Generals and Napoleon

La Fayette is an intriguing figure - he participated in not one, but two major world revolutions. The American Revolutionary War went well for him, but the French Revolution did not. He was also frequently at loggerheads with Napoleon and his empire. We walk through his story with special guest Emmanuel Dubois. X/Twitter: @lafayettepod, @andnapoleon For bonus content: www.patreon.com/generalsandna...

Czar Alexander I of Russia was one of Napoleon’s most powerful and complex rivals—the monarch who ultimately helped bring down the French Empire. Idealistic, deeply religious, and politically shrewd, Alexander played a central role in the wars that reshaped Europe. In this episode, special guest Alexander Mikaberidze will explore Alexander’s rise to the Russian throne, his shifting relationship wi...

General Jean-Victor Moreau was one of the most talented commanders produced by Revolutionary France—and the one man many believed could rival Napoleon Bonaparte himself. A master of maneuver and defense, Moreau’s victories in Germany made him a national hero and a potential threat to Napoleon’s rise. In this episode, we explore Moreau’s military career, from his stunning success at Hohenlinden (18...

Robert “Black Bob” Craufurd was one of the most feared and respected officers in the British Army during the Peninsular War . Known for his iron discipline, explosive temper, and uncompromising standards, Craufurd forged the legendary Light Division into one of the most effective fighting forces of the Napoleonic Wars. In this episode, special guest Marcus Cribb will explore Craufurd’s military ca...

Spanish generals Gregorio García de la Cuesta and Joaquín Blake y Joyes played crucial—and often controversial—roles in Spain’s fight against Napoleon during the Peninsular War (1808–1814) . Tasked with resisting some of France’s finest marshals, both men struggled with outdated armies, political interference, and the brutal reality of Napoleonic warfare. General Cuesta , stubborn and aggressive,...

"Russia has no good generals. The only exception is Bagration." -Napoleon. Russian General Pyotr Ivanovich Bagration was one of the most aggressive and respected commanders to face Napoleon during the Napoleonic Wars . A disciple of Alexander Suvorov , Bagration earned a fearsome reputation for his courage, battlefield instincts, and refusal to retreat—often fighting in the thick of the...

General Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly was the architect of the strategy that ultimately defeated Napoleon in 1812 —yet he was one of the most criticized commanders of the entire Napoleonic Wars. Calm, methodical, and deeply unpopular, Barclay chose survival over glory as Napoleon’s Grand Army advanced into Russia. Barclay implemented a controversial scorched-earth strategy , trading space for t...

French General Jean-Andoche Junot , Duke of Abrantès , was one of Napoleon’s earliest companions and most loyal supporters—but also one of his most tragic commanders. Known for his personal bravery and volatile temperament, Junot rose rapidly during the Revolutionary Wars and followed Napoleon from Toulon to the heights of imperial command and almost to Marshal status. Junot is best remembered for...

British General Rowland Hill , later Viscount Hill , was one of the Duke of Wellington’s most reliable and respected subordinates during the Peninsular War . Calm under pressure and universally liked by his soldiers, Hill combined tactical skill with genuine concern for the men he commanded—earning him the nickname “Daddy Hill.” Hill played key roles in some of the war’s most important actions, in...

Prince Eugène de Beauharnais , Napoleon’s stepson, was one of the most capable and underrated commanders of the Napoleonic Wars . Often dismissed as a beneficiary of nepotism, Eugène repeatedly proved himself as a disciplined, loyal, and effective leader on some of the empire’s hardest battlefields. As Viceroy of Italy , Eugène commanded French and allied forces during the 1809 Italian campaign ,...

Pasquale Paoli was the father of Corsican nationalism and one of the most influential political figures of the late 18th century , whose ideas and actions shaped the world Napoleon grew up in. A soldier, statesman, and revolutionary thinker, Paoli fought for Corsican independence long before Napoleon rose to power. As leader of the Corsican resistance against Genoese and French rule , Paoli establ...

Russian Field Marshal Mikhail Kutuzov was the commander who finally broke Napoleon’s momentum during the 1812 invasion of Russia . Veteran, cautious, and politically savvy, Kutuzov understood that defeating Napoleon did not require destroying the French army in one battle—only surviving it. Taking command after the retreat from Smolensk , Kutuzov faced enormous pressure to fight. He chose the grou...

Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington , was the one commander who consistently defeated Napoleon’s marshals and ultimately helped bring down the French Empire. Methodical, disciplined, and unshakably calm under fire, Wellington forged the British Army into a professional force capable of standing toe-to-toe with Napoleonic France. Best known for his victories in the Peninsular War , Wellington...

