The Empire of the French folows the events of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars and the impact they had on Europe and its status quo.  Closely following the events of the revolution in France, the Revolutionary Wars ensured the unity of the fledgling French government, despite its own internal difficulties.  Beset by enemies on all frontiers, the French resorted to calling the entire nation to arms, the great mass of soldiers with their revolutionary fervour overcoming the highly trained armies of their continental enemies.  The revolution bred a new type of general in the French armies, men who had risen from the ranks and broke from the mould of 17th Century conflict, to tackle the enemy army head on, determined to reach a firm decision in battle.  The rise of, and career of Napoleon Bonaparte, set the standard for the next twenty years, the French marching invincibly across central Europe.

 However, first Spain and then Russia, broke the French spell, and the efforts of the Allies to copy and adopt the French military system brought the wars to their ultimate conclusion, as weight of numbers and sheer determination overcame the fatigued skills of the French nation and its generals.

 Written in a clear chronological style, The Empire of the French, conveys the main areas of activity throughout these extensive conflicts.  It includes details of the armies involved, their strengths during key battles and orders of battle on the eve of major campaigns.  Studying each of the combatants and the coalitions which formed and fell during this pivotal period, the reader is given a unique insight into the breadth of these wars.

 What's inside The Empire of the French:

 I          An Introduction to the French Revolution

II         The Revolutionary Wars

III        The Rising Star of France

IV        The War of the Second Coalition and the Rise of Bonaparte

V         The Wars of the Third and Fourth Coalitions

VI        Warfare from Iberia to Austria

VII       The Spanish Ulcer

VIII      The Invasion of Russia

IX        The War of Liberation

X         The Defeat of France

XI        The Hundred Days