War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide

The 1790 Siege of Izmail is profiled as Tolstoy builds this experience into War &Peace characters who advanced to leadership roles, most notably General Kutuzov.The Siege was led by General Alexander Suvorov against an Ottoman stronghold near the mouth of the Danube and along the northwest coast of the Black Sea. The Russian and Ottoman empires spent centuries fighting for influence in this area.  The loss of Izmail was a factor in the Ottomans leaving the North Black Sea region.  While the Turks withdrew, the Muslim population who remained evidence their legacy. Kutuzov played a pivotal role in the Siege and was almost killed. He both trained and led a contingent of men across a formidable moat to approach the fortress.  Once the walls were actually reached, improvised ladders were utilized by Cossack reserves. Kutuzov himself fell back on multiple occasions and persevered as bodies fell around him. Notably, Kutuzov did not captain from the back -- but was in the thick-of-it as much as anybody. His gener

The infantry regiments caught unaware scattered in the woods amidst the French assault. Soldiers shouted, “Cut off!” - a most dangerous sentiment.  “Surrounded?! We’re lost!” was the collective reply.The General realized something that he, an officer of 22 years, would be held responsible. He forgot his standoff with the cavalry colonel.   Tolstoy notes, “The moment of moral conviction, which decides the fate of battles had arrived.  Would his soldiers attend to the desperate voice of their commander or continue their flight?” Despite his shouts, the soldiers continued to run about in a panic.Nevertheless, there was a sea-change! The French disappeared as a special unit emerged from the woods -- Timokhin’s company, filled with sharpshooters.Timokhin was previously singled out by Kutuzov for his participation in the Siege of Izmail in 1790.   He recalled Timokhin had a penchant for drinking but was a good man.  Tushin and Timokhin are fictional, but symbolic to how the Battle of Shöngrabern was a success.  Tim

Tushin’s battery managed to set fire to Schöngrabern, which delayed the advance of the French, who were occupied putting out fires.  The left flank —which consisted of the Azóv and Podólsk regiments as well as the Pávlograd hussars, tried to attack but were stymied by superior forces under Gen. Lannes. Bagration sent Zherkóv to the general commanding the left flank with orders to retreat.  Zherkóv, who Andrei once chastised for unprofessionalism, made the decision to deviate from duty but give himself the best chance to live.  He began to “look” for the general in places he would not be.   The commanders who should have received the message to retreat led the units that Nicholas Rostov (Hussars) and Dolokhov (Semënov) were a part of.  There was confusion and posturing between the leaders, a colonel and general. With lofty words, they were arguing that that the other should proceed. Neither was ready for action.  Their men had just been engaged in peaceful pursuits. Nonetheless, cannon and musketry thundered

The Battle of Schöngrabern intensifies upon Murat’s breaking of the truce and resultant barrage of cannon fire. General Bagratión and his contingent reached the highest point of the right flank then rode down to where musketry was heard. On account of smoke, they could barely see. They quickly encountered wounded. One man was dragged by two soldiers after a bullet pierced his throat. He was gurgling and spitting blood. Another walked aimlessly, groaning while swinging a limp arm. Blood streamed over his coat as if it poured from a bottle. His face showed fear rather than suffering.  Some soldiers were ascending the hill Bagration was descending. Despite the general’s presence, most were too disorganized to be deferential.  Rows of friendly soldiers became visible through the smoke. One officer catching sight of Bagration shouted at a crowd of retreating soldiers to STOP retreating. Shots drowned out the sound of voices. The air reeked of smoke. Some men were using their ramrods while others fired. The atmosph

Andrei examined the position of the French, focusing on a puff of smoke from the cannon that fired. Two mounted Frenchmen galloped up the hill while a small column headed down to strengthen their front line. Another puff appeared and it was clear - the Battle of Schöngrabern had begun!A messenger just arrived with Bonaparte’s stern letter and Murat, humiliated, moved his forces to attack the center and outflank both Russian wings, hoping for a quick victory before Napoleon's arrival. Andrei was reflecting on how his chance arrived to save the army! Tolstoy is asking us to consider if one man can accomplish this. Also worth considering: Was Napoleon more able to get men to this mindset? Or, are men led to victory by a more passive leader, like Kutuzov’s depiction? Tolstoy argues victors will also need Providence or chance. Who prevails is often impossible to know -- yet how we search for causes! Not long before, the men had been enjoying a welcome respite - eating porridge and drinking vodka. Now, impendin

