Generals and Napoleon

The Battle of Bailén (July 16–19, 1808) was a shocking defeat for Napoleon’s forces during the Peninsular War—and the first time a French field army surrendered in open battle. Special guest and author Josh Provan discusses how Spanish General Castaños surrounded and crushed General Dupont’s troops, forcing over 17,000 French soldiers to lay down their arms. This stunning Spanish victory electrifi...

General Horace Sébastiani was more than just a cavalry officer—he was a battlefield commander, imperial diplomat, and political survivor in one of the most turbulent eras in French history. From the thunder of hooves in Spain and Russia to the quiet halls of diplomacy, Sébastiani’s career spanned empires, revolutions, and restorations. Special guest and author Jonathan North joins the show to expl...

Part II of our Ultimate ranking of the Top 15 Generals of the Napoleonic Era! Step into the boots of the greatest military minds of the Napoleonic Wars . In this episode of Generals and Napoleon , we count down the Top 15 generals of the Napoleonic Era —the brilliant, bold, and often controversial commanders who shaped European history between 1796 and 1815. Join our brilliant panel of guests - Ra...

🎖️ Who Were the Top 15 Generals of the Napoleonic Era? Step into the greatest military minds of the Napoleonic Wars . In this episode of Generals and Napoleon , we count down the Top 15 generals of the Napoleonic Era —the brilliant, bold, and often controversial commanders who shaped European history between 1796 and 1815. Join our brilliant panel of guests - Rachael Stark, Graeme Callister, Nick...

Discover the untold story of Napoleon Bonaparte’s parents — Carlo Buonaparte and Letizia Ramolino — and how their influence shaped the future Emperor of France. 🏛️ Special guest John Kuehn joins the show to help us dive into the lives of this Corsican couple: Carlo Buonaparte , a lawyer and political opportunist, who navigated the turbulent politics of 18th-century Corsica. Letizia Ramolino , Napo...

In this episode, we explore the Battle of Trafalgar , the decisive naval clash of October 21, 1805 , where Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson and the Royal Navy shattered Napoleon Bonaparte’s hopes of invading Britain. Learn how Nelson’s bold tactics, including the famous two-column attack , defeated the combined French and Spanish fleets under Admiral Villeneuve , securing British naval supremacy for mo...

In this episode, we explore the life and legacy of General Jan Henryk Dombrowski , the Polish patriot who fought to restore his nation’s independence—on and off the battlefield. From the formation of the Polish Legions in Italy to his leadership under Napoleon Bonaparte , Dombrowski became a symbol of national resilience and pride. Special guest Jonathan North joins the show to examine his key mil...

In this episode, we examine the Battle of Talavera (July 27–28, 1809), a hard-fought clash of the Peninsular War where Sir Arthur Wellesley , later the Duke of Wellington , won his first major battlefield victory over Napoleon’s marshals in Spain. Facing the French armies of Marshal Victor and King Joseph Bonaparte , British and Spanish forces held firm against repeated attacks under brutal summer...

In this episode, we break down Napoleon’s military strategies and the battlefield principles that made him the most feared commander of the Napoleonic Wars . From the corps system and rapid maneuver to central position , decisive battle , and relentless pursuit, Napoleon reshaped how wars were fought across Europe. Special guest & podcaster Jonathan Abel explores how Napoleon used speed, decep...

In this episode, we compare and contrast 2 minds of war: Clausewitz vs. Jomini. Special guest and professor Joshua Meeks joins the show to give us an overview on their respective biographies and their military theories. We will discuss all of the following: 🔍 1. Philosophy of War 🎯 Theory vs. Application 🧠 View of the Commander ⚔️ Tactical and Strategic Emphasis 🌍 Legacy and Influence Thanks f...

In this episode, we examine the Battle of Lützen (May 2, 1813), Napoleon’s first major battle after the disaster in Russia and the opening clash of the War of the Sixth Coalition . Facing the combined Russian and Prussian armies under Wittgenstein and Blücher , Napoleon’s rebuilt Grande Armée fought a brutal struggle across the villages of Grossgörschen, Kaja, and Rahna . Special guest & blogg...

