Napoleonic Wars: Battle of Waterloo 1815

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  • Опубликовано: 16 май 2015
  • Epic History TV brings you a blow-by-blow account of the entire Waterloo campaign in 14 minutes, with animated maps and artwork, plus rarely seen photographs of survivors of Napoleon's army.
    In 1815, eight miles south of Brussels, two of history's greatest generals met in battle for the first and only time: Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of the French, and the Duke of Wellington. The result was an epic, brutal battle that would decide the fate of Europe.
    Please help Epic History TV to keep making videos by pledging as little as one dollar per video at Patreon: www.patreon.com/EpicHistoryTV...
    Visit our online bookshop to find great books on this and other topics:
    UK site - uk.bookshop.org/shop/epichist...
    US site - bookshop.org/shop/epichistorytv
    As a bookshop.org affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases while donating 10% of sales to support independent bookshops!
    And the best film ever made about the battle:
    Waterloo (1970) www.amazon.co.uk/Waterloo-DVD...
    #EpicHistoryTV #NapoleonicWars #Napoleon

Комментарии • 5 тыс.

  • @EpichistoryTv
    @EpichistoryTv  4 года назад +543

    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
      @deuxpomme9777 4 года назад +33

      Possible remake?

    • @shawngilliland243
      @shawngilliland243 4 года назад +4

      @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
      @EpichistoryTv  4 года назад +19

      @@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
      @shawngilliland243 4 года назад +3

      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
      @vinayakkamble5824 4 года назад +11

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

  • @tuntuu
    @tuntuu 4 года назад +3685

    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
      @pozzthanapat 4 года назад +354

      That’s escalated quickly

    • @zharasamanzholov5005
      @zharasamanzholov5005 4 года назад +867

      Well, journalists haven't changed much.

    • @HetLedie
      @HetLedie 4 года назад +45

      @@zharasamanzholov5005 They called him emperor not your highness

    • @JohnsonTheSecond
      @JohnsonTheSecond 4 года назад +118

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

    • @Moustic13
      @Moustic13 4 года назад +4

      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

  • @ArkadiBolschek
    @ArkadiBolschek 4 года назад +7449

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

    • @cool-68
      @cool-68 4 года назад +171

      Paintings and depictions!

    • @gwarkan
      @gwarkan 4 года назад +798

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

    • @spikespa5208
      @spikespa5208 4 года назад +552

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

    • @thomastucker7317
      @thomastucker7317 4 года назад +48

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

    • @Bruh-jr2ep
      @Bruh-jr2ep 4 года назад +83

      @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🤣🤣

  • @yatsumleung8618
    @yatsumleung8618 3 года назад +1368

    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
      @tommunism8778 2 года назад +64

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

    • @DaliborPerkovic-sw8mh
      @DaliborPerkovic-sw8mh Год назад +2

      Agree!

    • @digantakumargogoi1166
      @digantakumargogoi1166 11 месяцев назад

      Agreee

    • @DaliborPerkovic-sw8mh
      @DaliborPerkovic-sw8mh 11 месяцев назад

      @@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
      @digantakumargogoi1166 10 месяцев назад +2

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

  • @DasLamm68
    @DasLamm68 3 года назад +683

    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
      @vanbrabant6791 2 года назад +17

      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
      @johncorrall1739 Год назад +21

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

    • @krips22
      @krips22 Год назад +9

      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
      @DaliborPerkovic-sw8mh Год назад

      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
      @jacktattis Год назад +2

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

  • @andyc3088
    @andyc3088 4 года назад +3379

    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
      @leroiarouf1142 4 года назад +377

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

    • @SantomPh
      @SantomPh 4 года назад +244

      @@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
      @leroiarouf1142 4 года назад +194

      @@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
      @ihl0700677525 4 года назад +81

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

    • @dcmhsotaeh
      @dcmhsotaeh 4 года назад +17

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

  • @LeeRenthlei
    @LeeRenthlei 4 года назад +3405

    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
      @nixon9346 4 года назад +11

      Hey paul,what are you doing here?

