Napoleon's Attack on Berlin: The Gamble That Failed in 1813 (with Michael Leggiere) | Ep 162
Generals and NapoleonShow Notes
In 1813, after the disastrous retreat from Russia, Napoleon faced a growing coalition determined to destroy his empire. In this episode, author Michael Leggiere will explore Napoleon’s attempt to capture Berlin in 1813 and the reasons behind it.
Determined to regain the initiative, Napoleon ordered a bold offensive toward Berlin—the capital of Prussia.
Napoleon entrusted the operation to 2 of his most aggressive marshals, Oudinot and Ney. In 1813, a large French army moved north to strike the Prussian forces defending the road to Berlin.
The campaign culminated in the Battles of Grossbeeren and Dennewitz The failure of this attack shattered Napoleon’s plan to seize Berlin and helped energize the anti-French coalition during the War of the Sixth Coalition. • Why Napoleon targeted the Prussian capital • The roles of Marshals Ney, Oudinot, and Macdonald in the campaign • How the Prussians stopped the French advance • Why the failure helped lead to Napoleon’s ultimate defeat in Germany
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