Generals and Napoleon

Before Napoleon's legendary Marshals, France was already producing some of the greatest military leaders in European history. In this episode, we explore 4 remarkable Marshals of France whose achievements helped shape the French Army long before Austerlitz, Jena, and Waterloo. Special guest Jonathan Abel discusses the Comte de Rochambeau, whose leadership alongside George Washington helped sec...

The Louisiana Purchase: Greatest Real Estate Deal Ever? In 1803, the United States increased in size with the Louisiana Purchase, acquiring more than 800,000 square miles of territory from France for just $15 million. But why did Napoleon sell such a vast empire in North America? In this episode, special guest & author Alexander Mikaberidze will explore the political, military, and economic fa...

During Napoleon’s catastrophic retreat from Russia, another crisis nearly brought down his empire from within. In October 1812, while Napoleon was deep inside Russia, General Malet launched one of the boldest coup attempts in French history—the Malet Conspiracy . Armed with forged documents announcing Napoleon’s death, Malet deceived Paris officials, freed imprisoned generals, arrested senior gove...

Discover the complex and often volatile relationship between Napoleon Bonaparte and the Catholic Church—a story filled with ambition, compromise, and conflict. In this episode, special guest & author Ambrogio Caiani breaks down how Napoleon went from restoring Catholicism in France to ultimately clashing with the Pope himself. After the chaos of the French Revolution, religion in France was in...

In 1813, after the disastrous retreat from Russia, Napoleon faced a growing coalition determined to destroy his empire. In this episode, author Michael Leggiere will explore Napoleon’s attempt to capture Berlin in 1813 and the reasons behind it. Determined to regain the initiative, Napoleon ordered a bold offensive toward Berlin—the capital of Prussia. Napoleon entrusted the operation to 2 of his...

⚓ Naval Tactics of the Napoleonic Era Explained ⚓ Step into the age of sail and discover how naval warfare shaped the fate of empires during the Napoleonic Wars. In this episode, special guest and author Joshua Meeks will break down the key tactics, strategies, and innovations used by legendary commanders like Admiral Nelson. From the devastating effectiveness of the “line of battle” to bold man...

In this episode, special guest & author Jonathan North explores the dramatic story of 2 of the most devoted French officers of the Napoleonic Wars: La Bedoyere and Cambronne La Bédoyère - From his early service in the Grande Armée to his pivotal role in the Emperor’s return during the Hundred Days , La Bédoyère risked everything for Napoleon. When France stood divided after the fall of the Emp...

Step into the pages of history and explore 30 things we love about the Napoleonic Era —one of the most dramatic, influential, and larger-than-life periods in world history. From Napoleon’s genius to legendary marshals, epic battles, iconic uniforms, and earth-shaking political change, this era reshaped Europe forever. In this episode, author Joshua Provan and I will break down why the Napoleonic E...

General Wittgenstein: Russia’s “Savior of St. Petersburg” General Peter Wittgenstein was one of Imperial Russia’s most important commanders during the Napoleonic Wars , earning the nickname “The Savior of St. Petersburg” for stopping Napoleon’s advance in 1812. In this special guest, Jimmy Chen will explore Wittgenstein’s rise through the Russian army, his crucial victories at Kliastitsy and Polot...

General Louis Charles Antoine Desaix was one of Napoleon’s most brilliant and underrated commanders. Known as “the Just Sultan” for his integrity and calm leadership, Desaix played a crucial role in the French Revolutionary Wars and Napoleon’s early rise to power. From his campaigns in Germany to his legendary service in Egypt, Desaix earned a reputation for discipline, humanity, and battlefield b...

Battle of Wavre & Plancenoit (1815) | Napoleon’s Last Campaign & Grouchy’s Controversial Stand The Battle of Wavre , fought on 18–19 June 1815 , was the final major engagement of Napoleon’s Hundred Days and one of the most controversial battles of the Napoleonic Wars. While Napoleon faced Wellington at Waterloo , Marshal Grouchy fought the Prussian III Corps under General Thielmann near th...

General Gerhard von Scharnhorst was the intellectual architect of Prussia’s military revival after its crushing 1806 defeat by Napoleon. In this video, special guest Ethan Soefje explores Scharnhorst’s revolutionary reforms, his role in transforming the Prussian Army, and how his ideas laid the foundations for modern warfare. Discover how Scharnhorst ended aristocratic privilege, introduced merit-...

Discover the Top 15 most surprising moments of the Napoleonic Era —from unexpected battlefield reversals to political shocks that reshaped Europe forever. ⚔️🌍 In this video, we explore the events, decisions, and outcomes that defied expectations during the age of Napoleon Bonaparte , including shocking victories, disastrous miscalculations, underestimated people, and turning points that historian...