    • @wjf0ne
      @wjf0ne 3 года назад +14

      @The Truth
      Greedy badass.

    • @antiparticle1765
      @antiparticle1765 3 года назад +90

      It fits the stereotypical super villain story in a movie.

    • @LeeRenthlei
      @LeeRenthlei 3 года назад +37

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

    • @samsmith2635
      @samsmith2635 3 года назад +175

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

  • @theenlightener3361
    @theenlightener3361 3 года назад +324

    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
      @dynamo1796 2 года назад +27

      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
      @Ulfcytel Год назад +8

      @@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
      @jestice75 Год назад +2

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

    • @baronreturns4175
      @baronreturns4175 Год назад +2

      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
      @baronreturns4175 Год назад

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

  • @Fernandwinnie
    @Fernandwinnie 3 года назад +358

    There is a burial ground in Dundee where one of Napoleon’s imperial guard is buried, Jules Legendre.
    He was imprisoned in Perth with other prisoners of Napoleon’s army.
    After his release, he met a local woman and married her.
    Jules taught at a local school and remained here until his death.

    • @grahamtaylor6883
      @grahamtaylor6883 2 года назад +14

      Fantastic story. More proof of how pointless war is.

    • @felixc.3444
      @felixc.3444 2 года назад +40

      @@grahamtaylor6883 there are many stories of old guard veterans who would stand next to the road Napoleon’s casket would be taken to his final resting place.
      Guardsmen wirh their leg blown off, wearing prosthetics, moth eaten bearskins and tattered clothing, saluting their leader one last time.
      Save our eagles indeed, it’s really something that hits hard when the imperial guard are so loyal that even years later many flock to his casket for one last visit

    • @grahamtaylor6883
      @grahamtaylor6883 2 года назад +8

      ​@@felixc.3444 That's proper loyalty for you. Human behaviour can be bizarre sometimes. The very reason why your leg's blown off is laid in the coffin in front of you and yet you still praise the man. To be fair though, the start of the Napoleonic wars were other countries putting pressure on and forcing conflict. So I can see how they needed a mascot and he was a world class leader after all. It's easier to see that link than the one to Hitler (or the Japanese of the same period). So many fools fell under his spell and for what? It's that same level of fanaticism that enabled SS troops to murder millions of children, women and men. All to be a pawn in some ego maniacs vision. Crazy.

    • @felixc.3444
      @felixc.3444 2 года назад +26

      @@grahamtaylor6883 true, but Napoleon showed much affection and care for his guard and they showed him it back in lifelong service, even if many times it was suicidal loyalty, it’s definitely a testament to their character

    • @mason5456
      @mason5456 2 года назад +6

      @@grahamtaylor6883 the same loyalty americans show to the state when they turn trans, but for a worse cause. ppl never change.

  • @TrueSubmitter060206
    @TrueSubmitter060206 4 года назад +2086

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

  • @nootnoot5623
    @nootnoot5623 4 года назад +2183

    When your potential captors become your troops.
    Charisma 100

    • @frandovian
      @frandovian 4 года назад +74

      also
      Intelligence 100

    • @Alizz1187
      @Alizz1187 3 года назад +15

      Turns out he had some Khajit blood in him!

