The Age of Napoleon Podcast

During 1810, Napoleon made drastic changes to his Continental System. We check in on the economic war, and get to know the people who dared to violate Bonaparte's blockade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A little bonus material in honor of the 250th anniversary of America's Declaration of Independence: a conversation with Will Clark of Grey History and David Montgomery of The Siècle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a humiliating military defeat by the Russians, Sweden found itself strategically isolated, politically unstable, and without an heir to the throne. Desperate to change course, the Swedes turned to an almost unbelievably unlikely savior. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A guide to the artillery of the Napoleonic era... the artillery was a marvel of organization and logistics, and stood at the forefront of technical and doctrinal innovation. Its internal culture made a major impact on Napoleon's character and outlook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Late 1809 saw disaster after disaster for the Spanish Patriots. The French were ascendant in Iberia, but the Empire was struggling with the expense of constant warfare, and Wellington was preparing to fight on, even without his Spanish allies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1809 was another trying year for the Spanish Patriots. The will to resist remained strong, but the Spanish leadership seemed unable to come up with a winning strategy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The spring and summer of 1810 saw Napoleon enjoying life as a newlywed. Bonaparte was happy, but there were ominous signs of trouble ahead. He himself would later admit the Empire was headed towards "the edge of the abyss." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Napoleon's search for a new wife eventually led to Vienna, where the new Austrian Foreign Minister, Klemens von Metternich, was preparing to take Austria in a new direction on the world stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We interview David Serero of the Festival Napoléon and get a special message from Will Clark of Grey History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

News of the Abdications of Bayonne shook Spanish colonial societies to their foundations. Within a few years, the nations of South and Central America would be on the road to independence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We examine Spanish America on the eve of the Wars of Independence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josephine was the great love of Napoleon's life, but in late 1809, he had their marriage annulled -- how had it come to this? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We examine Napoleon's private life, with a special focus on the most important person in it: the charming and controversial Empress of the French, Josephine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the summer of 1809, General Sir Arthur Wellesley led a small British army into Spain. While the war raged on, Napoleon was also picking a political fight with a powerful enemy: the Roman Catholic Church. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Iberia, 1809: the Aragonese capital of Zaragoza was under siege once again. To the west, the French prepared another invasion of Portugal. Meanwhile, in London, the British leadership debated a renewed commitment in this theater of the war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throughout 1809, small groups of brave (or foolish) German patriots tried to stir up nationalist uprisings against France. Meanwhile, in Iberia, a very ugly war dragged on with no end in sight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Late 1809: Napoleon negotiated a punitive peace treaty with Austria and survived a strange assassination attempt. Meanwhile, the British launched a surprise invasion of the continent and dealt with political controversies at home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After his victory at Wagram, Napoleon pursued the Austrians. Peace was in the air, but the war would end on an almost unbelievably dramatic note in the middle of a Bohemian thunderstorm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the summer of 1809, Napoleon crossed the Danube again to confront Archduke Charles and the Habsburg field army and avenge his defeat at Aspern-Essling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the War of the Fifth Coalition raged on, anti-French rebels rose up in the Alps and a remarkable Royal Navy captain fought one of the era's strangest battles on the Atlantic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Austria, 1809: Napoleon was stunned after the first defeat of his career at Aspern-Essling and the death of his best friend and closest confidant, Marshal Lannes. But all across the continent, the war raged on... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On May 21st, 1809, the Austrians attacked the Grande Armée at the towns of Aspern and Essling. The ensuing two days were the hardest test of Napoleon's career to date. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In April, 1809, the Austrians finally launched their long-awaited invasion of the Napoleonic Empire. The French were taken by surprise, but Napoleon had a plan to turn the tables. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