The Duke of Wellington wasn’t just the man who defeated Napoleon — he was also one of Britain’s most influential political leaders of the era. In this episode, special guest Marcus Cribb examines Arthur Wellesley’s political career , including his time as Prime Minister , his role in shaping Britain after the Napoleonic Wars, and his controversial decision to support Catholic Emancipation in 1829...

The Battle of Bautzen (May 20–21, 1813) – Napoleon’s Hard-Fought Victory in the War of the Sixth Coalition In today’s episode, special guest Jonas de Neef breaks down the Battle of Bautzen , one of the most intense and strategically intriguing clashes of the 1813 campaign. Fought after Napoleon’s retreat from Russia, Bautzen saw the Emperor attempt to crush the combined Prussian & Russian armi...

🇩🇪 King Frederick William III of Prussia Discover the dramatic life and legacy of King Frederick William III (1770–1840) , the Prussian monarch who ruled during one of Europe’s most turbulent eras. This video explores how a shy and reluctant king transformed Prussia after devastating defeats by Napoleon—leading to sweeping military, social, and governmental reforms that helped shape modern Germany...

While Napoleon’s armies fought brilliant battles across Spain and Portugal, their greatest enemy wasn’t always the British or the guerrillas — it was logistics. Supplying tens of thousands of soldiers across rugged mountains, scorched plains, and hostile territory tested the limits of Napoleonic warfare. Food shortages, broken supply lines, and guerrilla ambushes made every march a struggle for su...

In August 1813, amid the German Campaign of the Napoleonic Wars, Napoleon faced one of his greatest challenges — the combined might of Austria, Prussia, and Russia. The Battle of Dresden would become his last major battlefield triumph , showcasing his tactical genius even as the empire began to crumble. Special guest Winston Valentine discusses Napoleon’s maneuvers, use of terrain, and daring coun...

Few men stood closer to Napoleon Bonaparte than General Jean Rapp — a fearless soldier, loyal aide-de-camp, and hero of some of the Empire’s fiercest battles. From Austerlitz to Borodino , Rapp’s bravery and devotion made him one of the most respected figures of the Grande Armée . Special guest Jonas de Neef shares how this Alsatian officer rose from humble beginnings to become a Count of the Empi...

🎖️ We return for Part II of the Top 15 Battles of the Napoleonic Era Step into the age of empires and ambition — this video counts down the Top 15 Battles of the Napoleonic Era , where strategy, courage, and destiny shaped the course of Europe. From the stunning triumph at Austerlitz to the final reckoning at Waterloo , discover how Napoleon Bonaparte’s genius — and his opponents’ resilience — cha...

🎖️ What Were the Top 15 Battles of the Napoleonic Era? Step into the age of empires and ambition — this video counts down the Top 15 Battles of the Napoleonic Era , where strategy, courage, and destiny shaped the course of Europe. From the stunning triumph at Austerlitz to the final reckoning at Waterloo , discover how Napoleon’s genius — and his opponents’ resilience — changed warfare forever. Jo...

🌍 From an unknown Corsican artillery lieutenant to Emperor — Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise is one of history’s most dramatic stories. Special guest Rafe Blaufarb joins the show to discuss how Napoleon climbed the ranks during the French Revolution, won stunning victories, and seized power to reshape Europe forever. ⚔️ In this video, we’ll cover: Napoleon’s early military career as a young officer His...

🔴 The Battles of Ligny & Quatre-Bras | Napoleon’s Final Gamble Begins 🔴 In this episode, we dive deep into the critical twin battles that set the stage for Waterloo: Ligny and Quatre-Bras , both fought on June 16, 1815. Special guest & author Gareth Glover discusses how Napoleon's last great victory at Ligny was undercut by missed opportunities, and how the Duke of Wellington's stubborn...

Discover the dramatic story of Napoleon Bonaparte’s state funeral and the return of his remains to France in 1840, nearly two decades after his death on Saint Helena. Special guest Charles Mackay joins us to explores the political symbolism, the public reaction, and the elaborate procession that accompanied the Emperor’s final journey through Paris to Les Invalides. Learn why King Louis-Philippe a...

👑 Charles X of France – The Last Bourbon King 👑 Charles X (1757–1836) was the final reigning monarch of the Bourbon line in France. Brother of Louis XVI and Louis XVIII, Charles inherited the throne in 1824 during the Bourbon Restoration. Special guest & podcaster David Montgomery joins the show to discuss his reign, which was marked by attempts to roll back the French Revolution. Deeply con...