jjares reviewed Napoleonic Wars: A Captivating Guide to the Napoleonic Wars and War of 1812 (Military History) on + 3278 more book reviews
This pair of ebooks takes the reader through some of the most turbulent years of France's existence. First, the French Revolution radically changed France forever. Then, when Napoleon emerged, he dragged the country through nearly 25 years of bloodshed with other countries. The second ebook details the War of 1812, probably the most useless war America has ever fought.
THE NAPOLEONIC WARS -- E
As with most Captivating History books, this volume explains the difficulties in France that led to what was eventually called the Napoleonic Wars. The author describes the oppression of the poor classes of Frenchmen to the point where food was too costly, and people were starving. During the same time, the nobles and royalty continued to have lavish foods and parties and generally ignored the cries of the poor. After storming the Bastille, the French Revolution raged for ten years. The poor didn't just go after the wealthy; they also raged against the Church, the most powerful entity in Europe at the time.
After the French Revolution, this ebook covers the Post-Revolution years in France and the French Revolutionary Wars. I always wondered how a Corsican could dominate France, and this book explains how he did it. It took a coalition of European powers, led by the British, to bring Napoleon to heel. Interestingly, the European war with Napoleon was one reason America declared war on Great Britain. I learned a great deal about France and Napoleon in this book.
THE WAR OF 1812 -- E
The analysis of the War of 1812 was first-rate; it was eye-opening to see that a secondary cause of the war was to deal with the Indians. The real losers of this war were the indigenous peoples. They were drawn into one side or the other. Tecumsah needed weapons and thought fighting for the British would equip his people. The author also explained the most critical leaders' roles: American, British, and Indian.
The timeline was critical for understanding the multiple fights on land and sea. Surprisingly, the Americans hazarded fighting with the naval superpower Great Britain. Perhaps, since Britain was busy with Napoleon, they thought they had a chance. The most valuable part of this book was the explanation of the American's multiple invasions into Canada. Only a few things have been written about that segment of our history.
When the author summarizes the war's results, it is easy to see what a waste of time and resources it was.
THE NAPOLEONIC WARS -- E
As with most Captivating History books, this volume explains the difficulties in France that led to what was eventually called the Napoleonic Wars. The author describes the oppression of the poor classes of Frenchmen to the point where food was too costly, and people were starving. During the same time, the nobles and royalty continued to have lavish foods and parties and generally ignored the cries of the poor. After storming the Bastille, the French Revolution raged for ten years. The poor didn't just go after the wealthy; they also raged against the Church, the most powerful entity in Europe at the time.
After the French Revolution, this ebook covers the Post-Revolution years in France and the French Revolutionary Wars. I always wondered how a Corsican could dominate France, and this book explains how he did it. It took a coalition of European powers, led by the British, to bring Napoleon to heel. Interestingly, the European war with Napoleon was one reason America declared war on Great Britain. I learned a great deal about France and Napoleon in this book.
THE WAR OF 1812 -- E
The analysis of the War of 1812 was first-rate; it was eye-opening to see that a secondary cause of the war was to deal with the Indians. The real losers of this war were the indigenous peoples. They were drawn into one side or the other. Tecumsah needed weapons and thought fighting for the British would equip his people. The author also explained the most critical leaders' roles: American, British, and Indian.
The timeline was critical for understanding the multiple fights on land and sea. Surprisingly, the Americans hazarded fighting with the naval superpower Great Britain. Perhaps, since Britain was busy with Napoleon, they thought they had a chance. The most valuable part of this book was the explanation of the American's multiple invasions into Canada. Only a few things have been written about that segment of our history.
When the author summarizes the war's results, it is easy to see what a waste of time and resources it was.
