Ridiculous History
Badass of the Week, with Ben Thompson - Part 2: the Battle of Karánsebes
Mar 27, 2025
Join Ben Thompson, creator of the Badass of the Week podcast, as he dives into the absurdity of the Battle of Karánsebes, a military mishap where a panicked army turned on itself. They discuss the chaos of friendly fire among 172,000 disorganized troops and the hilarity that ensued despite the grim backdrop of war. Ben shares insights on ambition in leadership and the unforeseen consequences of miscommunication during conflicts. Humor and hidden histories intertwine, making this a captivating exploration of one of history's most ridiculous moments.
43:31
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Quick takeaways
- The ill-fated military expedition against the Ottoman Empire showcased the catastrophic consequences of overconfidence and lack of coordination among troops.
- A chaotic friendly-fire incident exemplified the unpredictability of human behavior in crisis situations, leading to a self-inflicted defeat for the Austrian army.
Deep dives
The Overconfident Strategist
An overconfident military leader planned to launch an attack against the Ottoman Empire, believing he would be greeted as a liberator by the Serbian people. He assembled a massive army of 230,000 soldiers and marched towards Belgrade with the expectation that his troops would face minimal resistance. However, his lack of coordination resulted in a half-hearted siege attempt, failing to fully encircle the city. As a result, his troops suffered from the heat and disease, diminishing morale and undermining the operation before it could even commence.
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