Ridiculous History

CLASSIC: Napoleon Bonaparte Was Attacked by Bunnies -- And Lost

Nov 16, 2024
The chaotic encounter between Napoleon Bonaparte and a horde of hungry bunnies takes center stage, showcasing the absurdity of history. As a military genius, Napoleon's quirky moments, including his ill-fated rabbit hunting expedition, reveal a lighter side to his complex legacy. The hosts dive into his interactions with Alexander I and the surprising shifts in European power dynamics. This whimsical retelling casts a humorous light on a legendary figure, underlining how even the mightiest can be hilariously outmatched by fluffy foes.
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INSIGHT

Tilsit Marked A Fragile High Point

  • The Treaties of Tilsit in 1807 marked Napoleon's peak diplomatic victory and temporary hegemony over Europe.
  • Secret clauses and power imbalances made the alliance with Russia fragile and ultimately unsustainable.
INSIGHT

Romanticized Rapport Had Strategic Cost

  • Napoleon and Tsar Alexander I displayed unusually warm public friendship during Tilsit, including hugs and gift exchanges.
  • Historians debate whether Napoleon misread Alexander's intentions, calling the rapport a strategic misstep.
ANECDOTE

Rabbit Hunt Backfires On Napoleon

  • Napoleon celebrated the Treaties of Tilsit in summer 1807 by going rabbit hunting with dozens to thousands of captive rabbits.
  • The tame rabbits charged Napoleon and his party, swarmed his carriage, and forced them to flee the scene.
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