The Napoleonic Wars Podcast

Who was Louis-Alexandre Berther, one of the most famous, most popular, and most indispensable marshals? Is it fair to describe him as Napoleon's right hand man? What would the Napoleonic Wars have looked like without him?Rachael Stark returns to talk about the life and impact of this master of the logistical and staff elements of warfare, looking at his legacy, and his impact for military history as well as his relationships with Napoleon, the other marshals, and that contentious question of why his life ended so suddenly with a 'defenestration'.Support the show at ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/napwarspod⁠ 

Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte's best friend, Marshal Jean Lannes takes centre stage for the second instalment of a run down of his life.Rachael Stark reopens the discussion talking about his exploits in Egypt, we also discuss the Battle of Friedland, and the tragic end to the life of a man who was so close to the Emperor that Napoleon wept when this Marshal of France was mortally wounded.Support the show at ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/napwarspod⁠ 

Marshal Jean Lannes - a fiery marshal, and a savvy commander, is the focus of a two parter on his life, as we explore the man's military origins, his early life, and how he fell into Napoleon's orbit. What impact did this man have on the history of the French Revolutionary Wars, and how crucial would he be to Napoleon as he rose to become Emperor of France?Support the show at ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/napwarspod⁠ 

The 18th century Way of War series continues with an exteamly special episode. Dr Alexander Burns, Professor of History at the University of Steubenville, joins us to discuss his incredible new book Infantry in Battle 1733 - 1783. Infantry in Battle rewrites the story of combat in the 18th century by placing enlisted infantrymen, the rank and file and their experiances at centre stage. What was it like to recieve artillery fire, or conduct a bayonet charge? What were the relationships like between officers and men? Dr Burns covers all this and more.Dr Burns' work covers 18th century conflict arounf the globe with stories from the War of the Polish Succession, the War of the Austrian Succession, the French and Indian Wars and of course the American War of Independance to name but a few. With powerful narratives of combat, intense research and a dedication to teling the stories of war in the period this book, and indeed this episode are not to be missed. Links to Alexander's work can be found below.Infantry in Battle 1733-1783 | From Reason to Revolution 1721-1815 | Helion & CompanyThe Changing Face of Old Regime Warfare | From Reason to Revolution 1721-1815 | Helion & CompanyThe Prime and Load Podcast can be found here Prime and Load! - Podcast - Apple Podcasts, or from the usual Podcast platfroms.

Marshal Michel Ney, described by French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte as 'the bravest of the brave' is one of the most popular figures in Napoleonic history. But is he overrated as a military commander? What was he like as a person? And what was his impact on the history of the Napoleonic Wars?Rachael Stark returns to talk about the epic life of Marshal Ney, from his temperament and success, to his failures and tragic demise.Support the show at ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/napwarspod⁠ 

The Napoleonic Wars Channel unveils its latest investment - incredible musical compositions written exclusively or the channel, as Lee Boyes, the master magician musician, talks through the process of creating music that evokes the turn of the 19th century.Support the show and attend more sessions like this at https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod?redirect=trueFind out more about Lee's work and commission him yourself at https://auralabstudios.myportfolio.com/demo-reel

Marshal Joachim Murat, was unquestionably the most flamboyant of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte's marshals. A skilled cavalry commander, but impetuous and hot headed, he had a habit of charging with suicidal bravery at problems, and yet miraculously coming off unscathed.Was this well known, almost iconic figure, really that good a military commander? Why was his private life so tempestuous? And what was his impact on the history of the Napoleonic Wars?Rachael Stark joins us to talk about the life and legacy of the most colourful Marshal.Support the show at ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/napwarspod⁠ 

Silvia Gregorio-Sainz returns to the show to talk about some of the key figures of the Guerrilla struggle that was a key part of the Peninsular War. Folks discussed include Agustina of Aragon, Espoz y Mina, and the enigmatically named El Cappuccino...Zack and Liam also lower the tone by giving each other Guerrilla names...Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspodhttps://linktr.ee/napwarspod

How did the British manage to help an entire Spanish army escape from Central Europe so that they could be shipped home to fight in the Peninsular War? John Marsden joins us to explore the story of 'Napoleon's stolen army', and how these Spanish troops and British intrigue managed to pull off one of the most audacious and little known operations of the Napoleonic Wars.Support the show at patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspodBuy John's book at: https://www.helion.co.uk/military-history-books/napoleons-stolen-army-how-the-royal-navy-rescued-a-spanish-army-in-the-baltic.php

What did the Founding Fathers really want the government to look like? Peter Kastor's new digital history project - "Creating a Federal Government" - looks beyond the elected politicians at the top to provide some answers to this and other questions . He joins Josh and Luke to talk all about it.Check out the project ⁠here⁠.