Great General Or Battlefield Blunder?

History is filled with leaders who have commanded armies, but not all of them were born for the battlefield. For every Caesar who successfully carved out a formidable empire with his military might, there's a King John who lost vast territories with his ineptitude. Here are 10 leaders who defined the fate of nations with their martial abilities, and 10 who had no business on the battlefield.

Jacques-Louis David on Wikimedia

1. Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great is known for his military genius. By the age of 32, he had already conquered a vast empire with his innovative strategies and his amazing leadership.

Unknown author on Wikimedia

2. Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte is considered one of history's greatest military commanders. He revolutionized military tactics and had the uncanny ability to inspire his troops, allowing him to expand the French empire across Europe.

Andrea Appiani on Wikimedia

3. Genghis Khan

Genghis Khan was a brilliant military strategist who built the largest contiguous empire in history. His use of innovative strategies and exceptional tactical abilities made him practically unmatched for his day. 

Unknown author on Wikimedia

4. Hannibal Barca

Hannibal Barca is one of the most famous military commanders of all time because of his strategic brilliance. He once led war elephants across the Alps during the Second Punic War to surprise Rome, making him a legend.

Fratelli Alinari on Wikimedia

5. Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar is hailed as one of the greatest military leaders ever for his successful campaigns that transformed Rome into a vast empire. He was known for his use of siege warfare and innovative use of cavalry. 

Nicolas Coustou on Wikimedia

6. Admiral Horatio Nelson

Admiral Horatio Nelson was a Royal Navy officer who is widely considered one of the greatest naval commanders in history. His victories in the Napoleonic Wars greatly weakened French and Spanish forces, preventing invasion and ensuring Britain kept its dominance. 

Lemuel Francis Abbott on Wikimedia

7. Saladin

Saladin led the Muslim military campaign against invading Christian forces during the Third Crusade. He united the Muslim world to fend off Christian invaders and recapture Jerusalem. He was not only known for his tactical genius, but his chivalry.

12mv12 on Wikimedia

8. Frederick the Great

Frederick the Great was a highly successful military commander who greatly expanded the Kingdom of Prussia, helping it become one of Europe's great powers. A brilliant tactician, he modernized the Prussian army and used innovative strategies to take down opposing forces.

Anton Graff on Wikimedia

9. George S. Patton

George S. Patton is one of America's most celebrated, albeit controversial, military commanders. He was a decisive and brilliant leader during WWII, known for his aggressive and bold style and his ability to rapidly deploy troops.

Keystone Paris on Wikimedia

10. Subutai

Subutai was Genghis Khan's primary general. He conquered more territory than anyone else in history. During his 20 campaigns. Known for his military genius, he coordinated armies spread across vast distances and revolutionized warfare with his innovative thinking.

неизвестен on Wikimedia

Now that we've covered the leaders who will forever be remembered as incredible warriors, let's talk about the ones who were completely inept on the battlefield.

1. Emperor Nero

Not every Roman emperor could be like Caesar. Emperor Nero was more known for being a patron of the arts and his cruelty and paranoia than his skill on the battlefield. 

shakko on Wikimedia

2. King Louis XVI 

Despite ruling France during a period of significant conflict, King Louis XVI wasn't a warrior at all. He lacked the decisiveness required to be an effective leader, and his interests lay more in scholarly pursuits.

Antoine-François Callet on Wikimedia

3. King Philip III of Spain

King Philip III ruled Spain in a conflict-ridden era, but he wasn't inclined to the military. He enjoyed the pleasures of life at court and delegated much of the actual ruling duties.

Diego Velázquez on Wikimedia

4. Emperor Huan of Han

Emperor Huan of Han wasn't known as a great military ruler. He ruled China during a period of great internal strife, but he's known for neglecting military affairs almost entirely. 

蔡東藩 on Wikimedia

5. King John of England

While King John of England did participate in some battles, he was seen as a weak military commander. He's remembered for losing significant territories, most notably, Normandy.

John Michael Wright on Wikimedia

6. Tsar Nicholas II

Tsar Nicholas II received military training but was more interested in the social aspects of military life than actual fighting. He was notorious for his indecisiveness, and when the military was under his command in WWI and the Russo-Japanese War, Russia faced crushing defeats and heavy casualties.

Boissonnas & Eggler on Wikimedia

7. Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico

Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico had an early career in the Austrian navy, but his ascension to the Mexican throne was thanks to French intervention, not his own martial capabilities. He relied heavily on French support throughout his reign to keep him safe from the forces of the Mexican Republic.

Unknown photographer on Wikimedia

8. Shah Jahan

Shah Jahan was more known for his building capabilities as the architect of the Taj Mahal than his military prowess. He had a few successes, but for the most part, his military campaigns were costly and ineffective.

1707-12 artist on Wikimedia

9. Antonio López de Santa Anna

Antonio López de Santa Anna was known for his vanity and for betraying his allies more than his military smarts. He had numerous military blunders during his reign, led with arrogance, and routinely neglected logistics and advice.

Manuel Paris on Wikimedia

10. King George II of Great Britain

King George II was known more for his role in politics than in military affairs. While he didn't lack bravery, his tendency to micromanage, pick favorites, and lack strategic vision made him an ineffective commander. 

Godfrey Kneller on Wikimedia