    • @sirknight6283
      @sirknight6283 3 года назад +32

      or Speech 100

    • @someotherguy3699
      @someotherguy3699 3 года назад +24

      When your Charisma skill is maxed

    • @Anonymous-lz6qj
      @Anonymous-lz6qj 2 года назад +21

      turns out his height was actually average for the time

  • @turnip9367
    @turnip9367 Год назад +866

    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
      @SupaMan2122 Год назад +19

      Just tell yourself he was Corsican

    • @elliotchinneryhinks8554
      @elliotchinneryhinks8554 Год назад +23

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

    • @pogman8356
      @pogman8356 Год назад +10

      @@elliotchinneryhinks8554 i disargee

    • @elliotchinneryhinks8554
      @elliotchinneryhinks8554 Год назад +2

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

    • @dvdortiz9031
      @dvdortiz9031 Год назад +5

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

  • @shay3355
    @shay3355 3 года назад +142

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

  • @bertsedgwick9828
    @bertsedgwick9828 5 лет назад +1502

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

    • @wejuggernautentertainmentl3156
      @wejuggernautentertainmentl3156 4 года назад +18

      Bert Sedgwick literally just told my girl that same thing

    • @wierdalien1
      @wierdalien1 4 года назад +21

      Amazing man.

    • @garyhewitt489
      @garyhewitt489 4 года назад +24

      @Steven Hickman And mad as a hatter.

    • @aaronstorey9712
      @aaronstorey9712 4 года назад +71

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

    • @jbsills7043
      @jbsills7043 4 года назад +15

      Tough as nails!

  • @AustenKime
    @AustenKime 8 лет назад +1707

    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
      @EpichistoryTv  8 лет назад +81

      +Rastingo Kime Thank you Rastingo!

    • @ISawABear
      @ISawABear 8 лет назад +20

      +Epic History TV The animations were fantastic!

    • @EpichistoryTv
      @EpichistoryTv  8 лет назад +31

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

    • @ISawABear
      @ISawABear 8 лет назад +12

      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
      @EpichistoryTv  8 лет назад +19

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

  • @michaeldoloricon8842
    @michaeldoloricon8842 Год назад +78

    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.

  • @drg111yt
    @drg111yt Год назад +218

    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
    @ijitorikku5018 8 лет назад +693

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

    • @jockbawheid5089
      @jockbawheid5089 6 лет назад +1

      Ijitorikku b

    • @jockbawheid5089
      @jockbawheid5089 6 лет назад +1

      Ijitorikku iinnnjiii

    • @jockbawheid5089
      @jockbawheid5089 6 лет назад +1

      Ijitorikku iiiiiiiii

    • @yarpen26
      @yarpen26 5 лет назад +24

      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
      @thiagohenrique-in9my 5 лет назад +3

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

  • @MrMastera
    @MrMastera 4 года назад +2050

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

    • @hermanlai6035
      @hermanlai6035 4 года назад +125

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

    • @MrMastera
      @MrMastera 4 года назад +67

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

    • @hermanlai6035
      @hermanlai6035 4 года назад +70

      @@MrMastera production quality is still superb

    • @mr.c.3760
      @mr.c.3760 4 года назад +27

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

    • @Aufenthalt
      @Aufenthalt 4 года назад +1

      Me

  • @lo2.220
    @lo2.220 3 года назад +61

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

    • @michaelbrett3749
      @michaelbrett3749 2 года назад +4

      They died alright.

    • @lyrisio
      @lyrisio Год назад

      @@michaelbrett3749 LOL

    • @jacktattis
      @jacktattis Год назад

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

    • @dynamo1796
      @dynamo1796 2 месяца назад

      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
      @MrLenoir99 9 дней назад

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

  • @napoleonbonaparte7692
    @napoleonbonaparte7692 3 года назад +14

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

  • @fusionfray6133
    @fusionfray6133 4 года назад +828

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

  • @supergeek0177
    @supergeek0177 2 года назад +20

    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!

  • @Techgnome21
    @Techgnome21 3 месяца назад +6

    The more I learn about Waterloo, the more fascinated I become. Even though Napoleon was defeated, I still think the battle is a testament to his greatness. He came out of exile and nearly defeated Wellington.

