Napoleon in Italy: Battle of Arcole (4/5)

[@EpichistoryTv]

I hope you enjoy the latest installment of our series on Napoleon's First Campaign - this one includes one of the most famous moments of the Napoleonic legend - the bridge at Arcole! Thank you all for watching and if you want to support future videos, go here: www.patreon.com/EpicHistoryTV

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

I sure am so far and this episode shall be Even better!😊😊😊

[@yadavgoldykumar9645]

After finishing the Napoleon North Italy campaign make video on invasion of Egypt

[@luboslier347]

Great job! - as usual...

[@briandougherty384]

Fantastic illustrations. You should sell a print book.

[@Caio-sq6yn]

Vai ter parte 5

[@Dannyboy-th2lf]

This level of history production should quite literally be broadcasted on television, I look forward to another well put together video.

[@amumugainz5813]

Sending it to TV would get a couple thousand views and is more of a death sentence. "I was witness to this extraordinary cowardice, and I cannot conceive it" - Sulkowski Polish Officer

[@jonshive5482]

Unfortunately TV has become an even bigger wasteland than ever before. Enstupidated masses probably don't even know who Napoleon was these days.

[@eliasbonafe9236]

Television? KZbin is much better than that thing

[@whollibaugh]

Honestly, I would just take it on bluray or DVD

[@ddc2957]

Yeah I wish I could get the original & Marshal series on Blu Ray or hell even DVD.

[@velvetlegionaire]

Hard to believe Napoleon was a real person, his life is an incredible story

[@OneThousandEyes]

The Ridley Scott movie is something to look forward to!

[@pax6833]

You couldn't write a fiction novel of Napoleon's story. Readers would accuse the author of making the main character too unrealistic lol!

[@Nero-ox5tw]

"What a novel my life has been." - Napoleon

[@ibanesta]

@@Nero-ox5tw is he really said that?

[@addisonwelsh]

@@Glen.Danielsen Go cry about it to someone who cares.

[@hermes931]

Arcole Bridge made Napoleon a legend. It also showed why Massena was an incredible general

[@Giorgos-ee5kn]

The iconic portrait of him at the bridge at Arcole ❤

[@homero_con_lechuguilla]

Turns out it's full of shit - who would have guessed?

[@noire6422]

Balls of titanium

[@revantii]

Standard in one hand, Sabre in the other like Alexander of old charging Darius at Gaugamela.

[@olgabooga2230]

I was pleasantly surprised by the Austrians fighting ability in this video. Alvinczi gave a pretty tough fight and napoleon narrowly avoided disaster multiple times.

[@blecao]

Davidovich daaam you

[@DarkFilmDirector]

It seems like the Hapsburgs were Napoleon's true arch nemesis throughout his career. All of Napoleon's defeats appear to come from his battles against them. Alvinczi, Archduke Charles, and Karl von Schwarzenberg

[@evoluxman9935]

@@DarkFilmDirector I mean... Waterloo? :D

[@blecao]

@@DarkFilmDirector I mean not counting the UK since they arent on the continent Austria was the nation that was more time at war with France being in all coalitions but one

[@DarkFilmDirector]

@@evoluxman9935 Yes and was also defeated by Russia and Mamluks once but Napoleons biggest defeats at the prime of his career seem to be against Austria interestingly. History always remembers Waterloo but not the constant defiance of Austria throughout who didn't have a channel to protect them

[@denerorahming7298]

One of the best narrators I've ever heard in my life...

[@kenny187ful]

Easily the best history channel on KZbin. Hyped every time you guys upload.

[@MrHnm92]

The Battle of the Arcole Bridge, Napoleon's defining moment in Italy. On and around this bridge, The Little Corporal risked everything, including his own life, to survive and succeed. This is where his men will see what his commander in chief is really made of and the morale of the army will rise decisively. This is where his legend and the absolute faith of the French army in Bonaparte will be fixed. I am looking forward to this video and the moment to see it in all its splendor.

[@AA-hg5fk]

yeah but Napoleon's brave act on the bridge didn't actually inspire the french troops to recommit to the attack, as the video describes.

[@capablemachine]

@@AA-hg5fk It didn't, he was testing providence, to see if he was fated to greater things.