French and British forces continue fighting in Spain. In Paris, Napoleon's frustrations with Talleyrand finally boil over as he prepares to face off against a renewed and reformed Habsburg army. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After taking Madrid, Napoleon chased a British army into northwestern Spain. Meanwhile, behind the lines, Spanish guerrillas waged a brutal war against the occupiers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Spanish Patriots prepared to hold off Bonaparte in a rocky mountain pass, but they didn't count on the heroism of the Polish cavalry of Napoleon's Imperial Guard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I sat down with two fellow French history podcasters for a Paris Games-themed discussion of some of our favorite characters of 18th and 19th century French history. You can find Will's show, Grey History, at: https://greyhistory.com, and David's show, The Siècle, here: http://thesiecle.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In early November 1808, French troops crossed the Ebro River in their second invasion of Spain, led by the Emperor himself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The summer of 1808 saw desperate fighting across Iberia as Spanish and Portuguese patriots rose up against Napoleon. France's most powerful enemy, Great Britain, sought to take advantage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Spanish uprising was a disaster for France. Napoleon tried to shore up his diplomatic situation but found himself undermined by a surprising new enemy. Cameo appearances by José de San Martín and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the spring of 1808, Napoleon said he considered Spain conquered. That summer, Spanish forces dealt France its first major battlefield defeat in nearly a decade. How did Spain manage this stunning reversal?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I recently recorded a collaboration with Will Clark of Grey History: the French Revolution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the Spring of 1808, Napoleon installed his brother Joseph on the Spanish throne. However, the people of Madrid had had enough of the French, and took matters into their own hands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Portugal conquered, Napoleon turned his attention to Spain. As French troops began occupying the country, it soon became clear they were sitting on a political powder keg.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1807 saw Napoleon and the British jockeying for influence among the remaining neutral states of Europe. Average people paid the price for this competition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1808, France would find itself in a new war on the Iberian Peninsula. How did Napoleon find himself engaged in a new war less than a year after the Treaty of Tilsit? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By 1808, the Napoleonic empire stretched from Poland to the Pyrenees, and from the North Sea to the southern tip of Italy. How was Europe adjusting to Napoleon's new order? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By 1809, Napoleon had ruled France for a decade. How did the Napoleonic regime actually function? How could one person effectively exercise his will over half a continent? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Europe at the dawn of the nineteenth century, art and politics were deeply intertwined, sometimes in surprising ways. No one understood this better than Napoleon Bonaparte. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During his 15 years in power, Napoleon put an indelible mark on his adopted city: Paris. The First Empire was a formative period in the history of the city, but what did it mean for average people? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Napoleon's new treaty with Russia had totally transformed European geopolitics. What did it mean for the future of the continent? For France? For Napoleon himself? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the summer of 1807, the emperors of France and Russia, and the King and Queen of Prussia met at the Baltic town of Tilsit for a remarkable diplomatic summit aimed at forging a new geopolitical status quo for Europe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the summer of 1807, Napoleon was on the verge of seizing a prize that had eluded him for 6 months: Königsberg. The end of the war was in sight, but before he could take the city, he would have to deal with a bold surprise attack on his rear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Napoleon struggled to rebuild his army after Eylau, French forces lay siege to the port city of Danzig. In late Spring, the Grande Armée went back out on campaign, to square off against General Bennigsen once again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Battle of Eylau was the greatest challenge of Napoleon's career so far. For two days, the French and Russian armies fought with unbelievable tenacity in the worst conditions imaginable.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A recording of a recent talk I gave on the life of Toussaint Louverture You can find out more about the Symposium at: https://www.historysymposium.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In January of 1807, Napoleon ordered his men to make winter quarters and turned his attention to an exciting, but dangerous new mistress with a hidden agenda. But before the month was over, fate would draw the Grande Armée back out on campaign. Also, I am writing Dr. Alexander Mikaberidze's name here in the notes, in case some of you are wondering how to spell it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

France and the Grande Armée were growing tired of war, but in the winter of 1806, Napoleon led his forces east, into a harsh, new environment that would test the limits of his soldiers' endurance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Napoleon and the Grande Armée enjoyed a pleasant interlude in occupied Berlin, the war was escalating in unprecedented ways. Sailors, smugglers, and corsairs all over the world were engaged in a new style of total economic warfare. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After their defeats at Jena and Auerstedt, the vaunted Prussian army collapsed in the face of Napoleon's onslaught. As the French pushed into the heart of Central Europe, their presence began to awaken complicated nationalist feelings on both sides. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Germany, 1806: while Napoleon was winning another triumph at the Battle of Jena, the Third Corps of his army was forced to fight alone in a desperate battle against a superior force.