Etien Makdonald
France- Biography of Étienne Jacques MacDonald
- Early Life and Military Career
- Commander and Governor
- Challenges and Triumphs
- Later Years
Biography of Étienne Jacques MacDonald
Étienne Jacques MacDonald was born on November 17, 1765, in Sedan, Ardennes, France. He was a French marshal and a national hero. Despite being of Scottish descent, MacDonald began his military career in the French army in 1784. He joined the revolutionary army during the French Revolution.
Early Life and Military Career
MacDonald came from an aristocratic but poor Scottish family. His father, a supporter of the Stuart dynasty, had emigrated, leaving MacDonald to pursue his own path. Initially, MacDonald was preparing to become a priest, but in April 1785, he obtained a lieutenant's patent in the Mallébuades Legion. He later volunteered for the infantry regiment of Count A. Dillon and was promoted to sub-lieutenant in June 1787.
During the years 1792 to 1797, MacDonald fought in the Northern and Sambre-Meuse armies. He commanded a brigade from March 1793 and was promoted to divisional general on November 28, 1794. In 1795, while leading the vanguard of the Northern army, MacDonald crossed the frozen Waal river and captured the Dutch fleet with his infantry. This feat earned him another promotion to divisional general.
Commander and Governor
In 1798, MacDonald became the governor of the Roman region. He achieved a significant victory at the Battle of Orticola, where he defeated a larger Austrian army with his 25,000 troops. However, after suffering a defeat at the Battle of Trebbia, MacDonald was recalled to France.
MacDonald played an active role in the 18 Brumaire coup and was appointed as the deputy commander of the Reserve Army. He later took command of the 2nd Reserve Army from August 24, 1800. MacDonald served as an ambassador to Denmark from 1801 to 1802.
Challenges and Triumphs
In 1804, during the investigation into General Moreau's case, it was revealed that MacDonald had corresponded with Moreau in 1799. As a result, MacDonald was accused of having connections with a traitor and was dismissed from the army. However, he joined the Neapolitan army on February 18, 1807, and was appointed as the commander of the left wing of the Italian army on April 28, 1809.
MacDonald distinguished himself at the Battle of Piave and led the main attacking force of the Italian army at the Battle of Wagram in June 1809. Out of the 8,000 soldiers who participated in the attack, only around 1,500 survived.
Later Years
MacDonald continued his military career as the commander of the Catalan army from April 24, 1810. He later commanded the 10th Corps and ensured the protection of the left flank of the Grand Army during the Russian campaign. After Napoleon's defeat, MacDonald accompanied him during his exile and received a magnificent sabre as a gift.
During the Hundred Days, MacDonald joined the National Guard as a grenadier. After the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy, he was honored and appointed as the general of the Royal Guard on September 13, 1815. He also served as a state minister from September 19, 1815.
After losing his positions during the July Revolution of 1830, MacDonald lived on his estate in Courselles for almost 10 years. He passed away on September 25, 1840, and was buried in Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.
