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Napoleon's Attacks

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). One of the most important relationships that would determine the outcome of the crushing loss for the allied troops was between Napoleon and his leading Admiral, Pierre Villeneuve. The lack of partnership between these two men would shape the battle as Villeneuve would repeatedly ignore the unworkable orders sent directly from Napoleon’s central command (Adkins, 60). It was just days before the battle when Villeneuve became aware that Napoleon planed to replace him with Vice-Admiral Rosily (Adkins, 60). Only with this threat of being replaced, did the rogue Admiral leave Cadiz and finally engage Nelson’s fleet (Adkins, 60). The initial stubbornness of Napoleon’s most senior officer and the inadequate relationship between France and …show more content…

Upon witnessing Napoleon’s tyrannical rule in 1793, the British government urgently began preparations to defend against a possible invasion (Adkins, 9). Such preparations included the fortification of existing structures along the South-East and East coasts, as well as the construction of a new development: The Martello towers (Adkins, 9). “In 1805, a programme of building was begun that in three years would result in 73 towers” (Adkins, 9). On top of this, Britain began digging a canal surrounding London that “could be used as a defensive ditch” in the event of a sudden French invasion (Adkins, 11). Even before the British had decided to confront their enemies at Trafalgar, Nelson exhibited remarkable planning and approach to the battle. Long before the battle, a blockade was set up on Nelson’s orders to trap numerous enemy ships at bay in the Spanish ports at Cadiz (Adkins, 13). This ploy proved both cunning and tactful, disallowing the trapped ships at bay from reinforcing Admiral Villeneuve at sea (Adkins, 17). Just before the battle, Nelson ordered his men to act on their own initiative so as not to delay action by waiting on his orders amidst the battle (Adkins, 101). This order would give the British a distinct advantage, as “the reliance on orders…proved a recurring weakness in the French and Spanish navies” who had to wait for instruction (Adkins, 126). These signals were often improperly interpreted or not received at all (Adkins, 126). In the midst of battle, Dumanoir, whose fleet was sailing away from the zones of combat, issued an order to suddenly turn back around (Adkins, 162). This order created mass confusion which resulted in the collision of several ships within the fleet (Adkins, 162). As a consequence of relentless

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General Pakenham was also guilty of this. In one particular fight, Pakenham led his soldiers to their deaths because he refused to wait to attack. Remini says, “Arrogant and overconfident, he undoubtedly assumed that he was facing an inferior force of undisciplined frontiersmen who would run as soon as charging infantrymen with fixed bayonets came barreling at them” (140). If this was the attitude of the leader of the British soldiers, there is no question that the other soldiers must have thought the same. In reality, though, the Americans were “expert marksmen” and “disciplined soldiers” who would defend the city with all their might (71).

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99 Words | 1 Pages

They were told to fire three times at approaching British. The final and last line was the main force. By the time the British had reached the third line, they were tired and very worn out.

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581 Words | 3 Pages

Later, the United States had problems with Indians, who Britain helped, supplying them with weapons and ammo, once again, making the tension rise. Taking a daring chance, the US declared they would stop the shipments and trade with the warring nation, if France or Britain (depending on who stopped first) stopped capturing their ships. Napoleon declared that France would respect the US’

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1326 Words | 6 Pages

The received order was to fortify the Charleston peninsula and repel the British advance to Boston. The chain of command was anything but unified, leaving state commanders in opposition of one another the majority of the time. COL Prescott, coming to this realization as the British were landing on the peninsula, ordered Captain Girdley and his battery to maneuver in opposition while Captain Knowlton and the men of Connecticut provided support (Pavao, 2014). Furthermore, he ordered Colonel Robinson and Major Wood to secure flank positions. COL Prescott envisioned the fight on the terrain alongside his desired end state and conveyed that to the allied commanders.

