He seemed loyal to Napoleon (refused the proposal of Murat/Austria/Bavaria in 1813), pretty able in battle (Battle of Raab) and overall a good king/Viceroy of Italy. Why don't people talk more about him?
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Eugene was the most able of Napoleon's family. He incurred jealously because of how fond Napoleon was of him. In terms of talent he had that in spades. Eugene ruled Italy so well that Napoleon rarely had anything to criticize him about. The people also loved him very much. Militarily he was better than many of the marshals. In the 1809 campaign with McDonalds help, Eugene created the Army of Italy defending ot brilliantly against Archduke John's Austrians. He then drove them out linking up with Napoleon for the Battle of Wagram. In that battle, Eugene again showed his skill impressing Napoleon.
During the Russian Campaign, Eugene led his men from the front, fighting with his IV Corp over the Great Redout at Borodino. He then led the vanguard at the initial retreat from Moscow defeating the Russians at the Battle of Maloyaroslavets. He made the prudent decision of withdrawing knowing the Russians were waiting to pounce. When Napoleon left the army Murat was put in charge. He almost immediately abandoned it leaving Eugene to step up taking command and once again showing his abilities. He led the army back to safety in Leipzig. Napoleon himself said that he should've left Eugene in command in the first place.
In 813 Eugene fought well under Napoleon at the Battle of Lutzen. Then was given command of the defence of Italy. Eugene rebuilt the Army of Italy with which he defended Italy against the Austrians. His defence was very well fought inflicting numerous defeats on the enemy. Even when Murat turned traitor Eugene was composed, always keeping his army intact and always fighting while in retreat. When Napoleon ordered him to return to France thus abandoning Italy, Eugene refused. He would not abandon his people. It wasn't until Napoleon abdicated that Eugene stopped fighting. Eugene's daughters married into the great houses of Europe. The current king of Sweden is decended from one of Eugene's daughters.
I don't know why Eugene doesn't get more recognition. I mean he was Napoleon's aide-de-camp in Egypt. He was crucial on the reconciliation between Napoleon and his mother. Maybe it is because from 1805 to 1809 he really didn't have a military command so was just ruling Italy peacefully. He also died young. Personally I would love to write a book about him.
And I would love to read it!
He shouldve been named heir.
"Napoleon's Viceroy: Eugène de Beauharmais" by Carola Oman. Funk & Wagnalls, 1968. 528 p.
“Eugène de Beauharnais: the adopted son of Napoleon” by Violette M Montagu (1913)
https://www.google.com/books/edition/Eug%C3%A8ne_de_Beauharnais/NElBAAAAIAAJ
Eugene is the most underrated commander of the period. He was assigned at a young age in 1809 to command the Armee d'Italie and learned quickly, becoming a trusted general and performed excellently after a slow start. He defeated the Austrians and joined Napoleon's Army of Germany and fought at Wagram.
He commanded the IV Corps in Russia, performing very well and won the battle of Maloyaroslavets against Kutusov. After Napoleon departed for Paris after getting the wreck of the Grande Armee out of Russia by crossing the Berezina, Murat was given command and deserted. Berthier convinced Eugene to take over and he not only built up an effective army, but slowed the Russian advance into eastern Europe.
In 1813 and 1814 he held northern Italy for Napoleon, rebuffed offers to join the allies, and was still in the field when Napoleon abdicated. He was a more-than-competent commander, stayed loyal to Napoleon and France, and did more than his assigned duty.
Not to mention he served as aide-de-camp to Napoleon in Egypt. He was known for his bravery being injured a the Siege of Acre. Not to mention his personal life. When Napoleon was having an affair with Pauline Foures in Egypt it was Eugene who was assigned to look after her. Can anyone imagine how awkward that must have been for him? When Napoleon announced his divorceoth both Eugene and Hortense told him they were leaving his life. Napoleon is said to have broken down in tears crying to them, "Everyone is leaving me". Napoleon said of Eugene that of all of his family members, Eugene was the one who never gave him trouble.
He’s actually so underrated, and always did an able or above average job on whatever task was laid ahead of him.
A top quality man. One of my favourites. He had talent and brains and was loyal, honest and decent. The world is in short supply of men of his calibre nowadays. The other 2 have gone into details but I'll just add that he was one of the few that could be trusted with independent command.
Probably would have made a good successor to Napoleon had the empire lasted.
He deserves more attention and glory..can only say that he is like his step father! intelligent and loyal to France
As many people have already detailed he was extremely capable, widely liked, and considered a good man. The main reason I think he is not talked about more is he was never really the center of attention for prolonged periods of time. Not that it detracts from his character or ability but my assumption is that's why
He would have been a nobody without his stepfather.