The Napoleonic Wars Podcast

In 1799 Napoleon Bonaparte abandoned an army, and abandoned a government, launching a coup which would cement his place as a pivotal figure in history. Dr Graeme Callister returns to talk us through the political chaos, key figures, and strategic planning behind the event. We also discuss the revolutionary context, the role of military and political players, and the implications for French history.Buy Graeme's books at: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Dr-Graeme-Callister/a/4546Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspodChapters00:00 The Rise of Napoleon: A Coup in 179903:01 Napoleon's Return from Egypt: A Savior or a Coward?06:10 The State of the Directory: A Failing Government08:58 The Impact of Personal Relationships on Political Decisions11:57 The Paranoia of French Politics: A Legacy of the Terror15:01 Key Figures in the Coup: Allies and Influencers17:49 The Role of the Military in Political Change21:14 The Future of France: Napoleon's Vision and Ambitions28:03 Key Figures in the Coup32:09 Political Dynamics and Military Influence35:10 Historical Parallels: The English Civil War39:00 Napoleon's Rise: From Second Choice to Leader50:14 The Coup Plan: Constitutional Manipulation54:32 Conclusion and Future DiscussionsKeywordsNapoleon Bonaparte, French Revolution, Brumaire Coup, French politics, military strategy, 1799, revolutionary France, political upheaval

The Napoleonic era was a transformative age in the development of Alchemy and Chemistry. Explore the fascinating history of alchemy from ancient Egypt to the Napoleonic era, uncovering how early science evolved and influenced modern chemistry. Join Dr. Kit Chapman as he debunks myths, highlights key discoveries, and reveals the surprising connections between alchemy, science, and history. We blow the dust off the test tubes, and pull back the curtain on turning lead into gold, to give you an insight into how much was changing in the modern understanding of science as war waged across Europe.The Age of Alchemy by Dr. Kit Chapman - https://profilebooks.com/work/the-age-of-alchemy/Super Heavy: Making and Breaking the Periodic Table by Dr. Kit Chapman - https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/superheavy-9781472953926/Racing Green: How Motorsport Science Can Save the World by Dr. Kit Chapman - https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/racing-green-9781472982186/Dr. Kit Chapman - Official Website - https://kitchapman.comSupport the show at patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspodTime Stamps:00:00 The Intersection of Alchemy and Chemistry04:49 Historical Context of Alchemy09:59 The Evolution of Alchemy to Chemistry15:02 The Napoleonic Era and Scientific Inquiry20:13 War as a Catalyst for Scientific Advancement24:47 The Role of Antoine Lavoisier30:54 The Life and Legacy of Antoine Lavoisier39:27 The Birth of Modern Chemistry45:35 Humphry Davy and the Discovery of Laughing Gas48:44 Mary Shelley and the Birth of Science Fiction54:26 Alchemy's Resurgence in the 19th Century56:38 Celebrating Unsung Heroes in ScienceKeywordsalchemy, history of science, chemistry, Napoleonic era, Lavoisier, alchemy myths, scientific revolution, history of elements, Humphrey Davy, Marie Curie

In this Battle Series episode of the The Napoleonic Wars Podcast, we head to southern Italy to unpack the dramatic and sometimes misunderstood Battle of Maida with historian Richard Hopton author of 'The Battle of Maida, 1806: Fifteen Minutes of Glory'.We set the stage with the wider Mediterranean campaign before diving into the opposing commanders, John Stuart and Jean Reynier, and the bold decisions that brought both armies into open battle.From the geography of the Maida plain to the eerie “awful silence” before bayonets clash, we reconstruct the battle moment by moment. At its heart lies the famous “fifteen minutes” that shattered the French attack, was this a triumph of fire discipline, leadership, or something more complex?We also tackle one of Napoleonic history’s biggest debates: line versus column. What really happened on the day, and how did Maida become a textbook case albeit accurately or not?Finally, we explore the aftermath, its strategic impact, its place in British military memory, and whether Maida deserves its reputation as a pivotal moment.A fast paced, myth busting deep dive into one of the era’s most fascinating battles that may have set up some of Britain's most decorated commaders for sucess in future campaigns. For more on Richard’s published works and where to find them, please click here Richard Hopton - Author | Historian | Journalist - Richard Hopton

Historian and Rifles veteran Tim Saunders joins us to delve into the history, ethos, and legacy of the 95th Rifles, a distinguished unit of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. We discuss their formation, training, and the impact of their unique weaponry, including the Baker rifle. The discussion also explores the challenges faced by the unit, their portrayal in popular culture through Bernard Cornwell's 'Sharp'e series, and the lasting influence of the 95th on modern military practices.Tim's books: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tim-Saunders/a/227Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspodKeywords95th Rifles, Napoleonic Wars, British Army, light infantry, military history, Tim Saunders, Baker rifle, green jacket, Peninsula War, legacyTime Stamps: All timings approximate00:00 Introduction to the 95th Rifles02:17 The Formation and Evolution of the 95th Rifles12:20 The Ethos and Character of the Rifle Corps19:09 Training Regimen and Marksmanship of the 95th27:08 The Baker Rifle: A Game Changer for the 95th32:59 The Evolution of Wellington's Army41:35 The Significance of the Green Jacket42:06 The Impact of the Peninsula War49:34 Challenges and Failures of the 95th55:06 The Legacy of the 95th and Popular Culture

