Question

What was the only way Napoleon Bonaparte could have won the battle of Waterloo?

Answer 1

I need a second opinion, I'm arguing about it with a freind

Answer 2

hmmm

Answer 3

read this for me maybe it'll help

Answer 4

The Battle of Waterloo was fought thirteen kilometres south of Brussels between the French, under the command of Napoleon Bonaparte, and the Allied armies commanded by the Duke of Wellington from Britain and General Blücher from Prussia. The French defeat at Waterloo drew to a close 23 years of war beginning with the French Revolutionary wars in 1792 and continuing with the Napoleonic Wars from 1803. There was a brief eleven-month respite when Napoleon was forced to abdicate, exiled to the island of Elba. However, the unpopularity of Louis XVIII and the economic and social instability of France motivated him to return to Paris in March 1815. The Allies soon declared war once again. Napoleon's final defeat at Waterloo marked the end of the Emperor's final bid for power, the so-called '100 Days', and the final chapter in his remarkable career.

Answer 5

Arguing over strategic war? Interesting...

Answer 6

Isn't it because Napoleon Bonaparte didn't commit his Imperial Guard to the battle, if he had he would have won

Answer 7

The defeat at Waterloo was caused by a number of mistakes compounding themselves over several days. Primary among these mistakes was delegating authority to men who would let him down.

For instance, Marshall Gruchy had let Napolean down on at least two other occasions (he had surrendered to smaller force in Italy and had performed badly in Russia) yet Napolean still dispatched him with a third of the army to chase Blucher - and he lost the trail!

When the English were originally defeated the order was not given to pursue and crush them until several hours later, which gave Wellington the time to find a suitable place to stand and fight. If you're going to crush your enemies before they can link up, then crush them!

Next, during the height of the battle, when he had to leave the field because of illness, Napoleon gave overall command to Marshall Ney. Ney was certainly brave, which he would prove again here, but had no understanding of overall strategy. He threw away the best cavalry and most of the day on pointless charges that accomplished nothing.

Further, he made absolutely no pretenses at protecting his flanks or watching around him for danger. When the Prussians did arrive, for the longest time he thought perhaps it was Gruchy. There was no one available to go over and take a look! When the Prussians did arrive, it was too late to rearrange anything.

By the time the Old Guard was deployed, this was a last gasp gamble rather than a sound military move.

Answer 8

If he had committed Ney into attacking Wellington, after the initial attack and had his imperial guard back Ney up he probably would have won, all he would need to do then is take out the Prussians