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Why did Marshal Ney order cavalry attacks against Wellington’s army?

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Historical battle map showing troop positions at the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815, near Brussels, Belgium. Red lines represent Anglo-Dutch infantry and cavalry under Wellington, positioned north of French forces. Blue lines show French infantry and cavalry under Napoleon, with both armies facing each other across a central road. Key locations like Chateau de Goumont (Hougoumont) and Plancenoit are labeled, and an inset map highlights the location within present-day Belgium and Europe. — Battle of Waterloo Battle of Waterloo, June 18, 1815.

Marshal Ney ordered the massed cavalry attacks against the Duke of Wellington’s army at the Battle of Waterloo because he mistakenly believed the Allied center was retreating.1

Just after 4:00 pm, Ney observed the movement of wounded soldiers and empty ammunition wagons from Wellington’s front line. Misinterpreting this logistical activity as a sign that the British position was weakening, he committed the bulk of the French cavalry to seize what he perceived as a decisive opportunity to break the Allied line.1

This tactical decision proved to be a significant error. The cavalry charges were launched without adequate infantry or artillery support, making them highly vulnerable to the British infantry, who successfully repelled the attacks by forming defensive squares. Although the French horsemen displayed great determination, the lack of coordination meant they were unable to break the Allied formation, resulting in heavy casualties for the French cavalry.12