The Napoleonic Wars Podcast

The Most Irritating Myth of the Napoleonic Era

May 17, 2022
Join Ed Coss, a passionate military historian, and Peter Molloy, an engaging analysis enthusiast, alongside a stellar panel including Marcus Cribb, Beatrice de Graaf, Josh Provan, Jacqueline Reiter, Jimmy Chen, and Rachael Stark. They dive into the most irritating myths of the Napoleonic Era, tackling misconceptions about Wellington's tactics, the contributions of Irish soldiers, and the realities of Napoleon's Russian campaign. The lively banter and insightful critiques illuminate the complexities of history, inviting listeners to rethink what they thought they knew.
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INSIGHT

Wellington: Offensive as Defensive

  • Wellington was often wrongly seen as merely a defensive general due to the focus on Waterloo.
  • In reality, he launched many offensive campaigns and sieges, notably in India and the Peninsula War.
INSIGHT

Retreat as Strategic Skill

  • Retreat in battle is a strategic skill, not a failure.
  • Wellington famously knew when retreating preserved his army and led to ultimate victory.
INSIGHT

Myth of German National Unity

  • The myth that Germany unified as a nation fighting Napoleon is false; Germany was fragmented.
  • Many German states initially sided with Napoleon and only reluctantly joined Allies.
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