This episode initially exams the lead-up to the Battle of Schöngraben.  Murat and Lannes had led the capture of Vienna. However, Vienna was a symbolic prize as it was taken at the cost of pursuing Kutuzov and crushing his army.  Murat moved on towards the Austrian town of Hollabrunn to cut the Russian line of retreat and prevent them from reaching Znaim (Znojmo - a Czech city). Kutuzov was ultimately headed toward Olmutz (Olomouc – another Czech city). If Kutuzov could remain on the front-foot, he would link up with his Austrian allies. Upon leaving Krems, Napoleon and Kutuzov were fighting with their “feet.”Kutuzov assigned Gen. Bagration to lead a rear guard of about 5-7K, meant to hold off the French. Murat (with about 10K) initiated a second gambit. He proposed a short truce as he was not sure of the size of Bagration’s forces and if it was combined with Kutuzov’s. Murat sought reinforcements of his own. His strategy was to hold all soldiers in place under the notion peace negotiations might head-off the

This episode is final installment with Prof. Mikaberidze. He discusses the nature of the Holy Roman Empire (HRE) and how the Napoleonic Wars, at least politically, marked Medieval Times giving way to Modern Age in Central Europe.  Before 1805, was no Germany but the HRE, a commonwealth of over 300 subdivisions of mostly German-speaking states. This included kingdoms, free states, duchies, and bishoprics.  The Emperor was elected by nine rulers of the more influential states. From the 16th Century onward, each Emperor came from the Habsburg family, which resulted in Habsburgs running Austria and overseeing the Empire.  Austria, Bavaria, Saxony, Baden, Württemberg and Hanover where among the more influential states.    The relationships of the panoply of states was impacted by competition and alliances in accord with tastes of the times.  Each state was generally self-sufficient. If the Emperor requested, troops could be sent for a common cause for a delineated term.  Importantly, there was not a Germanic army

Kutuzov is presented with a choice while the French advance toward Krems: (1) abandon the main road or (2) continue toward Ölmutz. Each is fraught with peril and he chooses the latter. It was in this direction he had sent Gen. Bagration, who Andrei (off-book) convinced Kutuzov to allow to join. In the previous chapter, Kutuzov steadfastly refused the request, under the belief Bagration would be decimated.  The idea was to march rapidly and fortify a position, engage the French, once again allowing the main force to retreat.   This involved a 30 mile march where Kutuzov willed his men to reach the town of Hollabrünn before the French. The maneuver also allowed supply lines to be secured. One may ask: What is the purpose in depicting what seems like military minutia? While War & Peace is known for it’s victorious ending, showcasing the War of 1812, much of the body of the work, explores the ideals the French introduced through the Napoleonic Wars, which led to changes in Russian Society during Tolstoy’s lif

For those picking up War & Peace, deciphering the context of this era is a challenge. This episode is a great resource regarding the initial stages of the War of the Third Coalition in 1805.  France prevailed over the 1st Coalition in 1797 and 2nd Coalition in 1801. Afterward, France controlled much of Western Europe, including (from today’s perspective): Belgium, much of Southern Germany, Switzerland, and various parts of Italy. Spain was also a junior partner of France. Napoleon was having success pushing for a reorganization of the German states, which included the Imperial Recess of 1803. This movement threatened the centuries-old interests of Austria, Prussia, and Russia.  The War of the Third Coalition began in the Summer of 1805. The Coalition had manpower of over a half a million, but they were spread out and not organized. For example, the Coalition had a presence in the Netherlands, Hanover (Northern Germany), Southern Italy, and Prussia. The Coalition was eager to invade Bavaria, a French ally.

This episode is part I of III of my interview with LSU History Professor Alexander Mikaberidze, an expert on the Napoleonic Wars. I'm breaking our interview up into roughly 20 minute segments.We focus on General Mikhail Kutuzov, who is introduced, in-depth, to War & Peace readers in Book 1 Part 2. Chapter 13 has Prince Andrei taking in the scars Kutuzov suffered from being shot by musket balls in Crimea.Professor Mikaberidze notes Kutuzov, as a young man, was serving in the Danubian principalities, primarily Romania, and merited the reputation of a brave and capable officer who often led "from the front."Kutuzov was also known (as a young soldier) to be an unending source of jokes and parodies – the type of person helpful to making military life tolerable. However, during a night of drinking he made fun of a Commander in Chief who did not see any fun in Kutuzov's jest. The incident got Kutuzov transferred from the First Army in Romania to the Second Army in the Crimean peninsula, which was