What does it take to make a Marshal of France. Of the 26 individuals that Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte elevated to the highest military rank of the first French Empire, there were a myriad of similarities and differences - ostentatious, arrogant, specialists, administrators, inspirational figures, princes and paupers.To delve into the characters of these exalted figures of military and Napoleonic history, Rachael Stark and Dr Graeme Callister sit down to unpick the lives and styles of command of the French Marshals. We cover the diversity of the marshals' backgrounds, Napoleon's influence on marshal selection, the relationships between Napoleon and his marshals, and their strategic and tactical successes and failures.Graeme's Books: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Dr-Graeme-Callister/a/4546Timestamps (All timings approximate):00:00 Introduction to the Marshals of France02:47 Diversity Among the Marshals06:10 Napoleon's Influence on His Marshals08:53 Origins and Backgrounds of the Marshals11:51 The Impact of Early Life Experiences14:59 Training and Military Education18:13 The Role of Luck and Timing20:59 Relationships with Napoleon24:14 The Marshals' Loyalty and Pragmatism27:01 Listening to the Marshals30:00 Personality Dynamics Among the Marshals46:05 Exploring Personality Traits of Marshals50:05 The Role of Arrogance in Leadership56:55 Inspiration vs. Administration in Command Styles01:04:03 Evaluating the Choices of Marshals01:07:27 Strategic and Tactical Command Styles01:19:08 Comparing French Marshals to Their Opponents01:25:38 Public Perception of MarshalsKeywordsNapoleon, marshals, military leadership, history, strategy, personalities, Napoleon's generals, military history, leadership traits, Napoleonic Wars

In an emergency recording Gareth Glover sits down with Zack to discuss a major auction of Napoleonic letters, the importance of preserving historical documents, and how the community can help save these invaluable pieces of history from private collections. The episode emphasises the significance of public access and proper preservation of military heritage, and the way that listeners can chip in to safeguard this remarkable cache of documents for future generations.Support Gareth's fundraising bid directly via paypal by searching for this account: geegee.glover1@outlook.comNotify Gareth that you would like to pledge an amount, or discuss more details with him via email at: geegee.glover1@outlook.comMore information available on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/waterlooassociation/permalink/24547146224983255/

To mark International Women's Day we ask 'Who was the most powerful woman of the Napoleonic era?' 'Did women weild 'soft power', 'hard power' or just plain old power?' and 'have women been quietly weilding the power for years, while the men fail to notice?'This episode of the Napoleonic Wars Pod delves into the complex dynamics of power during the Napoleonic era, focusing on the influence of women such as Josephine, Queen Louise of Prussia, and Dorothea von Lieven. The discussion explores the distinctions between hard and soft power, the role of women in shaping political landscapes, and the legacy of these influential figures. Through engaging pitches and lively debate, the guests highlight how these women navigated a male-dominated world to exert their influence and power. Beatrice de Graaf joins the usual gang to debate this topic.Chapters00:00 The Riddle of Power02:57 Defining Power: Hard vs. Soft05:53 Influence Behind the Throne08:47 The Role of Women in Power Dynamics12:01 Napoleon's Circle: Who Influences Him?14:52 The Power of Memory and Propaganda18:00 Pitching Powerful Women of the Era21:07 The Case for Dorothea von Lieven23:48 Queen Louise of Prussia: A Political Force27:02 Josephine: The Empress Behind the Emperor30:07 The Legacy of Powerful Women

This conversation delves into the themes of Napoleonic governance and the integration of Europe, exploring the complexities of Napoleon's legacy, the cultural superiority perceived by the French, and the responses of various nations to French rule. The discussion highlights the interplay between idealism and pragmatism in governance, the lasting impacts of the Napoleonic Code, and the nuanced perspectives on gender roles during this period. The guests, Alexander Mikaberidze and Doina Harsanyi, provide insights into their edited volume, discussing the motivations behind the conference that led to its creation and the diverse contributions from scholars in the field.Get the books:https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-96467-1https://academic.oup.com/book/43775https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-97340-7Support the show at patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspod

