Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:26:55-1:27:23

Napoleon understood the invasion problem better than Hitler

Napoleon at least recognized the forces and broad problems involved in invading Britain, whereas Hitler failed to engage seriously enough with the task.

Adolf HitlerHistorical ComparisonInvasion Of BritainMilitary PlanningNapoleon BonaparteNapoleonic Wars
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Question

Who understood the problem of invading Britain less well, Napoleon or Hitler?

Short answer

Hitler; Napoleon at least recognized the main requirements and difficulties, even though he did not fully solve them.

Notes

Hitler was the worse planner for an attempted invasion of Britain. Napoleon receives some credit for assembling relevant forces and recognizing the broad military problem before him. That does not mean Napoleon fully understood why the scheme was unlikely to work or had solved its operational barriers. The comparison turns on degrees of understanding: Hitler did not even reach the same level of recognition and preparation.