This dissertation aims at providing a fresh evaluation of the military career of Nicolas Charles Oudinot, using extensive archival sources, as well as previously overlooked family papers. A new study is justified because his two previous biographies, both published in the middle of the nineteenth century, are apologetic and often inaccurate. / Oudinot, in many ways was a product of the French Revolution. The son of a brewer, he began his military career during the Revolution in the National Guard, ultimately rising to the rank of marshal of France. His success was made possible by the Revolution's principle of promotion by talent rather than birth. / Though one of the lesser-known marshals, Oudinot played an important role in the military success of France during the Revolution and Empire. As the chief of staff to Massena in 1799 he helped plan the attack on Zurich. Commanding the Grenadier Division between 1804-1808 he fought at Wertingen, Amstetten, Hollabrunn, and Austerlitz. In 1807 Oudinot's Grenadiers defended their position outside Friedland for hours until Napoleon arrived with reinforcements to win the battle. In 1809 he fought at Aspern-Essling and, after the death of Marshal Lannes, assumed command of the Second Corps, acquitting himself with honor at the Battle of Wagram. In 1812 Oudinot was instrumental in saving the army at the crossing of the Beresina. Oudinot continued to lead his troops during the campaigns of 1813 and 1814, fighting at Bautzen, Luckau, Grosbeeren, Dennewitz, and La Rothiere. At both Leipzig and Bar-sur-Aube, Oudinot served as the rear guard of the army, protecting its retreat. / Oudinot was an important figure during the Napoleonic period. His career and reputation is in need of reassessment by historians. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 51-05, Section: A, page: 1735. / Major Professor: Donald D. Horward. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1990.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_78255 |
| Contributors | Eidahl, Kyle Orlan., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 432 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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