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

YES! More of this incredible series! You guys are the best!❤❤😊😊

[@ddc2957]

For those unfamiliar with it, it is quite remarkable to know that, about a year prior to this, Napoléon wrote a romantic novella which included a scene quite amazingly similar (not identical of course) to the Bridge at Arcole. You have to wonder if it ever crossed his mind as his own page sprang to life before him.

[@loyalpiper]

Was it ever published?

[@Ziuk1990]

​@@loyalpiper from what I heard he tried to hunt down and destroy every trace of its existence, after Desiree broke up with him...

[@oliverrose5702]

"Then the commander of the army of Italy himself draws his sabre, picks up a standard and runs forward" That line just gives me goose bumps and in tune with the music too. Man, Napoleon was just a born leader! Throughout all his campaigns, he usually got involved and lead by example. True Leader

[@matts7125]

goosebumps until you imagen him doing it with a few officers who get shot an none of his men, who are hiding in a ditch. Still takes heart but kinda funny

[@mojo9291]

He was desperate in a desperate situation.

[@DarkenMapper03]

As an Italian from Mantua who has always watched and enjoyed your videos, it’s so thrilling and moving to see historical campaigns being narrated that take place not just in my country, but in the places I’m most familiar with in the world!

[@leof3814]

Stessa cosa per me da Venezia, è da mesi che via via che questi video escono li condivido con amici dal piemonte e dalla lombardia... ancora un po' e arriveranno pure nel mio territorio. La campagna d'Italia è molto più complessa di quel che credevo ma, pur sapendo già la conclusione, questi video sono una sorpresa continua. Del resto è un'argomento trattato veramente poco a scuola, sembra quasi incredibile che sia successo tutto qui 230 anni fa.

[@karlkobler218]

That is so cool! Would love to visit one day!

[@nicolestanley5825]

I just started reading War and Peace this morning, and it's wonderful to get some context for Prince Andrew's mention of Napoleon's conduct at Arcole during Anna Pávlovna's opening soiree. What wonderful timing!

[@georgedan6270]

It's a good book

[@mojo9291]

It's been 3 months. Where are you now?

[@onetwothreefourfive12345]

This is such an intricate battle! Must have been a tough one to edit but you did it brilliantly as always

[@TheMrcassina]

think about fighting it

[@porphyry17]

you know how those 14 years old girls scream when they see their favourite kpop idol? that's me right now.

[@MamdouhDoha-h1e]

😂

[@thomasrinschler6783]

OK, this one honestly had me on the edge of my seat, totally engrossed with the back-and-forth, and thinking "How is Napoleon going to get out of this one" several times as the story twisted and turned. I knew the broad terms of this campaign, but not the particulars of this particular battle.

[@saiien2]

Napoleon's Italian campaign is vastly ovelooked. Everybody knows about battles of Lodi and Arcole, but that's all. I as a fan of Napoleon didn't know most of this. Thank you for this series so I can learn much more about him ;)

[@ignatzmeyer1978]

That's an understatement. Most people only know Waterloo and maybe if you are lucky 2-3 other major battles (Leipzig, Trafalgar, Austerlitz) despite the Italian campaign may be as well as important.

[@marvinm8343]

My favorite Napoleonic painting by Horace Vernet. I know it's romanticized but it depicts the early hallmarks of what made Napoleon one of the greatest military commanders in history; personal bravery, tactical brilliance, and electrifying charisma that inspires men to great feats of courage.

[@Landon_Lucas]

The only problem with this series is it leaves me wanting more! Cant wait for the next episode

[@deteon1418]

Extraordinary! The writing, animation and narration are all beyond incredible, as usual! Content such as this almost makes a history lover like me euphoric! Excellent work! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@OneThousandEyes]

The new musket sounds used for tactical map animations are sublime

[@Teunviss]

Normally don't write comments, but this video was of such astonishing quality. The storytelling and video gave me chills. Even a little tear in admiration of Napoleon trying to motivate his troops on the bridge. Love you guys! Keep up the good work!

[@pistolero6468]

I already liked this video because your track record shows EVERYTHING you put out is EPIC. Always glad to see notifications from you!

[@benzo4504]

The only sad part is that we must wait for another video for some time. Outstanding!!! As always I will point out that it is worth doing other campaigns of Revolutionary Wars. Flanders campaigns, earlier Italian campaigns, war in the Wandee, Swiss Expedition, Egypt Expedition, Naval battles, War of the Pyrenees, Rhine campaigns, Dutch campaign 1799, and ofc: best generals of the French army and coalition armies. Maybe even French Revolution itself in the detailed version.

