André Masséna
French Marshal / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
André Masséna, Prince of Essling, Duke of Rivoli (French pronunciation: [ɑ̃dʁe massena]; born Andrea Massena; 6 May 1758 – 4 April 1817), was a French military commander during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars.[2] He was one of the original 18 Marshals of the Empire created by Napoleon I. He was nicknamed l'Enfant chéri de la Victoire (the Dear Child of Victory).[3] He is considered to be one of the greatest generals of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.[4][5]
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (March 2023) |
André Masséna | |
---|---|
Nickname(s) | l'Enfant chéri de la Victoire |
Born | (1758-05-06)6 May 1758 Nice, Kingdom of Sardinia |
Died | 4 April 1817(1817-04-04) (aged 58) Paris, France |
Buried | Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris, France |
Allegiance | Kingdom of France Kingdom of the French First French Republic First French Empire |
Service/ | Army |
Rank | Marshal of the Empire |
Battles/wars | See battles |
Awards | Grand Eagle of the Legion of Honour Grand Dignitary of Order of the Iron Crown Knight of the Order of Saint Hubert Grand Cordon of the House Order of Fidelity Commander of the Order of Saint Louis[1] |
Signature | |
Masséna distinguished himself during the War of the First Coalition, being a vital commander in many of the significant French victories and was at the helm of the French advance into Austrian territory, compelling them to open peace negotiations.[4]
Although many of Napoleon's generals were trained at the finest French and European military academies, Masséna was among those who achieved greatness without the benefit of formal education. While those of noble rank acquired their education and promotions as a matter of privilege, Masséna rose from humble origins to such prominence that Napoleon referred to him as "the greatest name of my military empire".[2]
In addition to his battlefield successes, Masséna's leadership aided the careers of many. A majority of the French marshals of the time served under his command at some point.[6]
He was given the title Prince of Essling in 1809. Masséna however would go on to have a terrible performance during the Peninsular War in defeat, hampering the French war efforts in Iberia. After suffering crushing defeats at the battles of Sabugal and Fuentes de Oñoro, Napoleon sacked and replaced Masséna with Marshal Auguste de Marmont, and Masséna did not serve the French military again, instead becoming the local commander at Marseille, ending his military career in disgrace and obscurity.