    • @Delogros
      @Delogros 3 месяца назад

      Sure but he had an awful lot of advantages at Waterloo

  • @maning04
    @maning04 5 лет назад +2139

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

    • @RamesesBolton
      @RamesesBolton 5 лет назад +49

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

    • @rafaelbogdan9307
      @rafaelbogdan9307 5 лет назад +99

      His fault, he blew up his AE score :D

    • @MonkeyBuRps
      @MonkeyBuRps 5 лет назад +14

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

    • @toker6664
      @toker6664 5 лет назад +9

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

    • @cliveburt2638
      @cliveburt2638 5 лет назад +25

      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).

  • @flemhawker9134
    @flemhawker9134 6 лет назад +2192

    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
      @hell_yeah0173 6 лет назад +4

      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
      @faeyrie4747 6 лет назад +31

      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
      @mikehydropneumatic2583 6 лет назад +19

      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
      @faeyrie4747 6 лет назад +6

      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
      @morningstar9233 6 лет назад +10

      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.

  • @nguyenquangminh3302
    @nguyenquangminh3302 Год назад +16

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

    • @MrLenoir99
      @MrLenoir99 9 дней назад

      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
      @a_little_flame589 5 дней назад

      @@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

  • @Luboman411
    @Luboman411 Год назад +28

    Napoleon lost at Waterloo because of two things: 1) his right-hand man, Marshal Berthier, was not there at the battle with him, organizing everything to a "t" and 2) his best battlefield marshal, Marshal Davout, had been tasked with staying behind in Paris instead of coming with Napoleon. As a result Napoleon had relatively bad disorganization that he was not used to, which confused him and his troop movements, and the inferior Marshal Crouchy was tasked with pinning down the Prussians, which Grouchy did not manage to do. Marshal Davout would've been far more successful.

    • @DaliborPerkovic-sw8mh
      @DaliborPerkovic-sw8mh Год назад +1

      For Napoleon defeat near Waterloo were responsabile Marschal Ney ( left flank ) and Marschal Grouchy ( right flank ). Napoleon was got in that battle two uncompetent generals. Waterloo wasnt Napoleon blunder.

    • @DaliborPerkovic-sw8mh
      @DaliborPerkovic-sw8mh Год назад

      Agree! Grouchy was from the wrong side of the river and he not stopped Blucher on time. But, even Ney got own responsability for that Napoleon battle near Ligny wasnt decisive. He didnt help Emperor on time when he needed reinforcements from Quattre Bras to finish Blucher on 17 of June, 1815.

    • @hannibalburgers477
      @hannibalburgers477 Год назад +4

      So we just go on and don't mind the damage he has caused by loosing his army in Russia, leading an economical struggle with the Continental System, losing public approval by declaring his brother the king of Spain, not signing the treaty with Australia and "autoresolving" battles since the fifth coalition?

    • @DaliborPerkovic-sw8mh
      @DaliborPerkovic-sw8mh Год назад

      @@hannibalburgers477 I know what you talking. But, nobody is perfect in this world. And Napoleon wasnt too in that time. Today, we saw clearly Napoleons mistakes and errors. The same is with Hitler errors and blunders today. But, even genius people are not perfect and just a humans. The same is with that two guys. Sorry, but I cant give you better answer on your question. Bye!

    • @crist6587
      @crist6587 8 месяцев назад

      ​@@hannibalburgers477 Think peace with "Austria" might have helped..

  • @stephenmason9527
    @stephenmason9527 5 лет назад +453

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

    • @simeonnedkov894
      @simeonnedkov894 4 года назад +2

      Yeah, harsh folks.

    • @hoatattis7283
      @hoatattis7283 4 года назад

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

    • @ethandrake5380
      @ethandrake5380 4 года назад +19

      @@hoatattis7283 like any soldier in history

    • @hoatattis7283
      @hoatattis7283 4 года назад +1

      @@ethandrake5380 No not as bad as the French

    • @ethandrake5380
      @ethandrake5380 4 года назад +20

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

  • @jonathanallison785
    @jonathanallison785 8 лет назад +573

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

    • @EpichistoryTv
      @EpichistoryTv  8 лет назад +23

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

    • @hungryhippopotamus1152
      @hungryhippopotamus1152 8 лет назад

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

    • @scl9671
      @scl9671 8 лет назад +6

      +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
      @EpichistoryTv  8 лет назад +39

      +Scotty SCL Definitely.

