John Codman Ropes

Broad Explanation

In his work, The Campaign of Waterloo, Ropes thoroughly broke down the military decisions and movements that influenced the outcome of the battle. He combined many different perspectives and resources, such as contemporary accounts and orders of the battle, to write an accurate account.

Specific Arguments

In The Campaign of Waterloo, Ropes argues that the Battle of Waterloo wasn't just a turning point because of its outcome, but also because of the exceptional leadership by Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington. Wellington was the commander of the Allied forces led by the British that defeated Napoleon. He challenges those who overexaggerate Napoleon's genius and instead argues that Napoleon made critical errors that cost him the battle.

My Analysis

Ropes wrote with a clear, scholarly tone. He relied very much on battlefield logic and documentation, rather than emotional rhetoric, which speaks to his character as a logical historian. For the research topic, Ropes' work is useful in understanding the specifics of the battle, as well as the different military decisions made by both Napoleon and his army, as well as the Allied forces fighting against him.

Citation

Ropes, John Codman. The Campaign of Waterloo: A Military History. 3rd ed. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1893. https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/56995/pg56995-images.html.