The Fates of Napoleon's Generals After His Exile to Elba and St. Helena
The final years of Napoleon Bonaparte's reign marked a tumultuous period in French and European history, with profound consequences for the generals who served him. Many of these high-ranking officers suffered the same fate as Napoleon himself, being exiled or facing severe consequences. However, their individual experiences varied widely, as evidenced by the following examples:
Diverse Outcomes of Napoleon's Generals
Following Napoleon's defeats and subsequent exiles to Elba and St. Helena, the fates of his generals varied significantly. Some chose to accompany him into exile, while others retired within France, leading quiet lives until their deaths.
Baron Gourgaud: From Exile to Glory
One notable example is Baron Gourgaud, who elected to accompany Napoleon on his journey to Elba. After their subsequent exile to England, Gourgaud realized his situation in France had changed, becoming an outcast. He then chose to exile himself in England, dedicating his time to writing memoirs related to Napoleon. In 1830, following the French Revolution, Gourgaud managed to integrate back into the French military and even secured a peerage.
Davout: Recovery and Recognition
General Davout, like Gourgaud, faced significant penalties after Napoleon’s fall from power. He lost his titles and salary and was exiled. Fortunately, through the intervention of fellow general MacDonald and Oudinot, Davout was eventually able to regain his titles, secure a peerage, and assume the mayoral position of Savigny-sur-Orge.
Ney: A Precarious Situation
Ney, another prominent general, faced a treacherous fate. He was convicted of treason and executed, marking a tragic end to his military career and a symbol of Napoleon’s ultimate downfall.
MacDonald: A Fortunate Outcome
General MacDonald managed to fare well under the Bourbon regime, achieving significant accolades. He was appointed the Chancellor of the Legion d'Honneur, a prestigious honor in the French military.
Soult: Traversing Exile and Return
General Soult, much like Oudinot, faced the prospect of exile but was eventually recalled to France, where he assumed the role of the Minister of War. During the 1848 Revolution, Soult aligned himself with the Republican side, showcasing his resilience and adaptability.
Murat: A Failed Bid for Power
Giuseppe, Marchese di Murat, chose to desert Napoleon in pursuit of recovering his throne as King of Naples. Murat's aspirations ended in failure as he was captured and executed by the Neapolitans.
Oudinot: A Long and Uninterrupted Career
General Oudinot exhibited remarkable resilience and consistency in his military career, continuing to serve his country without interruption despite a long history of war wounds. His dedication culminated in a peaceful death in his old age, a feat that cannot be understated under the circumstances.
Mortier: From Disgrace to Prime Minister
General Mortier initially faced a brief period of disgrace but managed to rebound in his career, securing a peerage and ultimately serving as Prime Minister before being killed in an assassination attempt on the king.
Bernadotte: A New Nation
Marshal Bernadotte, a key general during Napoleon's campaigns, achieved a remarkable transformation. He went on to become the King of Sweden, founding the current Bernadotte dynasty.
The varied outcomes of Napoleon's generals after his exile to Elba and St. Helena serve as a testament to the differing fortunes and resilience of those who once served under the emperor. These stories reflect the complexities and challenges faced by the individuals involved, as well as the evolving political landscape of post-Napoleonic Europe.