The Sunday Debate: Napoleon the Great? With Andrew Roberts, Adam Zamoyski and Jeremy Paxman

Aug 1, 2021

Join distinguished historians Andrew Roberts, known for his works on Napoleonic history, and Adam Zamoyski, best-selling author on the French Revolution, as they dive deep into the legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte. They debate whether he was a military genius or a blundering tyrant. Their conversation touches on Napoleon's achievements in reforming France, his significant military losses, and the complexities of assessing his influence on modern European governance and nationalism, revealing the contradictions in how history remembers him.

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ANECDOTE

Napoleon's Corsican Origins and Shift in Allegiance

Napoleon's family secured his place in French military school through his mother's affair with the governor of Corsica, Comte de Marbeuf.
Napoleon, insecure about his parentage, initially championed Corsican independence but later embraced French identity and the Enlightenment.

ANECDOTE

Napoleon's Political Objectives and Ruling Style

Napoleon aimed for French dominance in Western Europe, promoting Enlightenment ideals.
He prioritized order and action, but his methods, like bullying his brothers who ruled as kings, were questionable.

INSIGHT

Judging Napoleon: Balancing Historical Context and Present-Day Standards

Judging historical figures solely by today's standards is inappropriate, as societal norms and behaviors evolve over time.
Napoleon's actions must be viewed within the context of his era, considering both his positive contributions and negative actions.

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Napoleon the Great

Andrew Roberts

This biography by Andrew Roberts provides a detailed account of Napoleon's life, from his birth in Corsica to his death in exile. It highlights his military genius, political reforms, and personal life, offering a nuanced view of his strengths and weaknesses. The book draws on Napoleon's personal correspondence and extensive historical research to present a comprehensive portrait of the man and his era.

Moscow 1812

Napoleon's Fatal March

Adam Zamoyski

The rites of passage

Arnold van Gennep

In 'The Rites of Passage', Arnold van Gennep systematically analyzes ceremonies marking an individual's transition from one social status to another. He identifies a common three-part structure: separation, liminality, and incorporation. This work has profoundly influenced anthropology, sociology, and religious studies by providing a framework for understanding ritual and transition across cultures.

Phantom Terror

Adam Zamoyski

In 'Phantom Terror', Adam Zamoyski examines the period following the French Revolution, highlighting how European monarchs' attempts to suppress dissent led to the very revolutions they feared. This era of paranoia and state control laid the groundwork for modern totalitarian states and ongoing social conflicts. Zamoyski's work is both a vivid historical account and a thought-provoking commentary on the nature of power.

Rites of Peace

The Fall of Napoleon and the Congress of Vienna

Adam Zamoyski

This book by Adam Zamoyski explores the Congress of Vienna, which reshaped Europe after Napoleon's defeat. It reveals the complex and often brutal negotiations that took place, contrasting with the traditional view of elegant diplomacy. The book highlights how the Congress laid the foundations for modern Europe's social order and security systems.

Phantom Terror

Adam Zamoyski