Post-Waterloo Generals: Their Revolutions and Careers

The defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 marked the end of an era, but the fates of his generals were as varied as the battles they had fought. Some found success in politics and military roles, while others faced trials and punishment. This article explores the journeys of these French military leaders, shedding light on their careers during the tumultuous period following Napoleon's defeat.

Key Events and Political Shifts

Napoleon's generals were not just military figures; they represented the French military elite. Despite their controversial past, the need for experienced military leaders often prevented them from being completely sidelined. With the upheavals of the Bourbon Restoration, July Revolution, and the February Revolution, these commanders saw their fates shift dramatically. During each significant political change, commanders who had been previously punished were often restored to their former positions or even elevated to higher honors.

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Marshal Soult: Initially exiled after Waterloo, Soult was recalled in 1820 and made a Marshal, later a peer. He continued his service and eventually became Minister of War and Prime Minister. Marshal Ney: Convicted of treason and executed, Ney's life story remains a tragic tale. He was later posthumously exonerated and restored to his rank and title. Marshal Grouchy: Exiled to America, Grouchy eventually returned to France, made a Marshal and peer, and was continually involved in either military or political roles. Marshal Mortier: Continued his military service, re-entered the peerage, and became an ambassador, Minister of War, and Prime Minister.

Army of the North: Corps Commanders

I Corps d’Erlon: Exiled until amnesty, he resumed his service, became a general and peer, and served in Nantes and as governor of Algeria. II Corps Reille: Exiled, then given amnesty in 1819, Reille became a general and later a Marshal. III Corps Vandamme: Exiled to America, granted amnesty and returned as a general, serving on the General Staff. IV Corps Gerard: Retired briefly, then returned to France, became a general and later a Marshal, and served in parliament and as Minister of War. VII Corps Lobau: Exiled, amnesty was granted, he served in parliament and became a Marshal and peer. Imperial Guard Drouot: Dismissed but acquitted of treason, he remained in France and advocated for veterans until Napoleons death. I Cavalry Reserve Corps Pajol: Exiled, he returned to service, joined the 1830 revolution, and became a general and a peer. II Cavalry Reserve Corps Exelmans: Exiled, amnesty granted, he returned to service, supported the 1848 Revolution, and became a Marshal. III Cavalry Reserve Corps Kellerman: Exiled, only given amnesty later, he became a peer. IV Cavalry Reserve Corps Milhaud: Exiled until the 1830 Revolution, he never returned to military service but joined the political arena.

Other Notables

General Haxo: Dismissed but reinstated, he became a famous engineer and invented the casemate gun emplacement, considered one of the best in Europe. General Desnouettes: Condemned to death, he fled to America where he established a grape and olive colony, later granted amnesty but died in a shipwreck returning to France. General Lallemand: Condemned to death, he fled to America and eventually granted amnesty in 1830, returning to France to serve as governor of Corsica.

The careers of Napoleon’s generals thus provide a fascinating window into the political and social dynamics of post-Napoleonic France. Their journeys are a testament to the resilience of the French military elite and the complex political landscape following the fall of one of history's most charismatic leaders.