Napoleonic WarfareNapoleonic Warfare

Principles of War

First – a note about military symbology

Infantry (foot soldiers with muskets)

Cavalry (horsemen with swords)

Artillery (cannons)

or

Principles of War

Mass Economy of Force Maneuver Intelligence Security Surprise Unity of Command

Mass

Mass – concentrate power at the decisive place and time (maximize your firepower)

This is going to

hurt

Economy of Force

Use minimum energy/ forces in non-critical areas.

Main effort(mass)

Secondary effort(economy of force)

Maneuver Moving to put your enemy at a disadvantage

Intelligence Gain information about the enemy

– Use cavalry and skirmishers

Locates a hole and reports back

Finds enemy and reports back

Finds enemy

Security Keep the enemy from gaining information about you

Your Army

Keep enemy cavalry away

Surprise Hit the enemy when and where it is least expected

Unity of Command

One person in charge. Not “rule by

committee” Not democratic Alliances are hard to

control

How they fight

Usually in lines: Mass many men together

or

In Squares: To protect against cavalry charges

Now, Plan Your Own Battle- when units fight – who wins?

Cavalry Infantry Infantry Square

Artillery

Cavalry Even (heavy beats light)

Infantry destroyed

Cavalry retreats (Heavy Losses)

Artillery lost (cavalry suffers some losses)

Infantry Cant happen

Even fight

Square destroyed

Artillery lost (infantry damaged)

Artillery Weakens Cavalry

Weakens Infantry

Square Destroyed

Even(Heavier guns win)

Att

acke

rs

Our Napoleonic Battle Our Napoleonic Battle PlanPlan

You Decide!

Artillery Range

Musket Range

FL2FL1

FG1 FG2 FG3 FG4

F4F3

FA6FA7

FA5FA4FA3FA3FA1FH1 FH2

EastWoods

WESTWOODS

Walled Farm6’ tall walls

Wheatfield3’ tall wheat

Cornfield6’ tall corn

Road

Ford

Ford

Wheatfield3’ tall wheat

village

BL2D4

BG2

BG1BL1BH1

B3D3

BA3

BA4

B2

BA2

D2B1

BA1DA2

D1