    • @Aman-ye6md
      @Aman-ye6md 6 лет назад

      Jonathan Allison yes I agree

  • @chasemanhart
    @chasemanhart 3 месяца назад +4

    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.

  • @abdihassan7208
    @abdihassan7208 Год назад +11

    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

  • @fuckyourreply.8110
    @fuckyourreply.8110 4 года назад +575

    "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)

    • @user-yj1bx2od2i
      @user-yj1bx2od2i 4 года назад +53

      The most badass speech i ever read

    • @onehope6448
      @onehope6448 4 года назад +55

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

    • @frandovian
      @frandovian 4 года назад +37

      one Marshal Ney, loyal to the very end

    • @ivan0525wow
      @ivan0525wow 4 года назад +48

      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
      @MrVolvobloke 3 года назад +36

      @@user-yj1bx2od2i 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 '

  • @yusufelnehdi7945
    @yusufelnehdi7945 8 лет назад +722

    the old guards die, they never surrender

    • @EpichistoryTv
      @EpichistoryTv  8 лет назад +151

      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
      @matseg7103 8 лет назад +29

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

    • @gerryhouska2859
      @gerryhouska2859 5 лет назад +22

      Merde!

    • @thelvadam2375
      @thelvadam2375 5 лет назад +4

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

    • @Handconnonierr
      @Handconnonierr 5 лет назад

      @@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.

  • @kylewit
    @kylewit 2 года назад +20

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

  • @4urluvjones155
    @4urluvjones155 2 года назад +3

    Wow, what a great series on the Napoleonic wars. I couldn't stop watching til I got to the end. Incredible history. Thank you!

  • @robertshuxley
    @robertshuxley 7 лет назад +680

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

    • @Garith000
      @Garith000 7 лет назад +22

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

    • @keithkania3810
      @keithkania3810 5 лет назад +5

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

    • @drspaseebo410
      @drspaseebo410 5 лет назад +5

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

  • @ThePerfectRed
    @ThePerfectRed 8 лет назад +561

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

    • @EpaminondastheGreat
      @EpaminondastheGreat 8 лет назад +135

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

    • @Keevas2123
      @Keevas2123 7 лет назад +67

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

    • @AleraKira
      @AleraKira 7 лет назад +12

      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
      @toddmatosian9179 7 лет назад +2

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

    • @EpichistoryTv
      @EpichistoryTv  7 лет назад +35

      Blucher was made Prince of Wahlstatt in 1814.

  • @Noblepilot_abrahamvwi_aeroplan
    @Noblepilot_abrahamvwi_aeroplan 3 года назад +16

    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.

  • @robcrocker6092
    @robcrocker6092 11 месяцев назад +3

    Back once again for the annual rewatching on the anniversary of the battle!

  • @norcofreerider604
    @norcofreerider604 4 года назад +432

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

    • @elrobbio1
      @elrobbio1 4 года назад +11

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

    • @Guy-cb1oh
      @Guy-cb1oh 4 года назад +16

      Dont cha know? Aliens caused the Napoleonic wars!

    • @howardthealien2606
      @howardthealien2606 3 года назад

      Guy2015 bruh they didn’t

    • @rc59191
      @rc59191 3 года назад +1

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

    • @dean1039
      @dean1039 3 года назад +3

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

  • @caturdaynite7217
    @caturdaynite7217 4 года назад +118

    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
      @phbrinsden 4 года назад +13

      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
      @kerryxu119 3 года назад +28

      @@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
      @nixon9346 3 года назад +2

      More like 10 000 not 70 000

    • @NapoleonBonaparte-of4sl
      @NapoleonBonaparte-of4sl 2 года назад +5

      Waterloo 1970 deserve more

    • @minot.8931
      @minot.8931 2 года назад +10

      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.