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1437 Words | 6 Pages

From reading his book, I better understood the strategies, advantages and disadvantages of both sides, and the result of the attack. For example, one aspect of the British strategy that I learned which benefited the British was that before the British stormed the capital they managed to keep the Americans guessing as to where they would attack. They would take paths that were ambiguous in their destinations. This caused confusion with American leaders, such as William Winder. Another advantage the British had was the American’s failure to confront the British after their arrival at Patuxent.

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1779 Words | 8 Pages

Even though the American soldiers were outnumbered by the British, the lack of communication between Burgoyne and Howe led them to be easily defeated. It would have been more strategic if the two supported each other with their armies. They would have efficiently conquered the Americans and the French would not have become an

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927 Words | 4 Pages

And the French Navy was in the harbor, effectively cutting off any alley of escape or chance of reinforcements. The British army was defeated. With no hope of escape, Cornwallis surrendered to Gen. Washington. Thomas Jefferson called it "The turn of the tide of success. "

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287 Words | 2 Pages

The Battle of Saratoga proved to be the turning point of the Revolutionary War and convinced the French to support the Americans. The new British commander, Sir Henry Clinton retreated from Philadelphia to New York. George Washington decided to attack Clinton’s force as the British army moved through New Jersey. Marquis de Lafayette was initially chosen to lead the attack, but an objection by Major General Charles Lee allowed him to take command. After learning that British reinforcements were getting close, Lee ordered his soldiers to retreat.

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674 Words | 3 Pages

2). This led it to being possible for all French forces to unite with American Forces, thus giving them enough manpower to defeat the British. Washington, taking command of the now allied forces, pretended to attack New York. They were able to deceive Henry Clinton, a British officer, who then warned Cornwallis, sending troops to New York. By then, it was too late, giving Washington's allied troops the ability to surround the British troops at Yorktown, forcing them to surrender once and for all (Battle of Yorktown, para.3).

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1155 Words | 5 Pages

The commander of the British was Admiral Alexander Cochrane and his General Edward Pakenham. The British had members of the Royal Marines and Royal Navy numbering in the 10,000 range of personnel. The British were the more polished and seasoned combat troops in this engagement. The Battle was fought between January 8th and January 18th south of New Orleans, 2 weeks after a treaty for peace had been signed in Ghent Belgium.

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1128 Words | 5 Pages

Despite their loss, the inexperienced colonial forces inflicted considerable casualties against the invading British, and the battle provided them with an important confidence boost. Colonel Prescott’s leadership throughout the battle is an excellent example of good mission command. Upon receipt of mission from higher and given limited resources, Colonel Prescott effectively issued orders to his soldiers, which ultimately led to

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1313 Words | 6 Pages

Seeing these men coming, the Americans retreated to their defenses. The British controlled the ground for the time being, and the battle would pause for several days as Burgoyne waited for news from General Clinton. He received word that Clinton was heading up the Valley, but the troops weren’t come. Howe had ordered the force to reinforce him at Philadelphia. General Burgoyne decided to continue with his attack.

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1432 Words | 6 Pages

With the use of HUMIT, General Jackson prepared for the battle, but if not for the insight from Jean Lafitte, the battle would have gone differently. The battle, the city, the people and the United States would have seen devastating results. The Treaty of Ghent was signed in Germany; however, forces were unaware, continuing with mission. If U.S. Forces had not known, the British’s plan to conquer New Orleans the British would have triumphed.

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210 Words | 1 Pages

The British had been preparing for a long time and were prepared for anything that came. So they sent a small group in straight ahead. Then, the rest of the army flanked from the back side and caught the United States majorly off guard (“The Battle Of

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979 Words | 4 Pages

Overall, Napoleon’s success was im-pressive in both political and military terms (Daddis, et al., 2005 p. 156). This essay will first explain definitions used in the essay. Subsequently, the factors attributed to Napoleon’s victory at Austerlitz will be examined by looking at some ex-amples and providing evidence.

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