by Sean Roman
<p>A chapter by chapter guide to Tolstoy's War & Peace. These are Summaries/Cliffnotes on a podcast, hence Podnotes. It is best used as a supplement to your reading of the classic.</p><p>The episodes and descriptions will provide information, context and commentary on each chapter --<em> and will likely take a lifetime to complete</em>. The goal is for each episode to come in under 10 minutes. </p><p>The original work fluctuates between French and Russian and there are multiple English translations of War & Peace. [French was the language aristocrats in the Russian Empire used from the late 18th to early 20th century]. There are also variations on how War & Peace is chaptered. This podcast follows the commonly used chaptering contained in Penguin Classics and the Everyman's Library.</p>
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May 27, 2024
<p>Andrei examined the position of the French, focusing on a puff of smoke from the cannon that fired. Two mounted Frenchmen galloped up the hill while a small column headed down to strengthen their front line. Another puff appeared and it was clear - the Battle of Schöngrabern had begun!</p><p>A messenger just arrived with Bonaparte’s stern letter and Murat, humiliated, moved his forces to attack the center and outflank both Russian wings, hoping for a quick victory before Napoleon's arrival. </p><p>Andrei was reflecting on how his chance arrived to save the army! Tolstoy is asking us to consider if one man can accomplish this. Also worth considering: <em>Was Napoleon more able to get men to this mindset?</em> <em>Or, are men led to victory by a more passive leader, like Kutuzov’s depiction? </em>Tolstoy argues victors will also need Providence or chance. Who prevails is often impossible to know -- yet how we search for causes! </p><p>Not long before, the men had been enjoying a welcome respite - eating porridge and drinking vodka. Now, impending death was heralded by the movement of soldiers forming ranks. On their faces, Andrei recognized the eagerness that filled his own heart. It was “dreadful but enjoyable!” He demonstrated both confidence and ambition in thinking, “where and how will my <em>Toulon </em>present itself?” </p><p>Andrei noticed Bagration riding toward him wearing a Cossack cloak. Bagration recognized Andrei, who conveyed what he thought would be the proper strategy. Bagration remained stoic. Andrei wondered, “Is there anything at all behind that impassive face?” Bagration’s posture implied that everything that took place was exactly in accord with what he had foreseen. Andrei noticed Bagration’s saber, which was a gift from Gen. Alexander Suvorov. This detail is meant to show the historical connection between the generals as Bagration, during campaigns in Italy, was a trusted protégé of Suvorov.</p><p>Bagration headed toward Túshin’s battery. Andrei followed, along with Zherkov and other officers. Riding with them was a civilian with connections —an accountant. He was a stout, full-faced man with a naïve smile. He looked unusual among the hussars, Cossacks and adjutants. “He wants to see a battle,” said Zherkóv “but feels a pain in the pit of his stomach.” Enemy fire soon struck ground near them and a Cossack crashed to earth with his horse.</p><p>Cossacks, many from territories in Ukraine, suffered in high casualties. They expected to be rewarded for their service, with increased rights. Instead they found their rights diminished and felt marginalized. Many developed quite the national identity.</p><p>Prince Bagration did not demonstrate concern over the causality. He turned as if to say: “Is it worth-while noticing trifles?” He reached the battery and observed gunners working their cannons. Bagration called to Tushin, who replied with an awkward salute - looking like a priest giving a benediction. Though the original plan was for Túshin’s guns to strike the valley, he was firing at the village of Schöngrabern, in front of which masses of French were advancing.</p><p>It is profound that Tushin, a fictional character, is attributed making this critical decision. Tushin decided, “Lets hit 'em in the most sensible part!” “Very good!” noted Bagration in reply to learning what was happening. As Bagration examined the battlefield, he noticed French coming around the flank to the right and ordered two battalions to reinforce the vulnerable area.</p><p>Adjutants rode up with a messages on where the French were attacking and being contained. There was back-and-forth with these types of updates. Andrei was able to hear Bagratión’s colloquies and, to his surprise, noticed no orders were really given. This was not necessary historically accurate, but Tolstoy depicts it this way to show a “greater truth.”</p><p>Bagration made it appear that everything was done by necessity, or by the will of subordinate commanders AND if not by his direct command, at least in accord with his intentions.</p><p>Andrei realized that ALL of consequence that happened was due to chance and independent of the commander’s will. Nevertheless, owing to the tact Bagration showed, his presence was valuable. Officers who approached him with disturbed countenances became calm. Soldiers greeted him gaily and grew more cheerful in his presence and were anxious to display their courage.</p>
May 17, 2024
<p>This episode initially exams the lead-up to the Battle of Schöngraben. Murat and Lannes had led the capture of Vienna. However, Vienna was a symbolic prize as it was taken at the cost of pursuing Kutuzov and crushing his army. </p><p>Murat moved on towards the Austrian town of Hollabrunn to cut the Russian line of retreat and prevent them from reaching Znaim (Znojmo - a Czech city). Kutuzov was ultimately headed toward Olmutz (Olomouc – another Czech city). If Kutuzov could remain on the front-foot, he would link up with his Austrian allies. Upon leaving Krems, Napoleon and Kutuzov were fighting with their “feet.”