  • @larrythelobster4693
    @larrythelobster4693 11 месяцев назад +19

    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.

  • @user-qs1jh6nz8m
    @user-qs1jh6nz8m 10 месяцев назад +4

    I just watched the video and I thought it was fantastic. Well done to the whole team that produced should an excellent piece of work. Keep them coming!

  • @GetUpTheMountains
    @GetUpTheMountains 6 лет назад +474

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

  • @wd-type9643
    @wd-type9643 7 лет назад +136

    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
      @EpichistoryTv  7 лет назад +4

      Thank you!

    • @wd-type9643
      @wd-type9643 7 лет назад +1

      +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
      @EpichistoryTv  7 лет назад +4

      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
      @wd-type9643 7 лет назад +4

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

    • @Brianw1812
      @Brianw1812 7 лет назад +1

      Seramic _Skeptical 🇰🇾

  • @RoadRashSpirit
    @RoadRashSpirit 3 года назад +3

    This is one of the best series put together to document Napoleon. History told factually, as it happened and without conjecture or snobish, sneid remarks. Brilliant and trances all TV documentarys I've seen. My only slight complaint is that the end of the Spanish war was neglected and only updated later in the series. Would have been nice to fully document Wellingtons campaign from start to finish. Either way, I've watched this through twice now and will definatley be showing it too my kids when I start teaching them European History. Well done Epic History and History Marche.

  • @sai964
    @sai964 3 года назад +6

    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

  • @yobber2991
    @yobber2991 4 года назад +360

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

    • @notmenotme614
      @notmenotme614 4 года назад +8

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

    • @pbzeppelin6167
      @pbzeppelin6167 4 года назад +19

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

    • @dexterrr9163
      @dexterrr9163 4 года назад +1

      Paul Bayley 😂😂😂

    • @sovanchakraborty1490
      @sovanchakraborty1490 4 года назад

      LMAO

    • @budwyzer77
      @budwyzer77 4 года назад +6

      @@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.

  • @rafaelbogdan9307
    @rafaelbogdan9307 5 лет назад +88

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

  • @UrbanSkyProject
    @UrbanSkyProject 2 года назад +1

    Jusy finished watching this series on recommendation from a friend. It was brilliant from start to finish, artwork, maps and narrartion were great.keep up the great work!

  • @Jaasau
    @Jaasau 2 года назад +8

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

  • @bloodndestroy
    @bloodndestroy 6 лет назад +150

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

    • @kooroshrostami27
      @kooroshrostami27 3 года назад +2

      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.

  • @TheStapleGunKid
    @TheStapleGunKid 3 года назад +417

    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
      @NONO-oy1cu 3 года назад +3

      Who's Josephine?

    • @TheStapleGunKid
      @TheStapleGunKid 3 года назад +168

      @@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
      @NONO-oy1cu 3 года назад +18

      @@TheStapleGunKid at least he still has a heart

    • @typicalperson6389
      @typicalperson6389 2 года назад +10

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

    • @derpynerdy6294
      @derpynerdy6294 2 года назад +3

      @@typicalperson6389
      ........

  • @oldmandoinghighkicksonlyin1368
    @oldmandoinghighkicksonlyin1368 2 года назад +3

    I really enjoyed this Napolean series. It was so well done and I was entertained while I learned.
    Thanks!

  • @jagid2
    @jagid2 Год назад +5

    I'm very late to the party but have spent the last few days watching all the Napoleon videos. So good! Thanks for the great content.

    • @DaliborPerkovic-sw8mh
      @DaliborPerkovic-sw8mh Год назад

      He was a great military leader. Never seen like that from the times of Alexander the Great. A real son of mighty Europa. I am so happy I am from this continent.

