Napoleon's Imperial Guard

This series of interactive ebooks uses hyperlinks, video, animation, and photographs to introduce the reader to the topic of Napoleonic soldiery. Hyperlinks to serve as a gateway to the wealth of Napoleonic material on the Web. Animation to demonstrate the use of artillery and the maneuvering of infantry. Videos on YouTube depicting motion picture scenes and reenactments. The first volume deals with Napoleon’s Imperial Guard, the Emperor’s most cherished troops, his ultimate reserve force.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, one could not be royal without one’s royal guard. The Bourbon kings of France had their Maison militaire du roi. As a general, Napoleon had his regiment of Guides, a must for a general’s security and prestige. When he became First Consul, then Emperor, he naturally set up his Imperial Guard (La Garde Impériale).