[@RodolfoGaming]

This is where Napoleon's luck nearly ran out and his life and ambitions cut very short. Can't wait!

[@SinningsValor]

WHY WOULD YOU SAY THIS

[@SinningsValor]

DELETE THIS

[@RodolfoGaming]

@@SinningsValor He lost in the field for the first time in this campaign it's a good reason for that and Napoleon needed a crushing victory not just a bunch minor victories because Wurmser would likely sally out of Mantua if few soldiers remained to guard it especially for a long time if the campaign drags on like Napoleon risked.

[@Waakrissos]

@@SinningsValor I dont think you can do something like a history spoiler

[@Jan_Ptaczek]

Certainly luck is an important criterion, but battles are rarely won by chance.

[@nicolaramoso3286]

Finally the episode that I was waiting the most: the one about my little town of Arcole! For anyone who's interested Napoleone, after winning the war against Austria, had an obelisc built in front of the bridge on the Alpone torrent that can still be admired to this day and it's the only one present in Italy. My town has nothing else to offer, aside from a small museum dedicated to Napoleone, but it's very close to Soave and between the beautiful cities of Verona and Vicenza.

[@Fryepod3628]

Some Austrian victories in there is so good to see. Focused on so many of Napoleons large victories and defeats, this more tatical stuff is amazing on both sides.

[@clayerhun1597]

The joke is that it was not an Austrian but a Hungarian general who won that victory for the Austrians. (József Alvinczi)

[@Fryepod3628]

@@clayerhun1597 not suprised! Lol

[@ommsterlitz1805]

Napoleon must have though afterwards that without "those damned Croatians" he would have encircled Alvinczi makes you wonder why he took Croatia as part of France Empire some years after 😄@@clayerhun1597

[@jackie1825]

Great pronounce of the names, great explanations and great video indeed ♥️ Greetings from Arcole 🇮🇹

[@Kodismo]

Can you still find any traces of what happened there ? :)

[@jackie1825]

@@Kodismo we have an obelisk built by order of Napoleon himself… There’s a small museum and a villa that still has the holes left by the shots on its walls. And of course the bridge is still here :)

[@walideg5304]

It’s not the exact same bridge.

[@jackie1825]

@@walideg5304 it has been renovated multiple times since then, and recently they added a traffic light and some protections for pedestrians but it’s in the exact same spot since it still connects the road to Belfiore with the town square.

[@HurricaneHH]

@@jackie1825 I am visiting your town for the battlefield!

[@lemarechal3550]

I can’t wait for the next episode, the Napoleonic wars are one of my favorite historical topics

[@admiralofwolves]

We want more! We CRAVE for this quality of historical documentaries! Thank you so much!

[@ferrjuan]

Been enjoying the huge map detail on Napoleon’s campaign in Italy I could only imagine and hope this series continues to his Egyptian campaign!

[@ricojasonalvarado6197]

That "ruse de guerre" strategy gave me goosebumps. Can't wait for the next video. Good Job Epic History TV. @22:50

[@napoleonibonaparte7198]

This is where the fun begins.

[@kosakbateman]

everyone part of the epichistory team: editors, writers, researchers etc. including the outstanding narrator do an incredible job with these videos

[@RussianEagles]

I love Antoine-Jean Gros's painting of Napoleon on the Arcole Bridge. Besides, he's an eyewitness of this event

[@alphagators64]

The quality and drama of these superb films means that I’m not only excited for the conclusion of this series, but practically giddy for “Napoleon in Egypt”. It’s a pleasure to support this channel! Keep up the fire, Epic History TV!

[@MikeSmith-sz8my]

Thank you Epic History TV! This may have been your best video yet. Napoleon really was a superior being

[@valentinleboursicaud7044]

Thank you once again for this wonderful series! « Vive Bonaparte » and long live Epic History!

[@SuleimanTheIndifferent]

this battle was fascinating, the battlefield was on such narrow ground that momentum completely drove the course of the battle it was such a seesaw affair and was such an incredibly crazy risk, Napoleon basically challenged Alvinczi to a knife fight in the back of a moving carriage

[@يونساليمان]

The best historical series of Napoleon, great work, keep it up.