  • @mayes33
    @mayes33 4 года назад +64

    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!

  • @louchy
    @louchy 3 года назад +126

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

    • @evankelly4346
      @evankelly4346 2 года назад +3

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

  • @adrianopucdihon2265
    @adrianopucdihon2265 3 года назад +1

    It's interesting to know how Brave and genius people shaped up history.thank you for sharing another part of Napoleon's life.

  • @onlynameMrBlank
    @onlynameMrBlank 3 года назад +16

    You look into the eyes of the men in those photographs, and you can tell they've seen some really harsh times.

  • @dbzshadow1440
    @dbzshadow1440 6 лет назад +63

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

  • @jnb894
    @jnb894 5 лет назад +70

    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

  • @jambojambo313
    @jambojambo313 2 года назад +2

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

  • @medicor5
    @medicor5 Год назад

    What a perfect detailed story it is!! Thank you for your explaining the battle of Waterloo.

  • @jcb5782
    @jcb5782 7 лет назад +27

    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
      @ronaldmacintyre567 4 года назад

      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.

  • @jackydefo
    @jackydefo 8 лет назад +145

    love the pictures at the end

    • @boss180888
      @boss180888 8 лет назад +9

      +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
      @scl9671 8 лет назад +14

      +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
      @EpichistoryTv  8 лет назад +5

      +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

  • @jollyrogererVF84
    @jollyrogererVF84 Год назад

    What a brilliant series.
    I binged watched from the 1808 Iberian misadventure to Waterloo.

  • @tdonithan863
    @tdonithan863 3 года назад

    Excellent video! The music is the right volume and doesn’t overwhelm the narrator. Well done.

  • @carlosmarxo8132
    @carlosmarxo8132 4 года назад +44

    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
      @danthundercat Год назад

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

    • @jacktattis
      @jacktattis Год назад +3

      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
      @garymoore2535 Год назад

      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
      @DaliborPerkovic-sw8mh Год назад

      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
      @teddypicker8799 Год назад +1

      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

  • @CaptainCsaba
    @CaptainCsaba 8 лет назад +178

    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.

  • @wombats2016
    @wombats2016 2 года назад +1

    Would love to see an updated version of this to mirror the perfection of the newer Napoleonic Videos you've masterfully done.

  • @vangvon2215
    @vangvon2215 2 месяца назад

    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!

  •  5 лет назад +58

    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
      @SantomPh 4 года назад +3

      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
      @maozedong44 3 года назад +3

      @@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
      @nickrobl 3 года назад +3

      @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
      @nickrobl 3 года назад +1

      @ 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.

  • @ringo1692
    @ringo1692 8 лет назад +82

    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

  • @jordiisking6228
    @jordiisking6228 3 года назад +1

    This might be the best RUclips video ever even after 5 years it still is amazing

  • @monster900900
    @monster900900 3 года назад

    excellent as always ,just finished reading bernard cornwells excellent waterloo , another key moment is when the 52nd battalion does a flanking manover on the guard chasseurs , leading to the rout of the guard , and the rest of the army . brutal .

  • @711honved
    @711honved 4 года назад +23

    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
      @DaliborPerkovic-sw8mh Год назад

      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.

  • @keiranbradley3222
    @keiranbradley3222 7 лет назад +119

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

    • @williammcgrath1621
      @williammcgrath1621 7 лет назад +26

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

    • @TeeloSeyna
      @TeeloSeyna 6 лет назад +5

      Oooh :( it's a hard one coming from our oldest allies ! Not surprising tho it needed at least scottsmen to take these eagles

    • @Kevin-mx1vi
      @Kevin-mx1vi 5 лет назад +6

      @@TeeloSeyna The Scots will steal anything. 😉

    • @calumroney7352
      @calumroney7352 5 лет назад +25

      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
      @TheWorldisaLIE2 5 лет назад

      @@Kevin-mx1vi lmfao

  • @frankwolff9671
    @frankwolff9671 Год назад +1

    Happy Birthday Epic History!! Came to celebrate by watching the video that started it all.