</p><p>Kutuzov assigned Gen. Bagration to lead a rear guard of about 5-7K, meant to hold off the French. Murat (with about 10K) initiated a second gambit. He proposed a short truce as he was not sure of the size of Bagration’s forces and if it was combined with Kutuzov’s. Murat sought reinforcements of his own. His strategy was to hold all soldiers in place under the notion peace negotiations <em>might</em> head-off the impending battle. A separate Austrian contingent, under General Nostitz, accepted a similar offer and withdrew from Hollabrunn itself. </p><p>Historically, Murat’s terms were presented to Bagration as “<em>Capitulation Offered by Russian Army</em>.” It involved Russian forces leaving the field with their arms and heading home. Napoleon realized only the Czar could sign off on the entire army leaving. This was conveyed to Murat, who was compelled to attack. To Kutuzov, the delay was a godsend. His main force could get further ahead of the French but he would likely have to sacrifice his rear-guard. </p><p>This chapter places us within the truce. Andrei had just toured the camp at Schöngrabern, during which he encountered the fictional artillery commander, Captain Tushin. </p><p>Scholars attribute intelligent decisions to Bagration in positioning his troops and using the terrain. However, Tushin will emerge as the hero. Tolstoy captured the nobility of the unknown soldier. Tushin is, in essence, the forgotten man that gives his <em>all</em> to a cause. Tolstoy also uses Tushin to present the role of the unknown, or chance, in war. Tolstoy posits: <em>How much can we know about a cause we try to attribute reason to?</em></p><p>Andrei made his way up to a battery from which the field could be seen. He could see how Bagration positioned his forces. On the opposite hill, was the village of Schöngraben, where French troops were amid smoke from their campfires. Andrei developed the skill of being able follow military movements and picture forthcoming events – and summarize them for a commander. Here, he noticed: his right flank was posted on a steep incline -- which dominated the French position. Infantry were stationed there as well as dragoons. The French line appeared wider and he recognized Bagration could be outflanked on both sides. Behind many of the Russian forces was a steep dip, making it difficult for artillery and cavalry to retire. Andrei thought it would be best to concentrate all artillery in the center and withdraw cavalry to a better spot. </p><p>Andrei then noticed a friendly conversation coming from a newly constructed shed. He was struck by the sincerity of the voice who turned out to be Tushin. “<em>No, friend - what I say is that if it were possible to know what is beyond death, none of us would be afraid of it</em>." Another, a younger voice, interrupted - “<em>Afraid or not, you can’t escape it.</em>” “<em>All the same, one is afraid!,</em>” interjected a third. Discussing of the nature of death before impending battle is quite poignant. These men are taking life as it comes, with grace.</p><p>They continue such banter by incorporating an artillery soldiers penchant for liquor and snacks. Just as Andrei realizes, with pleasure, “<em>that’s the captain who stood up in the sutler’s hut without his boots,”</em> there was a whistle of a cannon and the ball thudded into the ground near the shed with super human force. The ground seemed to groan at the impact. Immediately Tushin, with his short pipe in the corner of his mouth, rushed out of the shed to face the danger.</p>
April 11, 2024
<p>This episode is final installment with Prof. Mikaberidze. He discusses the nature of the Holy Roman Empire (HRE) and how the Napoleonic Wars, at least politically, marked Medieval Times giving way to Modern Age in Central Europe. </p><p>Before 1805, was no Germany but the HRE, a commonwealth of over 300 subdivisions of mostly German-speaking states. This included kingdoms, free states, duchies, and bishoprics. The Emperor was elected by nine rulers of the more influential states. From the 16th Century onward, each Emperor came from the Habsburg family, which resulted in Habsburgs running Austria and overseeing the Empire. Austria, Bavaria, Saxony, Baden, Württemberg and Hanover where among the more influential states. </p><p>The relationships of the panoply of states was impacted by competition and alliances in accord with tastes of the times. Each state was generally self-sufficient. If the Emperor requested, troops could be sent for a common cause for a delineated term. Importantly, there was not a Germanic army loyal to the Emperor. This was their “separation of powers." Other large powers exploited this -- as French Kings did during the 30 Years War and Napoleon did as well.</p><p><span>The HRE existed for about 1000 years, if you measure it from Pope Leo crowning Charlemagne in 800 A.D., or 850 years from Pope John XII crowning Otto in 962. </span> In any event, it all ends in1805, in the wake of the Battle of Austerlitz. Through victory, Napoleon restructures the old institution into something new, namely the Confederation of the Rhine, which had 39 states.</p><p>We also discuss the “Glorious Retreat,” a term the professor uses in an ironic sense. This phrase was born in 19th century Russia and heavily promoted in Soviet times, where Kutuzov was extolled as a genius. Granted, what is depicted in Part II of Book I was a wise retreat where Kutuzov never allowed his forces to get out-worked and surrounded like General Mack at Ulm. However, the events of 1805 were a significant loss for the Russian Empire with minimal “glory” A re-characterization was the method to find a silver lining. The Russians promoted their continued escape and placed the blame on “treacherous” Austrians. They cherry-picked certain efforts, like in Krems, and celebrated Bagration. The Professor also touches on how formal military rules were flouted, and officers, at times, would travel with their wives, and come up with creative excuses for the breach. </p><p>Prof. Mikaberidze later gives an overview of some of the various Cossacks to populate the Russian Empire in the early 19th Century. He also references whether Napoleon missed an opportunity of allying with the population of territories taken by Russia during the partitions of Poland (the final one formalized in 1797), which was within memory of much of the population Napoleon encountered when he march East. For example, when reached Vilnius in 1812, he was met with widespread acclaim. He also marched through (what is today) Belarus and northern Ukraine. As some of these areas were acquired forcefully 20 years before, Napoleon may have been able to recruit more of the local population with skillful outreach. It is also an interesting question as to whether masses of Ukrainian and Lithuanian peasantry would have assisted him.</p><p>We close by discussing the transcendent nature of War & Peace.</p>
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