General Gudin: Napoleon’s Fallen Friend | Special Guest Cary Elwes French General Charles Étienne Gudin de La Sablonnière was one of Napoleon Bonaparte’s closest friends and most trusted battlefield commanders. Brilliant, loyal, and courageous, Gudin represented the new generation of Revolutionary officers whose rise mirrored Napoleon’s own—and whose sacrifice deeply affected the Emperor. Gudin di...

Napoleon’s 26 Marshals Compared: Genius, Failure, and Glory Napoleon created 26 Marshals of the Empire , an elite group of commanders who carried the French armies to victory across Europe—and sometimes to disaster. From legendary battlefield leaders to controversial political survivors, no 2 marshals were alike. In this episode, special guest Rachael Stark will compare all 26 marshals , examining...

Duke of Elchingen, Prince of the Moskva, Le Rougeaud, the Bravest of the Brave, Red Michel. How fitting that Episode 26 features the most inspirational of the 26 Marshals of the Empire! Learn all about Marshal Ney's wild life in this episode.  To support our podcast, please go to patreon.com/generalsandnapoleon X/Twitter: @andnapoleon

Marshal Joachim Murat: Napoleon’s Dazzling Cavalry King French Marshal Joachim Murat was the most flamboyant and fearless cavalry commander of the Napoleonic Wars . Famous for his extravagant uniforms and thunderous charges, Murat led Napoleon’s cavalry in some of the empire’s greatest victories—yet his ambition and political missteps ultimately led to his downfall. Murat played decisive roles at...

French Marshal André Masséna , known as “Napoleon’s Dear Child of Victory,” was one of the most talented and aggressive commanders of the Napoleonic Wars . A master of maneuver and battlefield improvisation, Masséna earned his reputation during the Revolutionary Wars and became one of Napoleon’s most trusted marshals in combat. Masséna played decisive roles at Rivoli , Zurich , Austerlitz , and Wa...

As Napoleon famously stated, "If I had 2 Suchet's, I could've held all of Spain." French Marshal Louis-Gabriel Suchet , later Duke of Albufera , was one of Napoleon’s most disciplined and successful commanders. Unlike many marshals whose brilliance was overshadowed by ambition or flamboyance, Suchet earned his reputation through consistent victories, careful administration, and strategic mastery —...

Bonus episode on the life and times of Marshal Davout! We have a special guest, Jimmy Chen of NapoleonicImpressions.com, which is an online store selling unique printed products inspired by the Napoleonic era. Please checkout their site as they are a big supporter of ours. This episode focuses on Marshal Davout's role in the Russian campaign. We also discuss the battles of Austerlitz, Auerstad...

Marshal Davout: Napoleon’s Iron Marshal French Marshal Louis-Nicolas Davout , nicknamed “The Iron Marshal,” was one of Napoleon’s most talented and disciplined commanders. Known for his unshakable loyalty, meticulous organization, and battlefield brilliance, Davout consistently delivered victories even under the most difficult circumstances. He famously crushed the Prussians at Auerstädt with a sm...

Marshal Pierre Augereau: Napoleon’s Bold and Unpredictable Commander Pierre Augereau was one of Napoleon’s earliest subordinates, known for his courage, tactical audacity, and occasional unpredictability. Rising through the ranks during the French Revolutionary Wars , Augereau earned a reputation as a fearless leader and a master of aggressive infantry tactics. He played key roles at Castiglione a...

Claude Victor-Perrin , known simply as Marshal Victor , was one of Napoleon’s most reliable and resilient leaders. Renowned for his calm demeanor, disciplined troops, and ability to execute orders under pressure, Victor earned his place among the 26 Marshals of the Empire through consistent performance rather than flamboyance. Victor distinguished himself in campaigns across Italy, Germany, and Sp...

Marshal Bernadotte aka King Charles XIV of Sweden was an interesting man. He had many talents on the battlefield and in the political arena, but he was never fully trusted by Napoleon - for good reason. Find out more about this opportunistic marshal who still has a dynasty in Europe to this very day.  **Please give our YouTube page a follow! X/Twitter: @andnapoleon Bluesky: @andnapoleon.bsky.socia...

Marshal Jean Lannes: Napoleon’s Greatest Fighting Marshal Jean Lannes was widely regarded as Napoleon’s finest battlefield commander and the marshal he trusted most in moments of crisis. Rising from humble origins, Lannes combined ferocious courage, tactical brilliance, and absolute loyalty—often leading from the front alongside his soldiers. Lannes played decisive roles at Arcole , Montebello , A...