The Napoleonic Wars Podcast

EXPLICIT CONTENT WARNING: Fan flirting, dangerous liaisons, 'self-gratification', false modesty and sexual health are all under the microscope as sex historian Eleanor Janega joins us to talk about sex in the Napoleonic era. We also discuss the status of women during the period, why there really isn't a 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' effect, and why philosopher Voltaire really i...

In this gripping episode, we’re joined by Dr. Graeme Callister of York St John University to explore one of Napoleon’s most harrowing and least decisive battles—Eylau. As winter tightened its grip on East Prussia in early 1807, Napoleon pursued the Russian army into a frozen hellscape, determined to finish what he started after crushing Prussia. But at the bleak town of Eylau, the French encounter...

Who was responsible for the British losing America? George Washington? 'Gentleman Johnny' Burgoyne? Lord Howe? Clinton? Or someone else entirely? We discuss Britain's failures during the American War of Independence, whether Washington counts as British in the context of this debate, why egos matter in war, and whether this was a war that could never have been won by the British. https...

In this episode, expert John H. Gill unpacks the story of Napoleon’s Confederation of the Rhine armies. Created in 1806 as a new pact of German client states, the Confederation fielded some 90,000 soldiers by 1813. Gill asks if these men were patriotic allies or grumbling conscripts? He reveals how heavy recruitment and French domination stoked national resentment and even tiny principalities like...

Who was Napoleon's Greatest Marshal? We move one step closer to settling this question as Ney, Davout, Marmont, Murat, Saint Cyr and Suchet battle it out for public acclaim. Brace yourself for a shock as we delve into these titans of the French Army's greatest moments, their military record, and their wider legacy. Michel Ney , the “Bravest of the Brave,” and his heroic last stand. Louis-N...

To mark the 210th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, we held a livestream of the crisis moment of the battle. We talk about Napoleon Bonaparte's last desperate role of the dice, the French forces involved, the Battle of Quatre Bras and Ligny, and the efforts of Dutch, Belgian, Hanoverian, Brunswick, Prussian and, yes, British troops involved. In all we raised £600 for the Napoleonic & Revo...

1797 was a moment of escalating international tensions and deepening domestic divisions. For eight years prior, Adams had served at the heart of George Washington’s administration, but nothing could fully prepare him for what would await him in his own presidency: the XYZ Affair, the Quasi War with France and the political firestorm unleashed by the Alien and Sedition Acts. As the young republic s...

In this episode, we dive into four lesser-known but decisive moments that shaped the outcome of the 1815 Waterloo Campaign — moments that didn’t make headlines like the final charge of the Imperial Guard, but without which Napoleon’s defeat may never have happened. We begin on  15 June , as Prince Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar takes the initiative to defend the crossroads at  Quatre Bras , halting the F...

In this pivotal episode, we explore the pivotal episode that is the often-overlooked day  between the battles of Ligny and Waterloo — 17 June 1815 —a day of dramatic retreats, strategic decisions, and torrential rain. After their narrow escape from Napoleon’s forces at Quatre Bras,  Wellington’s Anglo-Allied army  began a calculated retreat north to a defensive ridge near the village of  Waterloo...

What happened at Waterloo? The story of the battle is well known, so in this episode we are focusing on the when and the how. How did these events overlap? On the 210th anniversary of the Waterloo campaign, we are retelling the story with the vital timestamps front and centre - we look at how these events interlink, and allow you to follow along, so that you can reflect on these events, knows exac...

Military historian John H. Gill leads us through the titanic Battle of Wagram in July of 1809. In the wake of Napoleon Bonaparte’s defeat at Aspern-Essling, Napoleon and Austria’s Archduke Charles race to rebuild and prepare. Gill vividly describes Napoleon’s massive fortification of Lobau Island and daring Danube crossing that thrust the Grande Armée onto Austrian soil. The episode delves into Ch...

In this episode we welcome Natalee Garrett to talk about the longest-serving Queen consort in British history: Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz . A powerful personality behind the scenes, Charlotte overcame the hurdles of cutthroat public opinion, inhospitable in-laws and the madness of her husband to become one of the most important people in the Georgian royal family, and one of the most influe...

