alliances (NW)

• Which battle did the Russians arrive late because they were using different calendar to their Austrian allies?

  Ulm
• The example of the Russians arriving late to Ulm because they were using a different calendar to their Austrian allies shows what about the importance of alliances?


  In this case it determined the outcome of the Battle. Had the Russians been just a few weeks earlier, he might have had to confront a combined Austrian-Russian army at Ulm, and the outcome of the battle, and the war, might have been entirely different
• How was Napoleon, as a strong general, more important than alliances?


  He used cleverly used alliances, showing off his political skill, to undermine the enemy. During the Third and Fourth Coalitions (1803-7) Napoleon used military or diplomatic pressure to bring Austria, Prussia and Russia under his direct influence. Each in turn temporarily became his ally, thereby weakening the potency of any coalitions. Remained a master of Europe because the coalition were unable to overcome their mutual suspicions and jealousy so they were easily tempted away from their coalitions by offers of territory
• Why was the 7th coalition successful?

  Allies gained confidence that they could defeat Napoleon after his recent defeat during the Russia Campaign of 1812. Russia, Prussia and Austria used numerical advantage to win the Battle of Nations (Leipzig 1813). It was this victory that led to the Treaty of Chaumont where for the first time the powers agreed they would not make separate peace agreements with France and would fight until Napoleon was defeated. Greater co-operation and military planning led to Prussia and Britain ultimately defeating Napoleon at Waterloo.
• Overall how important were alliances in determining the outcome of the wars?

  Earlier coalitions weren’t formal agreements which meant that Napoleon was able to undermine them, they were often poorly coordinated (eg Third coalition- wrong calendars for Ulm) and there was a lack of trust between them (Russia refused to send troops as Britain didn’t offer a cash incentive). The nature of the early coalitions arguably had some impact on the outcome of FRW and NWs as their failure made it easier for Napoleon to win. Later when alliances became more effective they were able to defeat Napoleon