[@shanesalyers5433]

This is still the best historical features I can find. Thank you all for releasing more great content!

[@gordonhulcombe9604]

Here here!

[@dna0325]

Epic History, I have watched your channel for years. From Blackbeard, to WW1, to Alexander the Great, and now to the little emperor, I want to thank you for satisfying my crave for History. You are the best channel out there. Keep doing what your doing, it is remarkable work, and I love every second of it.

[@USAR8888]

I've been reading Andrew Roberts's 900 page biography called "Napoleon: A Life" and these animated maps help so much in truly picturing all the moving pieces of the battles. Thank you so much!

[@scipio0793]

Yours is the only channel on youtube where I instantly like every video! You guys are so consistently awesome and with such high quality it baffles me you guys didnt get a documentary deal from big tv/streaming service. Thanks for the epic stories you give us! From a massive fan in the Netherlands.

[@nicholasleipzig5448]

The greatest documentary of Napoleon Bonaparte. Your channel is the best. History truly is a breathtaking topic.

[@fieldadmiralspartanryseb-8293]

I enjoy this channel's series about Napoleon more than anything else. No other channels can compete. I was never interested in Napoleon until I started watching this channel

[@michaelnicolello5362]

Yes!!!! This has been an excellent series. Best Historical Channel anywhere!

[@Coinsnshii]

I’ve literally been going to this channel every day for the past 2 months waiting for the upload thank you so much for finally delivering

[@1armstrong607]

The production value in these videos from voice and animation to research and writing is just truly phenomenal. Especially the maps so freaking dope.

[@The_Daily_Tomato]

That was absolutely thrilling. I cannot remember the last time I was so singularity focused on the screen. Truly a stunning job.

[@samuelecherubin6902]

I live in Arcole, on a street bearing the name of a french tambourine {Estienne}. Near m house there is the old barrack of the croatian troops. The bridge is still there, next to it a monument commemorating the victor, the only one surviving in europe. The football team of the town is called Napoleonica, where I played man years. Unfortunately he wold sold our territory to the Austrian later...

[@pierren___]

Lmao ! Whats the story of the tambourin ?

[@aarongodinez9022]

What made the Austrians any worse than the French?

[@leosp6210]

thank you for you comment, very interesting to learn than the "souvenir" this battle is still very present in Arcole.

[@samuelecherubin6902]

@@pierren___ don‘t know exactly but apparently he played the and made the austrian troops flee cause they thought they were coming from the back. At least this is what i‘ve been told

[@samuelecherubin6902]

@@aarongodinez9022 it‘s not about better or worse. Many intellectuals hoped that with napoleon some changes and reforms would be made. Instead he attacked and conquered for no reason the republic of venice, 100 year old and quite loved by the people and then sold it to reactionary Austria. Many still despise him for this

[@jojobinx9667]

I thought no video would beat Castiglione, Alvinci and the bridge at Arcole stole the show! Amazing how Napoleon responded under immense pressure. Vive La Napoleon!

[@MWM-dj6dn]

A wonderful channel that deserves all respect, appreciation and pride. Accurate and useful information in a sophisticated and beautiful manner. I wish you lasting success. I have the utmost respect and admiration for your great honor for these wonderful works. I hope you success

[@CharlesDeGoat]

What a tremendous video, one of the greatest Napoléon moment where he almost lose everything but instead show the birth of one of the greatest man in history. The narration, music and illustration in this video depict it very well, definitively one of the best youtube serie by far

[@abhijeetmishra8842]

Unlucky to be not born in napoleonic era and witness the action in person. But lucky to have Epic History in this era who made his journey come to full life!!! ❤

[@Т1000-м1и]

This is the best channel because it shows messy war and does not mass-produce simple fairy tales of cool moments in battles

[@bgclo]

Thanks! I would happily listen to your narrator read the phone book. (Remember the phone book?) This is now the voice of all Napoleon history videos for ever more!

[@ikiruyamamoto1050]

That battle was BANANAS....all the back and forth. Wow.

[@jacobalejandromurphy1376]

You are what the History Channel used to be. You guys are great!

[@jfm.d5180]

This is one of the best video series

[@coolliam422]

Happy to see that Alvinci and the other generals actually did pretty well. They knew strategy and tactics and what Napoleon was trying to do. They put up a very close, intense fight for Napoleon.