Andrei embarks on his mission to “save the army,” by getting back to Kutuzov. He secures a Cossack horse and attendant and travels from Brünn to Krems. He finds himself among thousands of soldiers, who are weary. The roads were jammed with carts, horses and carriages. Soldiers found themselves deprived of food, supplies and weapons promised by the Austrians. This led to a situation where soldiers would ravage the countryside and return from local villages with plunder.The road remained a mess much of the way, with commanders yelling, whips cracking and soldiers in poor spirits. The side of the road was littered with dead horses, broken wagons and the sick or injured. Andrei had occasion to reflect on Napoleon’s words: “That Russian army which English gold has brought from the ends of the Universe; we shall cause it to share the same fate as the army at Ulm.” However, Andrei senses the next battle could be his Siege of Toulan, the conflict (1793) where Napoleon made a name for himself.  Amidst the chaos, Andre

Les Nôtres (Bilibin's clique of diplomats) were happy to open their group to Andrei and they all chatted in Bilibin’s study. However, Andrei quickly took his leave for the royal reception. Emperor Francis met various officials en masse but later Andrei received a more private audience. Francis asked Andrei banal questions such as: How long was it since Andrei left the field? How was Kutuzov? and..At what time was General Schmiddt killed? Francis spoke as if it was his aim to ask questions...with the answers meaning very little.Francis II presented Andrei with an award – Admission to the Maria Theresa Order of the 3rd Class.  Andrei was soon surrounded by elites and received the attention he previously yearned for. He was now conflicted, coming to resent the splendor while men like Napoleon and Murat were in the field making a difference. As Andrei walked back to Bilibin’s quarters after the ceremony, the dynamic changed when he observed his friend's coachman furiously packing.  Bilibin relayed that Na

Prince Andrei wakes up for a big day – for he has an invitation to a royal reception before Francis II, the Holy Roman Emperor. Francis will be the final person holding this title, after a near-1000 year run governing Central Europe. Vienna was often the seat of government but so were areas in the modern-day Check Republic, such as Brünn. German was the common tongue and the center of power was basically wherever the Emperor decided to be.Andrei is dressed in ceremonial uniform and enters Bilibin’s study, where Bilibin is holding court with fellow Russian diplomats, including Hippolyte Kuragin. This clique calls themselves Les Nôtres (“Our People”) and are more interested in vain pursuits than public service. This is Tolstoy’s subtle comment on the merits of said profession. Tolstoy had notable diplomats as well as military figures in his aristocratic family.Hippolyte quickly became the object of ridicule for his inability to convey a competent thought as well as his lack of acumen with women. It is clear he

The focus shifts to Prince Andrei. He was said to be serving with the late Gen. Schmidtt, who was killed at Dürenstein. Andrei is sent to convey a battlefield report to the Austrian court, which has moved from Vienna to Brünn (now in the Czech Republic – ‘Brno’). Traveling by carriage, Andrei is stirred with the exhilaration that comes from facing fire. In the fray, Andrei’s hand was grazed by a bullet and his horse was shot.  He replayed the details of the battle and reflected on his own courage. When asleep, he dreamed of being killed and Russia defeated. When Andrei encountered a convoy of wounded comrades, he eagerly asked for updated information and distributed gold pieces. He reached Brünn at night, taking in the aesthetics of ancient city. The lofty buildings and quant shops were far from the realities of military camp life. He envisioned being graciously welcomed by the Austrian court but the reality was that he was made to wait by a stream of bureaucrats and finally got an audience with the Minister

This episode elaborates on Tolstoy’s depiction of the historic retreat of Kutuzov eastward (following the Danube) towards Vienna. Kutuzov’s army amounted to 35K and were often buttressed by similarly retreating Austrian allies. The first part of Chapter 9 references this march along with three battles where the French vanguard caught up with Kutuzov’s rear-guard.The previous chapters mention Napoleon’s mastery at Ulm, where around 25K Austrians surrendered after a brilliant encircling maneuver.    Austrians who escaped, as well as other allied forces, were also retreating toward Vienna. There was a notion manpower should concentrate on defending the Austrian capital.Kutuzov’s army is being pursued by a significant detachment of the Grand Armée as Napolean wished to pin Kutuzov's army down -- allowing Napolean to concentrate additional forces on taking Vienna. Spoiler alert: it worked! Kutuzov finds himself among an increasingly hostile civilian population. Many were more prone to welcome the French rather

