Henri Jomini French and Russian military writer, French brigadier general Date of Birth: 06.03.1779 Country: France

1. Early Life and Military Career
2. Military Theory and Service
3. Campaign in Spain and Staff Duties
4. Russian Campaign and Alliance with the French
5. Defection and Service in Russia
6. Military Education and Legacy

Early Life and Military Career

Antoine Henri Jomini was born in Payerne, Switzerland, into a family of minor officials. He began working as a bank clerk in Paris. During the French Revolutionary Wars, he rose to the rank of battalion commander by 1801, but returned to commerce during peacetime.

Military Theory and Service

While working for a Paris commercial firm, Jomini studied military sciences and in 1804 published his influential work, "Traité des grandes opérations militaires," which compared the campaigns of Frederick the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1804, Jomini volunteered for the French army.

Napoleon, impressed by Jomini's work, appointed him a colonel in 1805. In 1806, Jomini authored "Mémoire sur la probabilité de la guerre de Prusse," outlining his views on war with Prussia. Napoleon invited the talented writer into his staff, and Jomini was awarded a barony for his service in the 1806-1807 campaign.

Campaign in Spain and Staff Duties

In 1808, Jomini joined Marshal Ney's headquarters in Spain as chief of staff. However, he was soon removed from his post due to the machinations of his detractors. Napoleon tasked him with writing a history of the Italian campaigns of 1796-1800, and promoted him to brigadier general.

Russian Campaign and Alliance with the French

During the 1812 Russian campaign, Jomini served as governor of Vilna and later Smolensk. His intelligence proved valuable in facilitating the French army's crossing of the Berezina River. In 1813, he again served as Ney's chief of staff and contributed to the victory at Bautzen. However, he was passed over for promotion to divisional general, sparking his resentment.

Defection and Service in Russia

Incensed, Jomini defected to the anti-French coalition on the day the armistice expired. He was embraced by Emperor Alexander I of Russia, who bestowed upon him the rank of lieutenant general and adjutant general. He contributed his expertise as an advisor during the 1813 autumn campaign.

Military Education and Legacy

Under Emperor Nicholas, Jomini helped establish the prestigious Nikolaev Academy of the General Staff. In 1837, he became a professor of strategy to the heir, Cesareaevich Alexander. His subsequent writings, including "Précis de l'art de la guerre," have had a profound influence on military thought.

Jomini's portrait hangs in the Military Gallery of the Winter Palace, despite his service with Napoleon during the 1812 campaign. His contributions to military theory and his experiences in both the French and Russian armies have made him a legendary figure in military history.