Joachim Murat

Joachim Murat was born in 1767 in La Bastide-Fortunière in Gascony, France. He began his military career as a cavalryman, joining the Régiment de Chasseurs à Cheval in 1787. In the early years of the French Revolution, Murat was promoted rapidly due to his zeal and tactical skill. He was present during the crucial events in Paris in October 1795, most notably acting as a key staff officer under Napoleon Bonaparte during the suppression of the Royalist insurrection at the 13 Vendémiaire with the use of artillery on the streets. In 1796, he accompanied Napoleon to Italy, serving as a staff officer and engaging in the key actions of the Italian campaign, including the battles of Lodi, Castiglione, Bassano, Arcole, and Rivoli, displaying outstanding cavalry leadership and becoming one of Napoleon's favored officers. He was actively involved in the pursuit after Mantua and operations against Austrian forces throughout northern Italy. Murat took part in Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign in 1798, commanding the cavalry at Alexandria, and playing significant roles at the battles of the Pyramids and Abukir. He was also engaged in the siege of Acre, the battle of Mount Tabor in 1799, and the withdrawal through Syria.

Returning to France, Murat was instrumental in events surrounding the coup of 18 Brumaire in 1799, when he led grenadiers into the councils at Saint-Cloud. With the institution of the Consulate, Murat received recognition and promotion, commanding the Consular Guard cavalry. During the 1800 campaign, he led French cavalry at the battles of Marengo and Pozzolo, coordinating several decisive charges. By 1804, Murat was made a Marshal of the Empire. In 1805, he commanded cavalry at Ulm, notably covering the envelopment maneuvers and leading actions at Wertingen and Elchingen, followed by an important role at Austerlitz, spearheading cavalry assaults. In the 1806 campaign against Prussia, Murat led large cavalry masses at Saalfeld and Jena, directing the pursuit through Weimar. After the Prussian defeat, Murat engineered the swift capture of Berlin and led the victorious cavalry at Lübeck, then led advance units into Poland for the campaign ending at Eylau in 1807. At Eylau, his massed cavalry charge is noted as one of the largest in history and helped to stabilize the French center. He participated in the pursuit and engagement at Friedland, solidifying French victory in the east.

In 1808, Murat was sent to Spain, assuming command of French troops in Madrid. He occupied Madrid, leading to the Dos de Mayo uprising which he suppressed, including involvement in the siege and recapture of the city. Named King of Naples in August 1808, Murat reorganized the kingdom’s military and administration while also supporting broader campaigns in Italy. He led Neapolitan and French forces against British incursions, such as the defense of Calabria and the response to the British raid on Capri. In 1809, he joined the campaign on the Danube, leading French cavalry at the battles of Abensberg, Eckmühl, the crossing at Aspern-Essling, and the climactic battle at Wagram. Murat’s cavalry remained crucial in the pursuit of the Austrians after Wagram and operations near Znaim.

During the 1812 invasion of Russia, Murat commanded all French cavalry, playing key roles at Smolensk, Borodino, the advance on Moscow, and the occupation of Moscow itself. He managed rear-guard and flanking actions throughout the retreat, including the engagements at Maloyaroslavets and Vyazma, covering the desperate withdrawal and attempting to maintain cohesion of the mounted units despite catastrophic losses. In 1813, Murat rejoined the Grande Armée in Germany, where he commanded cavalry at battles of Lützen and Bautzen and contributed to actions at Dresden and Leipzig. Facing challenging conditions and wavering loyalty between his position as King of Naples and the threats to France, Murat negotiated with both allies and former enemies for the preservation of his throne.

In 1814, with the decline of French power, Murat separated from Napoleon, signing an armistice with Austria and joining the Allies, deploying Neapolitan troops against Eugène de Beauharnais in Italy, taking part in skirmishes during the occupation of central Italy and the unsuccessful engagement at Occhiobello. Following Napoleon’s return from Elba, Murat attempted to rally Italy and retake his kingdom. In March 1815, he issued the Rimini Proclamation and campaigned in northern Italy against Austrian forces, commanding at the battles of Carpi, Pesaro, Modena, and Tolentino; the defeat at Tolentino led to the collapse of his position. Forced to flee Naples, Murat attempted an unsuccessful landing in Calabria and was captured at Pizzo, where he was tried by court-martial and executed by firing squad in October 1815.

Sources

• Wikipedia (English): Joachim Murat
• Britannica: Joachim Murat
• BnF Data: Joachim Murat (1767-1815)
• Deutsche Biographie: Joachim Murat
• Napoléon.org: Murat Joachim