In the mists off the coast of Portugal February 1797, daring disobedience, lacklustre leadership and discipline under fire came together to produce a timely and reputation-defining victory for the British at the Battle of Cape St Vincent.Naval historian Kate Jamieson takes us for a blow by blow journey through the gunsmoke and splinters to help us separate the myth from the historical reality, and understand how this battle managed to forge the reputations to two men, and quash another invasion threat before it could get under way.The conversation delves into the Battle of Cape St. Vincent, exploring the context, key commanders, and the pivotal role of Nelson. It highlights the strategic maneuvers, the impact of weather, and the aftermath of the battle, including the consequences for both the British and Spanish navies. The discussion emphasizes Nelson's bold actions that led to a significant British victory and the subsequent effects on naval morale and strategy during the Revolutionary War.KeywordsBattle of Cape St. Vincent, naval warfare, Nelson, Jervis, Cordoba, maritime history, Revolutionary War, British Navy, Spanish Navy, naval strategyChapters00:00 Setting the Stage: The Battle of Cape St. Vincent05:47 Commanders and Their Styles: Jervis vs. Cordoba20:02 The British Fleet: Strengths and Weaknesses21:00 Opening Moves: Nelson's Strategic Advantage32:55 The Battle Unfolds: Chaos and Confusion34:10 The Spanish Fleet's Response34:59 Nelson's Bold Maneuver38:55 The Turning Point of the Battle41:47 The Aftermath of Victory49:00 The Impact on Naval Reputation54:58 Mutinies and Morale in the Navy

In the run up to our hotly anticipated interview with Sean Bean and Bernard Cornwell (titled Sharpe's Confession), Zack, Liam and Louie sit down to discuss some of the greatest moments from the Sharpe franchise. From best books to most diabolical villains we dissect the series to discuss the high points of the novels and TV series which we have so often described as 'the gateway drug into the Napoleonic era'.What do you think? What did we miss? Leave your thoughts in the comments!Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod?vanity=userChapters (All timings approximate):00:00 Introduction to the Sharpe Series01:43 Debating the Greatest Sharpe Book02:55 Liam's Pitch: Sharpe's Storm18:40 Louie's Pitch: Sharpe's Tiger32:41 Zack's Pitch: Sharpe's Waterloo38:43 The Dynamics of Sharpe and Waterloo41:22 Character Development and Historical Context44:29 The Appeal of Historical Drama46:12 TV Adaptations: A Mixed Bag55:54 Imagining Future AdaptationsTags: Sharpe series, Bernard Cornwell, Napoleonic Wars, historical fiction, book review, character analysis, Sharpe's Storm, Sean Bean, military history, emotional depth.

The French Imperial Guard has a reputation as the elite, all conquering crack troops of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. But how justified is that reputation? Dr Graeme Callister joins us to talk about the formation of the Guard, its reputation, organisation, combat record and discipline, to unpick the myth from the reality.Get exclusive content at https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod

The climax of our epic 'Battle of the Marshals' showdown arrives tonight, as the man who has come to define perceptions of a Chief of Staff, Louis-Alexandre Berthier, and the Iron Marshal Nicolas Davout go head to head in our grand final.After hours of discussion, pitches from our most loyal fans, votes, lobbying, balloon debates and back stabbing, we have whittled France's most exalted commanders of the Napoleonic era down to just two. Who wins? You decide.Professor Edward Coss, Emeritus Professor of the United States Command and General Staff College champions Bethier, whilst the maestro of the Marshal series Rachael Stark fights for Davout in an extended debate that ranges widely on these men's skills, flaws, greatest success, and biggest embarrassment. Who take the crown is in your hands. Comment below, vote on social media, share with your friends, and get involved in the discussion, to see your favourite take one of the greatest titles in Napoleonic history: Napoleon's Greatest Marshal.Merry Christmas to all our fans, and a huge thanks to everyone who has been involved in this incredible series.Support out show: https://www.patreon.com/cw/thenapoleonicwarspod

In our first episode of this new series, Dr John McAleer and host Dr Zack White delve into the history and significance of the East India Company, exploring its origins, its role in the British Empire, and its impact on India and the world. We discuss the complexities of trade, competition, and the transition from a mercantile enterprise to a military power, culminating in the pivotal events leading to the Battle of Plassey.Support the show on patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/cw/thenapoleonicwarspodTakeawaysThe East India Company was a major player in global trade.It significantly impacted the lives of millions across continents.The company laid the foundations for the British Empire in India.Understanding the East India Company is crucial for grasping Britain's multicultural society.The company's rise was not inevitable; it faced many challenges.The Mughal Empire was a sophisticated political entity during the company's early years.European rivalries influenced the dynamics of trade in India.The East India Company transitioned from trade to military power in the 18th century.The company became a state in disguise, exerting political control.The Battle of Plassey marked a turning point in the company's history.Chapters (timings approximate)00:00 The Rise of the East India Company11:03 Understanding the Impact of Imperialism21:00 Navigating Competition in the Indian Ocean29:51 Cultural Perceptions and Misunderstandings31:44 The East India Company: A Historical Perspective35:46 Understanding the Mughal Empire's Influence40:33 European Rivalries and Diplomatic Maneuvers45:39 The Tenuous Position of the English Company49:49 Transition to Military Power54:38 Proxy Wars and Political Intrigues59:44 The Metamorphosis of the East India CompanyKEYWORDSEast India Company, British Empire, imperialism, history, trade, globalization, colonialism, Mughal Empire, military history, 18th century