.Scots guards being infantry,the Dragoons being cavalry.

[@TheWorldisaLIE2]

@@Kevin-mx1vi lmfao

[@calumroney7352]

@18tanglesSorry to disappoint you but it was ENSIGN EWART who captured it and there is a replica of the flag he captured in the Dick institute in Kilmarnock which was especially made for the 200th anniversary of the battle which was paraded around Kilmarnock by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards themselves.All these are facts that we in Kilmarnock are extremely proud of

[@lo2.220]

You should have talked about the Old Guard answer to surrender proposal : "The guard dies, it does not surrender"

[@michaelbrett3749]

They died alright.

[@lyrisio]

@@michaelbrett3749 LOL

[@jacktattis]

That was General Carbronne and a British Hussar grabbed and took him off the battlefield

[@dynamo1796]

The great irony being that it did, in fact, surrender after a short engagement. Carbronne, the General who made that exclamation, was knocked out during the attack and that was that.

[@MrLenoir99]

It is common knowledge in France that the actual reply (rather than the gilded legend) was a sonorous "Merde!!!"

[@justiniani3314]

A had an exam on Napoleons campaigns , you helped me soo much , love you , subscribed , shared , liked

[@ksautterd]

Thanks!

[@TheHatOfTheHats]

4 years since the greatest Documentary on the battle of Waterloo was made by the greatest history channel ever.

Fun fact: The crown-prince and future Dutch king, Willem II fought during this battle and was injured. It makes him one of the last warrior kings of Europe.

[@SantomPh]

he was cursed by the units under his command for getting them killed and they were happy to see him leave after getting shot in the shoulder.

[@maozedong44]

@@SantomPh typical anglo saxon propaganda. Wellington saw his heroism stolen by the prince orange and started a horrible campaign of propaganda about dutch performance.

[@nickrobl]

@Blah b No, he’s actually right. Despite what some British authors say, most of the Dutch units fought extremely well at both Quatre Bras and Waterloo. However, Slender Billy has no business commanding I Corp, even if he was personally liked by Wellington. At Quatre Bras he almost lost the 33rd, 73rd, and 69th, the two former only getting lucky that there was woods nearby, by having them in line vs heavy cavalry. If it was just the 2/69th that wasn’t in square, it would make sense as they were the most inexperienced unit, but that veteran formations also were told to stay in line backs-up the letters written after the battle that say they were ordered by the Prince into line. Additionally, at Waterloo it has been proven he got Ompteda’s 5th battalion of the KGL killed practically to the man (less than 20 men left in the battalion following the incident) in a similar situation, by forcing them into line against French infantry with cavalry nearby. I don’t think he was the total loss that something like the Sharpe series portrays him as, but he also wasn’t a good commander. Overall, I’m not going to put a lot of faith into the word of a king who was repeatedly blackmailed because he could stop banging every guy or gal that crossed his path.

[@nickrobl]

@ The things I mentioned happened, there's no room for argument. Additionally, Ompteda was Hanoverian, not British, and we know that the Prince got his battalion killed practically to the man against advice from more experienced soldiers. What would be your claim that Slender Billy was competent? What battles did he distinguish himself in? Oh, and since according to you apparently no one from the same nation can be fair, you can't use Dutch sources? Why are you working so hard to defend a mediocre king who placed his desire to bang guys and girls over the welfare of his people? It was so bad he even needed to sign a change to the constitution due to blackmail.

[@obiss-e5b]

At 23, getting injured leading nassau troops in a charge against the Guard attack would have made for a pretty good story. Pitty he kept riding around telling troops to form line getting them massacred. Never understood why. It was standard practice in all armies of the time to form square with cavalry around. There wasn't much cavalry action in the craggy peninsula campaign maybe? Wellington hadn't trained him well enough? Did he not appoint him? Could he have genuinely been unlucky with cavalry attacks? How many other commanders formed line and got away with it? With the smoke Wellington couldn't see past the end of his nose when he redeployed into line to receive the Guard attack. Was he lucky? Loosing la haye saint was a crisis and he ordered the 5th kgl formed line to retake it/protect retreating troops. They knew of the cavalry and complained. I have read Orange simply reinforced someone else's order on hearing the exchange but it was still an obvious risk. Was it simply worth the gamble to form line and advance? Considering gaining the farmhouse allowed ney to bring canon up to destroy the Allied squares point blank maybe it was? Could they have advanced in square? The French did this after D'Erlons troops were cut down...

[@jameswilliamsgb]

The comments to this video are some of the best I have ever seen on any topic - rich and full of historic input. Thanks to you all. Really enjoyed reading them.

[@Love_all_the_tea]

THANK YOU!!!! I’m reading the book “an infamous army” by Georgette Heyer and she goes relatively deep into describing the battles - and your summary just made me understand what was going on so much better. Thank you!

[@shay3355]

Austria : *exists Napolean : *And I took that personally.*

[@tommunism8778]

Hitler yelling in agreement in the background.

[@user-rn7qm8tk4g]

no one cares

[@joshbray7917]

History Teachers should use this Channel.