In this episode, we examine General Loison , one of Napoleon’s most notorious generals during the Peninsular War . Nicknamed “Maneta” or "One-Hand" by his opponents, Loison earned a brutal reputation for his harsh counter-insurgency operations, scorched-earth tactics, and ruthless discipline—methods that fueled resistance rather than crushed it. Special guest Charles Mackay traces Loison...

In this episode, we examine the Battle of Albuera (May 16, 1811), the bloodiest battles of the Peninsular War . British, Portuguese, and Spanish forces under Marshal Beresford faced the French Army led by Marshal Soult in a savage struggle marked by relentless infantry combat and catastrophic casualties. Special guest Marcus Beresford breaks down Soult’s bold flanking attack, the desperate stand o...

One of more striking figures in Napoleon's cavalry squadrons was the imposing General Montbrun. Special guest and blogger Jonas de Neef joins the show to discuss this intrepid commander of the Grande Armee who died on the battlefield of Borodino. X/Twitter: @andnapoleon

The 1807 Battle of Eylau was a bloody stalemate that inflicted horrendous casualties on both sides. It may have also provided a blueprint on how to defeat Napoleon. Special guest & author Alexander Mikaberidze discusses the monumental clash between Napoleon's Grande Armee and the Russian army. X/Twitter: @AMikaberidze, @andnapoleon

In this episode, we explore General Charles Antoine Morand , one of Napoleon’s most capable battlefield commanders and a key figure in Marshal Davout’s III Corps . As a commander of division, Morand helped make Davout’s corps the most disciplined and feared formation in the Grande Armée . Special guest Charles Mackay follows Morand’s career through the great battles of the Napoleonic Wars , includ...

One of Nelson's masterpieces was also one of the most lopsided defeats suffered by the French Navy and Napoleon's military. Special guest & author John Kuehn discusses the background, strategy, outcome, and legacy of the battle. Step back into 1798 and witness one of the most dramatic naval battles in history — explore how Admiral Horatio Nelson outmaneuvered the French fleet at Abouki...

In December 1796, the French Republic launched a bold attempt to invade Ireland and spark a rebellion against British rule. Special guest Ciaran McDonnell discusses the French expedition, the reasons for its failure, and its ramifications. Led by General Lazare Hoche and supported by Wolfe Tone and the United Irishmen, this massive expedition of 15,000 troops was meant to ignite a nationwide upris...

General Louis Friant was not flashy—but he was one of Napoleon’s most reliable and effective commanders . Known for his discipline, speed, and precision on the battlefield, Friant played a critical role in many of the French Empire’s greatest victories, often commanding veterans of the Imperial Guard with iron resolve. Special guest Charles Mackay joins the show once again and tells us all about t...

⚔️ General Lallemand Special guest & author Jonathan North joins us for an exclusive double episode of Napoleon's generals. General Lallemand lived a life of bold ambition, shifting loyalties, and transatlantic adventure. A skilled cavalry commander in Napoleon’s army, Lallemand fought in some of the Empire’s fiercest campaigns—yet his story didn’t end at Waterloo. ✅ His cavalry service u...

Until this 1809 battle, Napoleon hadn't lost an engagement in over a decade. Special guest Nick Kramer joins the show to discuss this important setback in Napoleon's career and how the Emperor and his opponents reacted to it. X/Twitter: @nkramer5812, @andnapoleon

In its simplest form, the Congress of Vienna was a series of diplomatic meetings to iron out the new political landscape after the fall of Napoleon. Special guest Evan Wilson tells us why the Congress was so much more and how it effects us to this very day. X/Twitter: @wilsonevan, @andnapoleon

Dorsenne was a senior commander of Napoleon's famed Imperial Guard. Special guest and podcaster Patrick du Bois discusses the career of his ancestor, the legendary Dorsenne, and the general's unfortunate death. X/Twiiter: @andnapoleon

General Suvorov is widely considered to be the single greatest and most brilliant military commander in Russian history. Special guest & author John Kuehn walks us through his legendary career and his unfortunate death right before the Napoleonic Wars. X/Twitter: @jkuehn50, @andnapoleon

📨 You asked, we answered! In this Napoleonic Wars Mailbag Q&A, we take on your best questions about Napoleon, the generals, epic battles, tactics, and more. From the myths of Waterloo to underrated generals, we’re digging into history and setting the record straight. One of the best things about hosting this podcast - the amount of great questions we receive from our listeners and Patreon mem...