Jean Lannes

Article abstract: Military significance: A courageous and brilliant commander, Lannes often won battles against great odds. Honest and outspoken, he was a true friend to Napoleon, who wept openly at his death.

A Gascon farmer’s son, Jean Lannes was briefly educated by his brother, a priest, before becoming a dyer. Joining the army in 1792, he rose through the ranks during several campaigns. At Arcola in 1796, he was wounded when his horse slid into a bog as he was protecting Napoleon Bonaparte, this act of bravery established a friendship between them. In 1799,...

[The entire page is 339 words long]

Join eNotes

The above is a free excerpt. Get total access to this content with the: