I recently started to reread an old book .in my library titled "Waterloo, a Battle of Three Armies" The book was edited by Lord Chalfont, and the three contributing historians were William Seymour for the English position, Jacques Champagne for the French, and Oberst E. Kaulbach for the Prussian. This book had been an eye opener for me many years ago when I read the battle from the German and French Perspectives. It was a reason for my later studies in German and my present efforts to learn enough French to study original historical texts.
As an American, I was taught that while Wellington and the Anglo Dutch army fought brilliantly, it was the Prussians under Blucher who saved the day in the end. The French, believed that it was a combination of treason and incompetence on the part of the Emperor's Marshals that lost the battle. From my time in England, I came away with the impression that it was Wellington and his British troops who won the battle hands down, and that the role the Prussians, much less the Dutch / Belgians / Brunswickers/ Hannovarians/ etc were at best irrelevant.
Realizing the international flavor of this forum, I'd like to ask what the other contributors' thoughts are on this matter.

Email