MARSHAL LOUIS N. DAVOUT AND THE ART OF COMMAND A ...

esolution. It is that attribute which really binds all of the others together and makes the art of command truly the art of genius and inspiration. Without this attribute the others would be wasted and never truly emerge as a part of ones personality. The drive behind Davout's success is not easily determined nor readily apparent. However, this factor is clearly obvious in many of the other marshals. Bernadotte was motivated by his own rather large ego and did everything to make that ego even bigger. Marshal Ney on the other hand was inspired by his own innate desire for glory. Others such as Massena and Augereau were stimulated by their avariciousness. Marshal Jourdan was a true patriot, motivated solely by his dedication to the French empire. Then there is Berthier that seemed to be inspired to greatness simply because of his loyalty and devotion to Napoleon. Do any of these factors apply to Louis Nicholas Davout? If not, what was Davout's motivation and this last and final attribute of the art of command. Initially Davout was inspired by the French revolution. However, this inspiration quickly waned as he was imprisoned twice by revolutionary authorities. Some believe that part of Davout's drive was his strong ambition. He was happy with his titles and may have even aspired to the crown of Poland in 1808.' However, these