  • @danforster6525
    @danforster6525 Год назад

    Those photographs at the end are fantastic. Thanks for all of the hard work.

  • @TheMiniArmyShow
    @TheMiniArmyShow 3 года назад +32

    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.

  • @Tarik360
    @Tarik360 8 лет назад +101

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

  • @pstha4537
    @pstha4537 3 года назад +1

    This is what real HQ youtube content looks like. Perfection. I love it. Keep up the great work, folks.

  • @parinw.8871
    @parinw.8871 3 года назад

    I started with this video, then with whole series of Napoleonic wars, then came back here again.

  • @desiredreign3586
    @desiredreign3586 5 лет назад +233

    Damn he should’ve auto resolved.

    • @SuperChuckRaney
      @SuperChuckRaney 5 лет назад +9

      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
      @napoleonbonaparteempereurd4676 5 лет назад +3

      @@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
      @key23507 4 года назад +12

      Our men are running Sir!

    • @richardlahan7068
      @richardlahan7068 4 года назад +1

      "Auto resolved"?

    • @kingtalha087
      @kingtalha087 4 года назад +8

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

  • @rileywise2455
    @rileywise2455 4 года назад +69

    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
      @markstott6689 3 года назад +7

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

  • @12345fowler
    @12345fowler 10 месяцев назад +2

    Fantasticly narrated by the great Mr Charles Nove

  • @hythekent
    @hythekent 11 месяцев назад

    Only just found your channel, with this video. A refreshing change to watch a well presented and clearly narrated video, in good natural English. Subscribed

  • @Deelom100
    @Deelom100 4 года назад +6

    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

  • @SubBrief
    @SubBrief 7 лет назад +12

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

  • @miklu26
    @miklu26 2 года назад

    Awesome thank you! Had to watch all of the Napoleon series at once

  • @0xic644
    @0xic644 6 месяцев назад +4

    Just finished watching the new Napolean movie. I wish they had incorporated all these details into the film.

  • @fidelquintela7128
    @fidelquintela7128 7 лет назад +19

    No nonsense, concise. Beautiful.

  • @troyvirgona8738
    @troyvirgona8738 8 лет назад +19

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

  • @ThePanzerFranz
    @ThePanzerFranz 3 года назад

    I wanna take here the opportunity to give a big compliment to the speaker and the music in the background. I really enjoy this series.

  • @publiusscipioafricanus6475
    @publiusscipioafricanus6475 5 месяцев назад +5

    Just like Julius Caesar said, You could win a thousand battles, can have a hundred victorious treaties, but it only takes one defeat to make you lose the war.

    • @user-sr3sf
      @user-sr3sf 4 месяца назад

      True, like happened with Germany in Stalingrad.

    • @a_little_flame589
      @a_little_flame589 3 месяца назад

      @@user-sr3sfthe Germans had a lot more than one loss

    • @user-sr3sf
      @user-sr3sf 3 месяца назад

      @@a_little_flame589 Napoleon too.
      Stalingrad defeat desestabilize Germany

    • @a_little_flame589
      @a_little_flame589 3 месяца назад

      @@user-sr3sf yeah but there were a few other major turning points

  • @justiniani3314
    @justiniani3314 6 лет назад +27

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

  • @model-man7802
    @model-man7802 6 лет назад +4

    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👍👍👍

  • @bootsj7662
    @bootsj7662 10 месяцев назад

    Binged this whole series and wish I could watch it again for the first time 😢

  • @esmenhamaire6398
    @esmenhamaire6398 2 года назад +1

    Superb! I hadn't known that there were phoyos of Napoleonic war vveterans. Yjay's awesome, thank you for including that!