[@funkpunk657]

It simply doesn’t get any better than this. Epic History TV is the absolute best.

[@ivanstojanac7752]

It is insane that videos like this are free. Insanely good series

[@zaidbayaty3865]

It's worth waiting.

[@nathanappleby5342]

Napoleon truly was a master of strategy and tactics in his 20s and 30s and clearly showed it here at Arcole. I look forward to the next video. I hope the channel does a video on the Battle of Marengo, considered one of his greatest victories.

[@RavenGent]

When I first started studying about Napoleon this is one of the first battles I ever learned of where he put himself at the head of his troops and risked his life like an ordinary soldier thus earning the name "the little corporal" plus this helped him make him a legend like his heroes Alexander and Caesar.

[@rodrigovelarde7855]

This has to be a movie, you really need to guide a movie of all campaigns or even series about the campaigns, like this. It's increcible how you do this. The best

[@younglinkms]

This era of warfare really is peak excitement! Honestly it’s hard to follow if it weren’t for these videos. Epic History TV are legends!

[@andresg817]

I can hardly imagine a better combination of narrative ability and musical score. Inspirational, mesmerizing, Epic - a masterpiece truly worthy of recounting the Napoleonic legend!

[@Saberlena]

I love this channel's Napoleon series so much.

[@aarongodinez9022]

You should do a video on Archduke Charles's 1796 campaign in Germany, which happened simultaneously with Napoleon's in Italy.

[@Dragonite43]

I would love to do a series on the wars of the 1st coalition on other fronts! :D

[@malexanderja3531]

I can't stress enough how this series is amazing!

[@fordwiseman4]

My most loved channel on KZbin. i am about to start my undergrad course in History. Napoleonic history will be my first choice and this channel will be one of my most used sources. On a side note, the narrator is absolutely amazing!

[@austinreed5805]

The Rise of Napoleon is a story for the ages.

[@NDR-hn3ue]

This production is BETTER than TV documentary films or feature movies

[@encyclopediajack]

I love how you're making these videos. It's literally my favorite history topic ❤❤❤

[@MrWasjig]

Absolutely top notch work as always EHTV! I really must go back and watch the previous Napoleon series, I just can't get enough while waiting for this one to update!

[@matthewh.9544]

Still love to see an episode dedicated to Suvorov's campaign in Italy. Also a full one on the life of Peter the Great

[@matthewh.9544]

@@Marc_Masters that's not what I meant

[@chasechristophermurraydola9314]

I completely agree with you on an episode dedicated to Suvorov’s campaign in Italy but I would also like to see Marengo.

[@ashutoshkukreti6706]

I wonder why Napoleon criticised Suorov so harshly. He was one of the better generals French were facing.

[@МаксРогозин-е1ю]

Suvorov strategically lost in Switzerland. He was too late to help Korsakoff.

[@Marc_Masters]

@@matthewh.9544 Ok then

[@mark82101]

Exciting, indeed! Never saw a tactical documentary about Napoleon like this. Thanks, it was awesome!

[@reeyees50]

Best narrator in youtube

[@christophermatter1953]

This channel is better than anything elsewhere on the internet

[@liambrown7078]

You don't see many popular history channels any more. Keep up the good work and Viva la france!

[@faramund9865]

Another lovely video in which time flies by and I'm drawn into the events as occurred over two hundred years ago. Thank you.

[@oharpie6796]

Another great episode of an amazing series. Amazing job like always!

[@Issacnewton_]

dude the quality and the way you put history is soo amazing

[@mahadlodhi]

Simply brilliant work, huge thanks to EHTV as always

[@kaze987]

This is what the History Channel used to be back it he 90s. Incredible series! Proud to be a patron!

[@asteroctavian7408]

The best history channel ever

[@jeromeorina3805]

This is the only channel I don't forward ads, I can't pay for their services But they need to pay you guys.

[@calebshuler1789]

Napoleon was amazing. He never gave up. His tenacity was amazing. Him and Alex the Great are the two Generals and kings who NEVER WAVERED. EXTREMELY BOLD.

[@le_tiebreaker__9297]

And Caesar... how dare you forget

[@chinavirus841]

@@le_tiebreaker__9297and me

[@ommsterlitz1805]

Are you joking Caesar army was impressive but certainly not his tactics and his over inflated ego falsifying his battles to be "heroic" when they were for sure not only numerically superior but also much more trained and close victories without obviously talking of the Gaulish tribes that were fighting with him @@le_tiebreaker__9297

[@Alexios-Komnenos1181]

I'm a history buff too and thankful to your team marked this video. This is a great material to practice my English listening!

