Joachim Murat
Joachim Murat was a prominent military leader and key figure during the Napoleonic era, known for his dynamic cavalry tactics and close association with Napoleon Bonaparte. Born in 1767 to an innkeeper, Murat initially pursued theological studies before shifting his focus to the military, joining the revolutionary army when the French Revolution commenced in 1789. He quickly gained recognition for his loyalty to Napoleon, serving as a cavalry officer in significant battles, including the iconic Battle of the Pyramids and the famed charge at Eylau, which is celebrated in military history.
Murat's marriage to Napoleon's sister, Caroline, in 1800 further solidified his position within the Bonaparte family. He actively participated in most of Napoleon's campaigns, showcasing his skills as a cavalry commander in key battles such as Marengo, Austerlitz, and Jena. However, after the critical defeat at Leipzig in 1813, he attempted to negotiate with the allied forces to preserve his own kingdom. His efforts to regain favor with Napoleon following the latter's return from exile ultimately led to his downfall, as he was captured and executed after an unsuccessful attempt to reclaim his throne in Naples. Murat's life reflects the complexities of loyalty, ambition, and the tumultuous political landscape of early 19th-century Europe.
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Joachim Murat
- Born: March 25, 1767
- Birthplace: La Bastide-Fortunière (later Labastide-Murat), Gascony, France
- Died: October 13, 1815
- Place of death: Pizzo, Calabria, Italy
Also known as: Marshal of France; grand duke of Berg and Cleves; king of Naples
Principal wars: Napoleonic Wars
Principal battles: Pyramids (1798), Marengo (1800), Austerlitz (1805), Jena (1806), Eylau (1807), Borodino (1812), Leipzig (1813), Tolentino (1815)
Military significance: Murat, who also excelled at reconnaissance, was Napoleon Bonaparte’s gifted and daring leader of the cavalry, an essential component in Napoleon’s military success.
Born the son of an innkeeper, Joachim Murat abandoned theological studies for the military. After the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789, he joined the revolutionary army and was attracted to the young Corsican officer, Napoleon Bonaparte. He secured the necessary cannons so that Napoleon could put down the threat to the revolutionary government in 1795.
He served as a cavalry officer in Egypt at the Battle of the Pyramids (1798) and at Aboukir (1799). After returning to France in 1799, Murat led the bayonet charge against the deputies who opposed Napoleon becoming dictator. Murat married Napoleon’s sister Caroline in 1800. He participated in all of Napoleon’s military campaigns except the last at Waterloo. He commanded the calvary at the battles of Marengo (1800), Austerlitz (1805), and Jena (1806). His charge against the Russian center at Eylau (1807) is regarded as one of the best cavalry charges in military history. He fought at Borodino (1812) during the Russian campaign.
After the defeat at Leipzig (1813), Murat tried to save his own kingdom by dealing with the allies. Murat reached an agreement with the allies, but after Napoleon’s escape from Elba in 1815, he found the allies did not trust him. He tried to gain favor with Napoleon by winning Italy’s independence from Austria but was defeated at Tolentino (1815). His treachery helped convince the allies there was no dealing with Napoleon and that he must be destroyed. Murat, who had fled to Corsica, was captured when he attempted to enter his former kingdom and summarily executed.
Bibliography
Cole, Hubert. The Betrayers: Joachim and Caroline Murat. London: Eyre Methuen, 1972.
Macdonell, A. G. Napoleon and His Marshals. London: Prion, 1999.
Seward, Desmond. Napoleon’s Family. New York: Viking Press, 1986.