War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide

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

General Kutuzov remains adamant about not sending his men into action. He is holding out despite appeals of Austrians leadership, who wish make use of his nearly arrived forces. Kutuzov is portrayed as knowing an attack would be foolhardy. He makes his position known to representatives of the Hofkriegsrat – the Austrian Council of War, who developed a reputation of bureaucratic decision-making.  Kutuzov uses a correspondence of the Archduke to demonstrate his exhausted men are not needed, as the missive announces the Austrians are Masters of Ulm, ready to deal with whatever the French throw at them. More recent intelligence suggests the opposite, which is quickly and dramatically confirmed. The camp in Braunnau gets word of Austria’s historic defeat in Ulm, Bavaria (October 16th - 19th of 1805) and it is (fictionally) delivered by General Mack himself. Historically, Napoleon forced a surrender of tens of thousands after a masterful encircling maneuver. This victory continued build his mythic reputation as one

Along comes bouncing a light blue Austrian carriage escorted by Croatians, which is appropriate for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is time for the inspection of the newly arrived regiment. Out steps General Kutuzov along with his Austrian counterpart. As Kutuzov walks the line, he is pleased with the disposition of his troops. He notices the atrocious state of their boots, which the Austrians should have replaced. He points this out...diplomatically. Kutuzov graciously stops to speak with a few soldiers, some of whom he recognizes from past engagements. One is Captain Timohin, who Kutuzuv served with during the infamous Siege of Izmail (or Ismail) in 1790.  This reference points out Kutuzov’s experience in major conflicts. The siege was historically important as Izmail was a fortress at the center of an oblast (province) once controlled by the Ottomans. Thought impregnable, when the Russians breached the walls, the Muslim population was massacred.Kutuzov addressed Timohin out of respect -- but it made his re

Part 2 of Book 1 takes readers to the forests outside Braunau, in the Archduchy of Austria, and close to the conflict engulfing continental Europe.Thousands of Russian soldiers marched 700 miles eastward to link up with their Austrian allies. Commanding them is General Mikhail Kutuzov. Focused on is the Third Company of the Semyonovsky Regiment of about 2,000 men.  They are camping near Braunau and are quite the curiosity to the locals. The troops are naturally exhausted. However, they are intrigued by the Austrian splendor: the scenery, the orchards, the masonry and the tiled roofs. The mid-level commanders receive word there will be an inspection, where Kutuzov and his Austrian counterpart will walk the lines. Their intuition says to get the men in their “parade” uniforms, so they can look their best. They yell commands on the thought it is: “better to bow too low; than not low enough.” The men do a splendid job but can’t cover up the horrible state of their boots, as the Austrians have been tardy in provid

This is a 28-minute analysis of the 25 chapters of Part 1 of Book 1 of War & Peace. It describes the historical context of the events Tolstoy brings to life, which starts in July of 1805. The analysis delves into major themes including war always seemingly on the horizon as well as the psychological battle of war & peace we all face. The discussion highlights how Tolstoy portrays the dying era of Catherine the Great (r. 1762-1796) in fictional characters such as Count Kirill Bezukhov (the first character to die); and General Nikolai Bolkonsky. Their sons, Pierre & Andrei, are the protagonists and two of the great characters of literature. They are enamored with the chief adversary of the novel, Napoleon. Russian aristocracy, as well as French exiles, view Napoleon as a malevolent threat. However, Pierre and Andrei view him of as a champion of a new era. More progressive minds of the time viewed the status quo as a handful of nobles being supported by a peasant class tied to the land – the serfs.Gi

Prince Andrei is readying to set out for his assignment as aide-de-camp to General Kutuzov. He has on his traveling coat while meticulously packing his effects. He pays special attention to his Turkish pistols and a saber -- spoils of victory his father gifted him from the Siege of Ochakov in 1778. The weapons illustrate the significance of the conflicts his father took part in. They also highlight the legacy Andrei feels pressured to live up to.   Ochokov is presently Ochakiv and is on the winding southern coast of Ukraine, about 40 miles east (and slightly north) of Odessa. In 2022 and 2023 Ochakiv has been attacked by Russia but valiantly holds as a Ukrainian port city of about 15,000. Before 1778 it was the capital of an Ottoman province.  Prince Andrei was in the frame of mind one comes to when knowing they are  embarking on one of life’s transcendent journeys. His considered the fear inherent in war as well as leaving his pregnant wife. His sister interrupted, initially visualizing her brother as the mi

An intimate meal is held at the Bolkonsky estate on the sole day Andrei will reconnect with his father, Nikolay. The following day Andrei will be heading off to fight the indomitable forces of Napoleon.  Awaiting at the dining room table is Andrei and Lise, Marya and Mademoiselle Bourienne, as well as the Nikolay's architect, Mikhail Ivanovich, who is an odd addition. Usually a sticker or social class divisions, the old General nevertheless invites his architect (considered a servant) to dine with him. This appears to be an attempt to teach his daughter that everyone is equal, in line with more liberal thinking of the time. Nikolay doesn’t really keep a circle of close friends, so he may also be demonstrating a need to have a companion, even though Ivanovich largely remains silent. As he waits for his father, Andrei is made to laugh by a new addition on the wall, a framed genealogical tree tracing the Bolkonsky family roots to the ancient princes of the Kyivan-Rus’ and the legendary Rurik. Such family tre