[@Keyhan-c8c]

Very nice documentary .I started to watch all 4 of the French Napoleon wars and it been around 3 hrs by now ,an epic and deep imaginative 3 hrs, made me connect more with the French and Russian history and developed their national strength of the era in my mind. awesome work, love the arts shown and the strategical map and the voice all together.

[@datboidankshit9886]

Awesome video man! Keep it up! Greetings from Switzerland

[@desiredreign3586]

Damn he should’ve auto resolved.

[@SuperChuckRaney]

ahhaahah When Napoleon Total War came out ... these 2 French guys would SIT with an open Waterloo map and wait for victims. They took 2 of my stars!!!! hahahah

[@napoleonbonaparteempereurd4676]

@@SuperChuckRaney Use column formation to advance uphill, formed into three lines, one behind the other. It works, especially against thin lines stationed in hilltops. 😉

[@key23507]

Our men are running Sir!

[@richardlahan7068]

"Auto resolved"?

[@kingtalha087]

@@richardlahan7068 Total War Joke, its a game series.

[@elitedanklord8771]

Watching this on the 205th anniversary of the battle and also right after I watched Napoleon: Endgame. This series has been amazing!

[@meriemmeryouma655]

The Battle of Waterloo was not just a military clash; it was a pivotal moment that reshaped Europe's future. Watching this documentary is like witnessing history unfold as empires collided and the fate of nations was decided on that fateful day. The strategies, the heroism, and the sheer scale of the battle make it a fascinating chapter of ancient history.

[@bozojazz]

Can't wait for your one on Austerlitz. Awesome channel.

[@yarpen26]

Thy waite hath ended, dyre Sir.

[@larrythelobster4693]

So this was the start of it all? This was the video that begun such awe-inspiring and glorious series? Long live Epic History TV, say I! I pray this channel and everyone involved remain active for many years to come. It is truly a blessing to have such magnificent content easily available on youtube.

[@jambojambo313]

You could listen the narrators voice all day long. Just the right level of suspense & punch.

[@bradmetcalf5333]

This is at least my 10th watch through and thos photgraphs of the actual soldiers who fought under Bonaparte Still give me chills. What an outstanding piece of history to to share with us. Thank you epic history.

[@felonious_c]

There's a soldier kneeling in the middle of the formation at 8:09 to 8:15, and he has the biggest, creepiest smile on his face lol like he is thoroughly enjoying the moment!💂😁

[@abeleon6431]

Bro, Thai was by the far one of he best videos/channels/series in my entire life. I felt like I was watching an amazing series on HBO or something. Had me on the edge of my seat the entire way. I knew that Napoleon lost the war but yet I was rooting for him the entire way and was degustares every time something didn’t work out for him. All I can say I BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO. I feel like I jsut watched an epic ass movie. Please continue to make more of these. Could you make one of these about the Aztecs ?????? Or maybe the Mexican American war.

[@KS2teacher18]

This is a brilliant summary of the battle and its context. More please.

[@vangvon2215]

Wow, excellent narrative and animation, bravo! Your Napoleonic series is perfectly coupled with the Age of Napoleon podcast, both great shows of this epic historic era!

[@CWJ0725]

Great video! People with zero knowledge on this part of history will be able to understand with such clear narration and animations. Thanks for the effort in creating this documentary. Btw, you are working on WW1 1916-1918 and russian part 2 right?

[@EpichistoryTv]

+Jeremiah Thanks Jeremiah! Yes I am, been a bit busy at work but have some time to dedicate to new videos now.

[@CWJ0725]

I see. Take your time. Good things worth waiting for. :)

[@thomasholland2384]

I want him to do one about how the British really won WW1 and WW2, and how the Americans really didn't.

[@rileywise2455]

I hope this video gets a makeover. It’s definitely still good, but the later Napoleon series is much higher quality, and the emperor deserves a more proper send off

[@markstott6689]

It's definitely worthy of an upgrade. Probably worthy of an extension time wise. There's far more detail available to flesh this out.

[@arthurfisher1857]

I know this video was posted years ago, but i just came across it. Just superb! Without a doubt the most thorough and engaging overview of this battle I've ever seen! If ever I want to tell someone about this battle, you can be sure I'll send them to this video!

[@EpichistoryTv]

Thank you! Don't forget to check out the other Napoleonic battles, and more to come.

[@benm5221]

Wow. This short documentary is exceptionally well done.

[@sai964]

In the past I have only binge watched shows like friends and office but this is the first time I binge watched a history channel. Finished Alexander's videos and then started off Nepoleon's videos and I'm feeling really sad it's coming to an end. I totally loved each and every video. Simply superb

[@adamsmith8797]

After five years experience and new knowledge I know you guys can make a much more detailed and in depth video to put the icing on the cake for an excellent series. Thumbs up if you agree!

[@shehansenanayaka-n1o]

Came back after 5 years. Followed by Napoleon endgame. One of the best Napoleon series ever. Huge fan from Sri Lanka. ❤

[@mikkicarr5717]

The Great War sent me here, this is an excellent channel! Keep up the good work!