In 'War and Peace,' Leo Tolstoy critiques the Great Man Theory, arguing that history is shaped more by societal forces than individual leaders. Through historical events like the Battle of Austerlitz, he illustrates how collective actions of ordinary soldiers, responding to immediate circumstances, determine outcomes rather than the commands of great leaders like Napoleon or Tsar Alexander I. He admires General Kutusov not for tactical brilliance but for understanding these deep societal dynamics, illustrating a broader perspective on how history unfolds.
Tolstoy critiques the Great Man Theory, emphasising that social forces, rather than individuals, shape historical events, showcasing how collective human responses can influence outcomes.
He illustrates this point with the Battle of Austerlitz, showing that individual soldiers' decisions to advance or retreat collectively determine battle outcomes, overshadowing great leaders' commands.
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