The Wars Against Napoleon – Book Review

The authors set about methodically to destroy long held assumptions about Napoleon, and lay out their argument in three sections. The first part of the book is vital to understanding the context within which Napoleon emerged, as it “presents the intractable belligerent situation toward which the First Consul found himself inexorably forced upon his arrival in power, and from which he was never able to escape.” As Weider and Franceschi show, “Napoleon was already condemned to perpetual warfare from the moment of his arrival in power.” Once this fundamental characteristic of the political situation in Europe is understood, the explanation of why Napoleon found himself at war during most of his reign is self-evident. In Part Two, the authors delve deeper into Napoleon’s own personality and beliefs as it “brings to light the fundamentally pacifist character of Napoleon’s politics, founded on his intangible principle of avoiding conflicts.” Skeptics may raise an eyebrow at Napoleon being called a “pacifist”, but they should reserve judgment until after reading the authors’ persuasive arguments that support their claim. And lastly, battle enthusiasts will find plenty of action in Part Three, since it covers the wars Napoleon fought from 1794 until 1815. Yet, the authors’ purpose is not principally to examine the emperor’s unequalled strategic and operational battlefield brilliance — the section’s title, “Napoleon: Enemy of War,” provides a clue to the authors’ purpose in this final part, essentially validating their first two sections. They demonstrate in this concluding section “that wars he never sought or declared constantly intruded on him,” and eloquently answer Napoleon’s long ago appeal: “An historian will prove that I have always been attacked.”

Those who read the authors’ well-argued, extensively researched thesis with an open mind will likely turn the book’s final page concurring with Weider and Franceschi when they conclude, “We believe we have … exonerated [Napoleon] of the accusation of ‘having loved war too much’” and that “the image of Napoleon will emerge cleansed of his bloody stain.” They acknowledge, rightfully, that such a dominating personality as Napoleon evokes strongly held opinions not easily swayed; yet, the authors are certainly correct in noting that their solidly argued case will make the Napoleon-haters uncomfortable: “Admirers of Napoleon will be strengthened in his convictions, and detractors shaken in their hostility and prejudices.”

The text is enhanced by beautiful color photos and illustrations and contains numerous, easy to follow maps (created by the same outstanding cartographer responsible for ACG’s acclaimed maps, Jason Petho).

Weider and Franceschi’s outstanding new “must read” book shatters the myth of the so-called “Napoleonic Wars” and compels a long-overdue reevaluation of the image of Napoleon as simply a “war loving conqueror.”

Armchair General rates this book FIVE STARS, our highest rating.

ACG Bonus Coverage: See our exclusive interview, “10 Questions for Ben Weider” in the upcoming May 2008 issue of Armchair General to learn more about the fascinating life of this author, soldier, Napoleonic expert and international entrepreneur, who created (with his brother Joe Weider) what became today’s world fitness movement, and founded the International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness.

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