Marshal Nicolas Jean-de-Dieu Soult
Marshal of France, Duke of Dalmatia
"The only defeat I have ever suffered was at Waterloo."
Biography
Nicolas Soult, Duke of Dalmatia, was one of Napoleon's most accomplished marshals and later one of France's most powerful statesmen. At Austerlitz he commanded the corps that stormed the Pratzen Heights in Napoleon's great master-stroke, one of the most perfectly executed tactical operations in military history. In the Peninsular War he fought Wellington for years in Portugal and Spain, earning a bitter rivalry — Wellington considered him the most capable of all the French marshals opposing him. During the Hundred Days he served as Napoleon's Chief of Staff, a role for which his abilities were less suited than field command. After Napoleon's fall he survived to serve as Prime Minister of France three times under the restored monarchy, holding that office as late as 1847.
Did you know?
Soult collected looted Spanish artworks on a vast scale during the Peninsular War. His collection, assembled largely through theft from Spanish churches, included masterpieces by Murillo and Velázquez. Much of it was returned to Spain only after his death.
Key Battles
Battle of Austerlitz
French Empire victoryDecember 2, 1805 · 45,000 total casualties
Austerlitz effectively ended the War of the Third Coalition. Austria signed the humiliating Treaty of Pressburg, ceding vast territories. The Holy Roman Empire was dissolved the following year. Napoleon's military reputation reached its zenith.
Battle of Waterloo
Coalition victoryJune 18, 1815 · 65,000 total casualties
Waterloo ended Napoleon's rule absolutely and permanently. He abdicated four days later and was exiled to Saint Helena, where he died in 1821. The battle reshaped Europe at the Congress of Vienna and established a century of relative continental peace under the Concert of Europe.
Life Journey
Timeline
March 29, 1769
🌅 Birth
Born in Saint-Amans-la-Bastide, Tarn
December 2, 1805
⚔️ Battle
Storm of the Pratzen Heights at Austerlitz — the decisive blow
1808–1814
event
Commands French forces in the Peninsular War against Wellington
June 18, 1815
⚔️ Battle
Serves as Napoleon's Chief of Staff at Waterloo
1832–1847
event
Serves multiple terms as Prime Minister of France
November 26, 1851
✝️ Death
Died in his birthplace at age 82