Units of History - Rise of Napoleon's Old Guard (1789-1803) (Part 1) DOCUMENTARY

Summary by Krater

This documentary video details the history of Napoleon's Old Guard, focusing on the French Guard, Bodyguard, and Swiss Guard, and their evolution into the Grenadiers and Chasseurs of the Imperial Guard during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

From the video

Answers: What was the history and structure of Napoleon's Old Guard?

• Napoleon's Old Guard
• French Revolutionary Wars
• Napoleonic Wars
• French guard formations
• Napoleon's Imperial Guard
• Brumaire Coup
• Battle of Marengo

What it concludes

• The French Guard, Body Guard, and Swiss Guard were elite units protecting the French monarchy until the French Revolution led to their disbandment or destruction.
• The Directory formed the Guards of the Legislative Body and the Guard of the Directory to protect state officials during the revolution.
• Napoleon's elite guard formations were heavily involved in the 18 de Brumaire coup, securing his rise to power.
• The Year IX Charleville Musket was a 0.69 caliber smoothbore flintlock musket prized for its accuracy due to an angled stock cut.
• At the Battle of Marengo, the Consular Guard successfully held off Austrian attacks, providing time for French reinforcements to win the battle.