Professor Kevin Linch joins us again for what is Act 1 covering all things rank and file recruitment, join us as we uncover the truth behind 'Sharpe's Regiment'. Professor Linch is a Professor of Modern History at the University of Leeds. He specialises in the history of Britain in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, focusing on the history of Britain's armed forces and...

The long awaited semi finals of the Battle of the Marshals are here, as Berthier, Massena, Soult, Lannes, Bernadotte and Oudinot all face off in an epic balloon debate. Fan favourites will fall and laughter abounds in a lively debate as we strive to find Napoleon Bonaparte's greatest marshal. One of the most enduring questions in military history, now plays out on the Napoleonic Wars Podcast....

Today we're joined by historian Terry Crowdy to discuss all things French Light Infantry. In 1792 France unleashed a new form of warfare in Europe. Faced with the well-drilled Austrian and Prussian armies, the French introduced the tactic of mass skirmishing. Soldiers were thrown forwards and told to fight in open order. Moving quickly and making use of cover, they fired on the enemy line, ann...

As the world reeled from the blistering success of Napoleon's winter offensive in the Iberian Peninsular in 1808-1809, how would the Spanish, Portuguese and British respond to the catastrophic collapse of the front in the face of Napoleon's onslaught. Josh Provan joins me to talk about how pockets of Spanish resistance proved that the war was not going to be over that quickly. We also disc...

How did the Corps of Colonial Marines act as a force multiplier in the War of 1812? Did freed slaves help burn down the White House? And what happened to these folks once the war was over? Matt Taylor returns with the final chapter of the Black Redcoats. Buy Matt's book at:  https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Black-Redcoats-Hardback/p/49346 Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicw...

Who was Louis-Alexandre Berther, one of the most famous, most popular, and most indispensable marshals? Is it fair to describe him as Napoleon's right hand man? What would the Napoleonic Wars have looked like without him? Rachael Stark returns to talk about the life and impact of this master of the logistical and staff elements of warfare, looking at his legacy, and his impact for military history...

Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte's best friend, Marshal Jean Lannes takes centre stage for the second instalment of a run down of his life. Rachael Stark reopens the discussion talking about his exploits in Egypt, we also discuss the Battle of Friedland, and the tragic end to the life of a man who was so close to the Emperor that Napoleon wept when this Marshal of France was mortally wounded. Support th...

Marshal Jean Lannes - a fiery marshal, and a savvy commander, is the focus of a two parter on his life, as we explore the man's military origins, his early life, and how he fell into Napoleon's orbit. What impact did this man have on the history of the French Revolutionary Wars, and how crucial would he be to Napoleon as he rose to become Emperor of France? Support the show at ⁠https://www...

The 18th century Way of War series continues with an exteamly special episode. Dr Alexander Burns, Professor of History at the University of Steubenville, joins us to discuss his incredible new book Infantry in Battle 1733 - 1783. Infantry in Battle rewrites the story of combat in the 18th century by placing enlisted infantrymen, the rank and file and their experiances at centre stage. What was it...

Marshal Michel Ney, described by French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte as 'the bravest of the brave' is one of the most popular figures in Napoleonic history. But is he overrated as a military commander? What was he like as a person? And what was his impact on the history of the Napoleonic Wars? Rachael Stark returns to talk about the epic life of Marshal Ney, from his temperament and success,...

The Napoleonic Wars Channel unveils its latest investment - incredible musical compositions written exclusively or the channel, as Lee Boyes, the master magician musician, talks through the process of creating music that evokes the turn of the 19th century. Support the show and attend more sessions like this at https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod?redirect=true Find out more about Lee&#3...

Marshal Joachim Murat, was unquestionably the most flamboyant of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte's marshals. A skilled cavalry commander, but impetuous and hot headed, he had a habit of charging with suicidal bravery at problems, and yet miraculously coming off unscathed. Was this well known, almost iconic figure, really that good a military commander? Why was his private life so tempestuous...

Silvia Gregorio-Sainz returns to the show to talk about some of the key figures of the Guerrilla struggle that was a key part of the Peninsular War. Folks discussed include Agustina of Aragon, Espoz y Mina, and the enigmatically named El Cappuccino... Zack and Liam also lower the tone by giving each other Guerrilla names... Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod https:/...