What Was the Pivotal Moment in Napoleon's Defeat at Waterloo?

[Werg22]

I may be on the wrong section, but I'll give it a try nonetheless. I have to make an exhaustive research of the battle of Waterloo. The goal is to choose a specific question on the subject and try to answer it through thorough analysis. Now, I have familiarized myself with the battle but I still have to find such a question. Any suggestion?

 

[Ki Man]

you must analize your own question?

 

[Werg22]

Well, yeah, basically that's it. You have to base your analysis on a central question, which you will have formulated yourself.

 

[Integral]

Should Nappy have restrained Ney's use of his calvary?

Should Nappy have started the battle earlier?

Could Grouchy have been more aggressive in his pursuit of the Prussians?

 

[Panda]

I read that as getting a general understanding of the whole battle and then pick a pivotal point be it an action a deployment or even a political stance that was taken before the conflict. Then look at all the arguments for and against the decision that was made and hypothesis if it was the correct decision given the circumstances as opposed to hindsight.
The battle of Waterloo was big, complex and based on lots of individuals operating autonomously, it is ideal for this sort of analysis and many people have looked at this sort of thing.
See if you can find a text by Richard Holmes, this is the sort of stuff he does in order to show how modern battles can and should be fought.

 

[arildno]

Should Agnetha Fältskog be lynched?

 

[Schrodinger's Dog]

I read that as getting a general understanding of the whole battle and then pick a pivotal point be it an action a deployment or even a political stance that was taken before the conflict. Then look at all the arguments for and against the decision that was made and hypothesis if it was the correct decision given the circumstances as opposed to hindsight.
The battle of Waterloo was big, complex and based on lots of individuals operating autonomously, it is ideal for this sort of analysis and many people have looked at this sort of thing.
See if you can find a text by Richard Holmes, this is the sort of stuff he does in order to show how modern battles can and should be fought.

I agree, but the battle itself was winnable or at least not losable, if the correct action was taken, at least in theory.

The formation of the British decided the war or did it and how,ie the formation against cavalry, the late contribution by Prussian reinforcements was also important, I suggest you ask a question about Napoleon's decisions during the battle, and how this impacted on the outcome, these are the most decisive- how did the greatest general of his day get beaten, and what was the pivotal moment of his loss? This is possibly the best question. Prussian surprise attack on right flank? How could he have combated this, and if he couldn't what could he have done?