Napolean faults

Napoleon is considered to be a "Great Captain". A military genius.

However much of his success has to do with the the societal revolutions that occurred in France and allowed the massive conscription armies fired by nationalism more than his military genius. These societal revolutions also allowed open commissisons and upward mobility for soldiers that was merit based instead of based on birth.

Napoleon did not fare as well once the countries he faced experienced the same revolutions and were able to field similar armies. He created local resentment in the conquered territories creating the conditions for future revolt and warfare. This local resentment also forced him to maintain large garrisons further whittling down his combat power.

Of Napoleon's faults, the greatest was strategic greed. This fault forced him to abandon his army in Egypt to die. Later he again abandoned his army in Russia. In both cases, he overreached strategically. Strategic greed seemed to be his great weakness, unlike Fredrick the Great he was unable to limit his ambitions.

He did have many strengths. He allowed his subordinate commanders initiative. He gave them his intent (destroy the enemy) and allowed them to maneuver and take action of their own accord. By allowing his subordinate Corps commanders this initiative he was able to maneuver them on multiple axes, forcing his opponent to give battle, then the Corps could converge on the 'sound of the guns'.

As a final thought, many 'Great Captains' were both head of state and supreme military commander. Napoleon and Fredrick the Great are two examples. The advantage of having the strategic ends (dictated by the head of state) and the military ways decided by the same individual makes a huge difference in vision, unity of command, and effort. This close integration of policy and war might be a prerequisite to achieve the success that accompanies the title 'Great Captain.'