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In early October, 1806, Napoleon led the Grande Armée to war once again, this time against the Prussians. The events of the next week would change the course of history, and have a surprisingly profound impact on western philosophy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1806, France and Prussia went to war. The Grande Armée was at the height of its powers, but the French did not want this fight. The Prussian army had huge problems, but was eager to prove itself against Napoleon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing a new feature to the show. Visit: www.patreon.com/ageofnapoleon and sign up if you'd like to join us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1806 saw Europe reeling from the aftermath of Austerlitz. Napoleon organized his new empire and continued to remake the map of the continent, but he would soon be faced with a powerful backlash. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An overview of the most colorful and romanticized branch of a Napoleonic military: the cavalry. Depending on your perspective, they were either the bravest, most vital part of any army, or preening, arrogant prima donnas. Napoleonic cavalry regiments saw some of the most desperate and exciting combat of the era, and their unique subculture continues to fascinate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After his stunning victories of late 1805, Napoleon sought to impose a new international order on central Europe. This would mean an all-out diplomatic assault on one of the world's oldest and most venerable institutions: the Holy Roman Empire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Horatio Nelson's last battle was a stunning British victory, but his fleet's troubles were just beginning. We examine the stunning aftermath of Trafalgar and the legacy of the greatest admiral of the age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I interviewed Real Time History's Jesse Alexander about his latest project: tracing Napoleon's downfall from the invasion of Russia in 1812. You can find them on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/c/realtimehistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In October 1805, a Franco-Spanish fleet sailed out of Cadiz to seek a confrontation with a British fleet under Horatio Nelson. What ensued was one of the greatest naval battles of all time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Napoleon famously said that if he could control the English Channel for 6 hours, he would control the world. In 1805, the French navy launched an audacious plan to buy the Emperor his 6 hours. But to do so, they would have to best one of the greatest military institutions of all time: the 19th century Royal Navy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Battle of Austerlitz changed Europe forever. As news of his triumph reverberated across Europe, Napoleon began to redraw the map of the continent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the first anniversary of his coronation, Napoleon faced off against a powerful Coalition army. With France's strategic situation deteriorating by the hour, he formed an audacious plan to win the war in a single stroke. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Napoleon pursues a Coalition army through Austria. Masséna fights in Italy. Prussian neutrality finally ends. https://www.patreon.com/ageofnapoleon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new coalition forms against France. Napoleon leads his new army into Germany in a stunning, lightning campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Napoleon brings his army to the Channel Coast and builds it into one of the most formidable war machines in military history. Meanwhile, talk of another anti-French Coalition begins to swirl in the old regime capitals of Europe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On December 2nd, 1804, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We examine Napoleon's colonial policies, the tragic end of Toussaint Louverture, and the final act of the Haitian War of Independence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After his victory over Britain, Toussaint Louverture began a new struggle: to build a new country out of the ruins of war and rebellion. Louverture had a bright vision for the future, but old divisions still lurked under the surface... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A recording of a panel on Napoleonic podcasting from the 2021 Massena Society symposium on Napoleonic History. The Massena Society's YouTube channel can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYvrcTkLRWH_5wOdr4lhKHw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the war in Haiti rages on, Toussaint Louverture makes a fateful decision to leave his allies behind. We follow his development as a general as he forges his guerilla forces into a powerful, modern army, and challenges the invaders head-on. Registration for the conference: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/napoleon-and-his-legacy-warfare-politics-and-society-march-18-21-2021-tickets-142425537617 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Haiti sinks deeper into chaos and tragedy, Toussaint begins his rise to leadership within the rebel movement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Haiti was France's richest colony, but Europe's lust for sugar had created a barbaric and unstable social system in the colonies. We meet the man who would one day rise above this barbarism and become father of a new country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1803, Britain sent a team of assassins against Napoleon. They failed, but the plot led to one of the most controversial episodes of Napoleon's career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the war over, France was finally becoming prosperous again. Napoleon contemplated what this would mean for his regime as he worked to reform the country. In many ways, the Consulate was a golden age, but war with Britain was already looming on the horizon once again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