There was a rush across the bridge from the oncoming French.   Only Denisov’s squadron of Hussars and some Cossacks were on the side facing the enemy. The French became visible, emerging from a tree line on the heights, putting their artillery into position.  The Hussars remained poised amidst their bugle calls.  Between Denisov’s men and the enemy was about 700 yards of vacant space. It was a no-man’s land that Tolstoy gave transcendent significance.  He wrote:“One step beyond that line, which is like the bourne dividing the living from the dead… [W]hat is there?, who is there?, there beyond that field, beyond that tree…. No one knows, but who does not long to know. You fear to cross that line, yet you long to cross it; and you know that sooner or later it will have to be crossed….”Soon, the French fired cannons that overshot the Hussars. The Hussars were affected, which each face showing an expression of “conflict, excitement and agitation.”  Rostov sat on his horse, confident and ready to showcase his brav

Chapter 6: General Kutuzov is obligated to have his forces fall back towards Vienna and destroy bridges that cross the River Enn, particularly at Braunnau and Traun (near Linz). On a warm but showery Autumn Day -- October 23, 1805 -- the bridge in Braunnau is focused on. Here, the Russian command is located on heights that provide a splendid view of the countryside surrounding Braunnau. This was not far from where the Enn flows into the Danube.Among the artillery guns was Prince Nesvitsky, who was treating fellow soldiers to a local delicacy (small pies) as well as some rum punch (doppel-kümmel). The men chat about what they could view, including: the throng retreating towards them on the bridge, the movement of weaponry, as well as a local castle that would be ransacked for supplies. Their attention soon focuses on a local convent believed to be filled with young Italian nuns. Nesvitsky voices how he would love to "slip in" while another contends the nuns must be equally bored to death.Kutuzov recogn

Word of Nikolai tracking down Lt. Telyanin and accusing him of stealing Denisov’s money spread through army, reaching the Hussar Regimental Commander, Colonel Karl Bogdanych Schubert (a name evidencing German ancestry).Bogdanych, a fictional leader who was universally respected, confronted Rostov and called the young ensign a liar. He did this not out of affinity for Telyanin, but to protect to integrity of his Hussars.  The Colonial desires to avoid a green officer like Rostov publicly accusing a superior, as the mere allegation of such thievery reflects poorly on the unit.  In Denisov’s quarters, Rostov receives a lecture from his fellow officers on the reality of his situation. Leading this colloquy is Kirsten, a staff sergeant, who details the obligation to apologize. Kirsten points out how Rostov is new to the regiment, highlighting how he has little to do with the shared recent history of the Pavolgrad Hussars. A great number of the Hussars have known each other for years and fully expect to die in this

The story moves to the small German village of Zalzeneck, a few miles from Kutuzov’s headquarters in Braunau. Here, we catch up with Nikolai Rostov. Nikolai returns to camp with a small group who were foraging for hay. Nikolai is serving with the Pavlograd Hussars.  Given Nikolai is from aristocracy, he is able to share quarters with squadron commander “Vasska” Denisov. The nickname "Vasska" was common for someone from a rural background.Pavlograd was settled in the 1770s by Zaporizhian Cossacks. The area was named in 1783 for future Czar Paul, with “Pavlograd” meaning “Town of Paul.” The “Hussar” designation stems from the hussar units of Serbia and Hungary in the 15th and 16th centuries. They became known for dashing attacks, elaborate uniforms, curved swords, and high causality rates. Many hussar units had large contingents of ethnic Ukrainians, including descendants of Cossack officers. From 1648 – 1764 many Cossacks lived in their own Hetmanate, which had democratic standards. Cossacks were of mi

Note: There are NO spoilers in the the infamous 2nd Epilogue to War & Peace, which is analyzed in bonus chapters. This final part of the novel involves a metaphysical exploration of the philosophy underlying the book.As Tolstoy (through Marya Bolkonskaya) expressed early in the novel, it is preferable to abide by the laws described by Christ rather than academic sources. Tolstoy posits that history cannot take a step forward {what he means is that an understanding of history can’t be approached} until there is a return to belief in a divinity that interferes in human affairs. Though Tolstoy wants to advance his Faith in an all-knowing and omni-benevolent God, he realizes that within the age of Enlightenment, such a switch is not possible. The subtext of this chapter is to trust the wisdom of God more than “enlightened minds” trying to interpret history.Tolstoy attempts to come to an understanding of the concept of power; and what he means is the force that produces historical events, a province formerly a