32nd Annual Student Research Conference
Divisional Squares and Villainous Motives: The Egyptian Campaign of the French Army under Napoleon Bonaparte
Michael W. Moore
Dr. James A. Padfield, Faculty Mentor
This presentation examines the tactical decisions made by Napoleon Bonaparte in an Egyptian War Campaign. By examining this important campaign, I explain how Bonaparte came to lead the French army and the strategies he employed to defeat the Mamluk army in Cairo. I address the period following the Reign of Terror and the French Revolution during which the French Directoire was the functioning head of government. Using Primary and Secondary sources, I analyze the historical context of the campaign and the geography of the battlefield through the late 20th's century "OODA" tactical strategy framework developed by John Boyd. My analysis confirms the approach taken by Bonaparte at the battle of Embabeh, where the French were outnumbered three-to-one, was indeed the best decision he could have made.
Keywords: Napoleon Bonaparte, Interdisciplinary
Topic(s):Interdisciplinary Studies
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 204-5
Location: BH 219
Time: 11:15