Behind the Bastards Part Three: Napoleon III: The Worst Bonaparte
Dec 6, 2022
In this episode, comedian Matt Lieb brings his witty take on the tumultuous life of Napoleon III. They dive deep into his chaotic coup attempts and his crafty rise to power amid the political strife of 1848. The discussion humorously contrasts Napoleon’s ambitions with contemporary politics and explores his complex legacy, including his controversial military decisions during the Crimean War. With playful banter about historical absurdities and pop culture, this conversation proves that history can be both enlightening and entertaining!
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Louis Napoleon's Botched Coup Anecdote
- Louis Napoleon's failed coup included shooting an unarmed man in the mouth and attempting suicide repeatedly.
- He used his court appearance to give a populist speech justifying his actions and appealing to the French people.
Riding the Political Wave to Victory
- Louis Napoleon won presidential election due to his Napoleonic name and anti-king stance.
- Alexis de Tocqueville noted he used the political wave to achieve what others could not.
Napoleon III's Authoritarian Populism
- Napoleon III pioneered authoritarian populism by using universal male suffrage to legitimize his reign.
- He held plebiscites to appear democratically elected while establishing himself as emperor.