[@Kokozaftran]

Damn those battles were beyond exhausting. Constant atta ks, retreats, breaks, counterattacks and so forth ..

[@mario_1683]

Finally you are back at it again!

[@MrHnm92]

What a tension from start to finish, I felt like a Napoleon's soldier continually worried about what would happen next. It has been magnificent. The Battle of Arcole showed Napoleon in one of his most critical military moments. Outnumbered, with a worn out and partially sick army and without reinforcements, he had to use the terrain and his own cunning to the maximum to not back down and hold his ground until he forced Alvinczi to withdraw, always under the threat that his line of retreat and communications was cut off and the siege of Mantua was broken by any Wurmser attack. But Napoleon got away with luck, cunning (the false cavalry charge is genius), lack of coordination between the Austrian armies and courage of his own army, with his morale rising at the sight of the army's own commander-in-chief exposing himself to enemy fire and urging the soldiers to advance. In summary, although Arcole was a chaotic battle, with continuous attacks and counter-attacks from both sides and not knowing who would win, Napoleon gave the French Army of Italy the morale boost it needed to press on and above all resist the superior Austrian armies in number and survive a few more months until he could change the strategic course of the war. Finally, while Napoleon's attack on Arcole has been overstated, his image sacrificing everything for France was what the Directory and the French people needed to move forward, especially with the recent disasters in Germany at the hands of Archduke Charles. From now on, Napoleon will be the symbol of France and guide her to achieve greatness and glory. Once again, thanks to Epic History TV and PFM Productions for this amazing work and series, looking forward to the next one and with the same epicity and tension characteristic of this great channel. My greetings

[@BattleHardenedGames]

You guys are killing it. My favortie history videos of all time.

[@Augustus1003]

If I remember correctly, at 11:51, this is what Napoleon did during the battle for Paris: he took a huge gamble by going behind the enemy lines and cutting their lines of communication and supply. Unfortunately, the gamble didn't pay off in the end as the coalition continued its advance on Paris.

[@BraydenWalsh-Howerton]

Bravery and cowardice are equally contagious.

[@Osiferheheh]

This was, again, better than watching a movie.

[@szalard]

Especially a new movie, in which Napoleon would be a Black woman...

[@WilcherLLC]

Best video you guys have made out of all of your videos! What a stunner!!!

[@dclark142002]

The reality of understanding that just because the enemy has the advantage...it doesn't mean he might not lose it if you force him to fight to attain his object. Napoleon's efforts to slow down and fight Alvinci on his own terms are an interesting case study in refusal to accept defeat and a determination to make the enemy EARN a victory. Look, the enemy formations are advancing unsupporting...attack them. Retreat after the enemy is reinforced. Look, the enemy is scouting with a vulnerable force...attack it. Retreat after the enemy is reinforced. The enemy has now closed up with you and is concentrated. Excellent, seek out his supply lines and maneuver so as to force your enemy to disperse. When he is dispersed, attack again. You can see in this set of battles that Napoleon has such high confidence in his men, that he is willing to take more risks than the Austrians and even his own men think possible. It very nearly doesn't succeed...but the reality is that Napoleon understood that if he forced Alvinci to fight him in such a way...even if he lost, the Austrians would not make immediate pursuit a priority, due to the losses of the fight. Gaining TIME is the object.

[@PueSaness]

It's similar to how in chess if you have an objectively losing position, you can either defend passively and hope your opponent has a stroke, or create chaos and force your opponent to find the winning continuation. Napoleon opted for the latter in most campaigns, and given the general truism that no plan survives first contact with the enemy, it's actually a solid idea. Before Arcole, Alvinci had been following his preparation - Arcole got Alvinci out of prep and changed the campaign from a question of "who has the better military situation", in which regard Napoleon was absolutely inferior, to a question of "who is better at thinking on their feet", in which Napoleon was superior. The campaign was still a close-run thing, but in the bigger picture, Napoleon's strategy granted him the chance to swindle victory from the jaws of defeat, which is what ended up happening.

[@pierren___]

When the enemy is concentrated = separate When he is separated = concentrate (attack)