Hi,

So I consider myself a good enough fan of military history. I got tons of books and read a lot about many eras of warfare. My favorite is undoubtedly the era of the Napoleonic wars, there's just something about that period I like.

I know that for a long time, the french used a Mixed order formation (mix of lines and columns). I understand the purpose of this is multiple, protect flanks from cavalry, keep reserves in strategic emplacements, etc... but it appears from many sources and contemporaries that the columns where used offensively, and I don't understand why.

Of course, if the terrain limits the width of your line, the use of column makes sense, but I don't understand why a commander would purposefully limit its width if he has another option (use a column instead of a line). I read that this is supposed to give more 'weight' to the line; that is, kind of a like a phalanx whose weight pushes forward because the men at the back are not exposed to danger. But I don't see how that is better than simply having more men shooting at the same time in the front ranks.

Could anyone tell me what I'm missing?