France welcomes the Catholic Church back to the country in grand style, but the Concordat complicated Napoleon's relationship with staunch republicans in the army leadership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Napoleon finally had his deal with the Vatican, but how would the Concordat of 1801 change France? What would it mean for the future of the revolution, and millions of alienated French Catholics? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Napoleon continues in his attempt to reconcile with conservatives. He finally manages to bring the Vatican to the negotiating table for an historic agreement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Napoleon wanted to bring social harmony to France, but to do that, he needed to resolve the bitter conflict between the Catholic Church and the revolution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A conclusion to our discussion of the Napoleonic Code, plus the fate of France's crown jewels, the legal opposition to Bonaparte's regime, and women's rights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonaparte finally takes the last legal step towards dictatorship, and we begin a discussion of his most important legacy: the Napoleonic Code. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Treaty of Amiens is greeted with celebrations around the world. With peace, Napoleon prepares to embark on an ambitious program of reform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After 8 years of war, Britain and France were finally on the road to peace, but reaching an agreement between such bitter rivals would be a long, arduous process. Fortunately, for both countries, an unlikely friendship between Joseph Bonaparte and Lord Charles Cornwallis paved the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After their defeat at Hohenlinden, the Austrians return to the negotiating table, resulting in a treaty that threw the entire future of the Holy Roman Empire into doubt. We examine Prussian diplomacy, and their ineffective young King's strange relationship with Napoleon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The War of the 2nd Coalition is winding down, but in the cut-throat world of Napoleonic diplomacy, peace could often prove elusive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Horatio Nelson continues to build his reputation as one of the most brilliant sailors of the age, but as his fame grows, the dark side of Nelson's character threatens to undermine his achievements. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the outbreak of war, Nelson vows to either make his career or destroy himself in the effort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We examine the early career of Horatio Nelson, one of Napoleon's ablest and most implacable opponents. Nelson had good connections and showed great promise, but his temperament endangered his career almost as soon as it began. Visit: https://www.patreon.com/ageofnapoleon to sign up for the ad-free version. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Austria drops out of the war, leaving Britain to continue the struggle against France alone. Emperor Paul of Russia faces fierce opposition. The British navy gets itself into trouble in the Baltic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Marengo, Napoleon's secret police did battle with violent radicals in the political underground, culminating in a brush with death on Christmas Eve, 1800. For the ad-free version of the show, visit: https://www.patreon.com/ageofnapoleon and pledge at least $2/month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does the Battle of Marengo deserve its reputation as one of Napoleon's greatest victories? We analyze the battle and examine its chaotic aftermath. If you'd like to listen to the show ad-free, visit: https://www.patreon.com/ageofnapoleon and pledge at least $2/month.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Napoleon marches against the Austrians yet again, with the future of his new regime hanging in the balance. What followed was one of the most dramatic and consequential campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars, culminating in the first great battle of the 19th century: Marengo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Napoleon outmaneuvers his rivals and forms a new government, then secures his position as dictator of France with an undemocratic referendum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writer and political commentator Matt Christman returns for a conversation about the significance of the Coup of 18 Brumaire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We examine the aftermath and significance of the Coup of 18 Brumaire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Napoleon makes a triumphant return to France, but finds the country no longer has any dire need of a military savior. Nonetheless, a plot was already underway in Paris that would soon culminate in Napoleon's seizure of power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Derek Davison returns to discuss Middle Eastern history in the wake of the French Expedition. Topics include: the remarkable reign of Muhammad Ali, army reform, orientalism, and a possible 20th-century equivalent of Napoleon You can hear more from Derek at: https://fx.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Napoleon is away in Egypt, the revolution faces new struggles in Europe. Another coalition goes to war with France. One of history's greatest commanders faces off against the republic in Italy. Back in Paris, the government struggles to contain the resurgent left, and a jaded former idealist makes a surprising political comeback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Murat's cavalry secure another crushing victory over the Mamelukes, but news from France leads Napoleon to abandon the expedition (and his mistress), leaving General Kléber to pick up the pieces. We follow the expedition to its ignoble end, and examine what conclusions we can draw from this strange chapter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices