🌍 From an unknown Corsican artillery lieutenant to Emperor of the French — Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise is one of history’s most dramatic stories. Special guest Rafe Blaufarb joins the show to discuss how he climbed the ranks during the French Revolution, won stunning victories, and seized power to reshape Europe forever.
⚔️ In this video, we’ll cover:
Napoleon’s early military career as a young officer
His breakthrough at Toulon and rise to general
How he became a national hero
The 1799 coup of 18 Brumaire that made him First Consul
📖 Perfect for history buffs, students, and anyone fascinated by leadership, ambition, and the Napoleonic era.
🔔 Subscribe for more Napoleonic history, great battles, and “on this date” events from the life of Napoleon and his marshals!
#Napoleon #History #NapoleonicWars #FrenchRevolution #RiseOfNapoleon
🔴 The Battles of Ligny & Quatre-Bras | Napoleon’s Final Gamble Begins 🔴
In this episode, we dive deep into the critical twin battles that set the stage for Waterloo: Ligny and Quatre-Bras, both fought on June 16, 1815. Special guest & author Gareth Glover discusses how Napoleon's last great victory at Ligny was undercut by missed opportunities, and how the Duke of Wellington's stubborn stand at Quatre-Bras helped shape the epic showdown to come.
👑 Featuring key figures like Marshal Ney, General D'Erlon, and Field Marshal Blücher we examine the strategies, blunders, and heroism that unfolded over one fateful day in Belgium.
⚔️ Learn how coordination failures, fog of war, and bold decision-making altered the course of European history in just 24 hours.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Napoleonic history every week!
#Napoleon #BattleOfLigny #QuatreBras #NapoleonicWars #Wellington #Waterloo #MilitaryHistory #HistoryPodcast #PrussianArmy #MarshalNey
Discover the dramatic story of Napoleon Bonaparte’s state funeral and the return of his remains to France in 1840, nearly two decades after his death on Saint Helena. Special guest Charles Mackay joins us to explores the political symbolism, the public reaction, and the elaborate procession that accompanied the Emperor’s final journey through Paris to Les Invalides.
Learn why King Louis-Philippe agreed to bring Napoleon home, how French citizens responded, and what the funeral meant for Napoleon's legacy in French history.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow more Napoleonic history!
👇 Comment below: Should Napoleon have been buried in France or left on Saint Helena?
Bluesky: @andnapoleon.bsky.social, @bubblesvampire.bsky.social
🇫🇷👑 Charles X of France – The Last Bourbon King 👑🇫🇷
Charles X (1757–1836) was the final reigning monarch of the Bourbon line in France. Brother of Louis XVI and Louis XVIII, Charles inherited the throne in 1824 during the Bourbon Restoration. Special guest David Montgomery joins the show to discuss his reign, which was marked by attempts to roll back the French Revolution.
Deeply conservative, Charles X pushed policies favoring the Catholic Church and the old aristocracy—earning him fierce opposition from liberals and the middle class. His controversial July Ordinances of 1830, which dissolved Parliament, censored the press, and restricted voting rights, triggered the July Revolution. Charles was overthrown and forced to abdicate, ending Bourbon rule in France.
📜 In this video, we’ll explore:
Charles X’s rise to power
His political struggles during the Restoration
How his policies sparked the 1830 Revolution
The legacy of the last Bourbon king of France
🔔 Subscribe for more history on French kings, Napoleon, and the dramatic revolutions that shaped Europe!
X/Twitter: @TheSiecle, @andnapoleon
The Battle of Bailén (July 16–19, 1808) was a shocking defeat for Napoleon’s forces during the Peninsular War—and the first time a French field army surrendered in open battle. Special guest and author Josh Provan discusses how Spanish General Castaños surrounded and crushed General Dupont’s troops, forcing over 17,000 French soldiers to lay down their arms.
This stunning Spanish victory electrified Europe, shattered the myth of French invincibility, and inspired resistance against Napoleon across the continent.
⚔️ Learn about:
How Spanish forces outmaneuvered Napoleon’s troops
The leadership of General Castaños
The surrender of General Dupont
Why Bailén changed the course of the Peninsular War
General Horace Sébastiani was more than just a cavalry officer—he was a battlefield commander, imperial diplomat, and political survivor in one of the most turbulent eras in French history. From the thunder of hooves in Spain and Russia to the quiet halls of diplomacy, Sébastiani’s career spanned empires, revolutions, and restorations.
Special guest and author Jonathan North joins the show to explore the remarkable journey of a man who wore many hats:
✅ His cavalry commands in the Peninsular War and Russian Campaign
✅ Service under Murat and participation in key engagements like Talavera and Borodino
✅ His diplomatic missions to Constantinople and role in shaping French-Ottoman policy
✅ How he navigated the fall of Napoleon, the Bourbon Restoration, and the July 1830 Revolution
✅ Why Sébastiani remains one of the most adaptable figures of the era
Whether on horseback or in the halls of power, Sébastiani was always at the center of history.
📌 Like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the overlooked generals of the Napoleonic Wars!
X/Twitter: @andnapoleon
Part II of our Ultimate ranking of the Top 15 Generals of the Napoleonic Era!
Step into the boots of the greatest military minds of the Napoleonic Wars. In this episode of Generals and Napoleon, we count down the Top 15 generals of the Napoleonic Era—the brilliant, bold, and often controversial commanders who shaped European history between 1796 and 1815.
Join our brilliant panel of guests - Rachael Stark, Graeme Callister, Nick Kramer, Michael Hamel, and Jonas de Neef - who discuss everything from Marshal Davout’s iron discipline to Wellington’s defensive genius. We break down the tactics, triumphs, and legacies of iconic leaders from France, Britain, Russia, Austria, Prussia, and beyond.
🔍 Whether you're a history buff, military strategist, or Napoleon enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights, surprises, and debates on what made these men legendary.
👉 We Include:
Forgotten geniuses and battlefield legends
Key campaigns that defined each general
How Napoleon influenced—and was influenced by—his marshals and enemies
💬 Tell us in the comments: Who would make YOUR Top 15 list?
🎧 Subscribe for more on the Napoleonic Wars, epic battles, leadership lessons, and the fascinating lives of history’s greatest generals.
*Note: "The opinions expressed herein are those of the individuals and do reflect the official policy or position of the US Army, the United States Military Academy, the Department of Defense, or the US Government.”
X/Twitter: @bookish_rachael, @nkramer5812, @graemecallister, @andnapoleon
#Napoleon #NapoleonicWars #MilitaryHistory #Wellington #Davout #NapoleonicGenerals #HistoryPodcast #GeneralsAndNapoleon
🎖️ Who Were the Top 15 Generals of the Napoleonic Era?
Step into the greatest military minds of the Napoleonic Wars. In this episode of Generals and Napoleon, we count down the Top 15 generals of the Napoleonic Era—the brilliant, bold, and often controversial commanders who shaped European history between 1796 and 1815.
Join our brilliant panel of guests - Rachael Stark, Graeme Callister, Nick Kramer, Michael Hamel, and Jonas de Neef - who discuss everything from Marshal Davout’s iron discipline to Wellington’s defensive genius. We break down the tactics, triumphs, and legacies of iconic leaders from France, Britain, Russia, Austria, Prussia, and beyond.
🔍 Whether you're a history buff, military strategist, or Napoleon enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights, surprises, and debates on what made these men legendary.
👉 We Include:
Forgotten geniuses and battlefield legends
Key campaigns that defined each general
How Napoleon influenced—and was influenced by—his marshals and enemies
💬 Tell us in the comments: Who would make YOUR Top 15 list?
🎧 Subscribe for more on the Napoleonic Wars, epic battles, leadership lessons, and the fascinating lives of history’s greatest generals.
*Note: "The opinions expressed herein are those of the individuals and do reflect the official policy or position of the US Army, the United States Military Academy, the Department of Defense, or the US Government.”
X/Twitter: @bookish_rachael, @nkramer5812, @graemecallister, @andnapoleon
#Napoleon #NapoleonicWars #MilitaryHistory #Wellington #Davout #NapoleonicGenerals #HistoryPodcast #GeneralsAndNapoleon
Discover the untold story of Napoleon Bonaparte’s parents — Carlo Buonaparte and Letizia Ramolino — and how their influence shaped the future Emperor of France. 🏛️
Special guest John Kuehn joins the show to help us dive into the lives of this Corsican couple:
Carlo Buonaparte, a lawyer and political opportunist, who navigated the turbulent politics of 18th-century Corsica.
Letizia Ramolino, Napoleon’s strong-willed mother, known for her resilience and discipline, who raised one of history’s most iconic military leaders.
From their noble Corsican roots to their roles during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Empire, learn how their ambitions, struggles, and values molded young Napoleon’s character, drive, and identity.
💡 Perfect for fans of history, Napoleonics, and those curious about the family behind the legend.
X/Twitter: @jkuehn50, @andnapoleon
The Battle of Trafalgar, fought on October 21, 1805, was one of the most decisive naval battles in history. Admiral Horatio Nelson led the British Royal Navy against the combined fleets of France and Spain, forever changing the balance of power during the Napoleonic Wars. In this video, special guest Joshua Meeks will break down the strategies, key moments, and lasting impact of this legendary clash at sea.
X/Twitter: @andnapoleon
Patreon: patreon.com/generalsandnapoleon
In this episode, we explore the life and legacy of General Jan Henryk Dombrowski, the Polish patriot who fought to restore his nation’s independence—on and off the battlefield.
From the formation of the Polish Legions in Italy to his leadership under Napoleon Bonaparte, Dombrowski became a symbol of national resilience and pride. Special guest Jonathan North joins the show to examine his key military campaigns, his relationship with the French Empire, and how he inspired Poland's national anthem.
Was he a freedom fighter, a pragmatist, or a pawn in Napoleon’s larger ambitions? Join us as we uncover the story of a general who fought not just for victory—but for the very soul of Poland.
X/Twitter: @andnapoleon
The tactical brilliance of Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington, was on full display at Talavera. Special guest Josh Provan discusses his strategic decisions, his partnership with the Spanish army, and his troop movements during the Battle of Talavera, a pivotal victory over French forces.
X/Twitter: @LandOfHistory, @andnapoleon
Napoleon revolutionized tactics and operational strategy during his legendary career. Special guest & podcaster Jonathan Abel tells us how Napoleon strategically approached his campaigns. We also discuss how Napoleon's system has influenced future generations of military planners.
X/Twitter: @HistorianAbel, @andnapoleon
In this episode, we compare and contract 2 minds of war: Clausewitz vs. Jomini. Special guest Joshua Meeks join the show to give us an overview on their respective biographies and their military theories. We will discuss all of the following:
🔍 1. Philosophy of War
🎯 Theory vs. Application
🧠 View of the Commander
⚔️ Tactical and Strategic Emphasis
🌍 Legacy and Influence
Thanks for watching/listening!
X/Twitter: @andnapoleon
In 1813, the Allies thought Napoleon and his army was a spent-force following the disastrous Russian invasion a year earlier. The Allied army found out the hard way that Napoleon could bounce back quickly. Special guest Jonas de Neef joins the show to discuss the brutal Battle of Lutzen.
X/Twitter: @andnapoleon
Despised for his cruelty, looting, and terror against the Portuguese, French General Loison was nonetheless a brave officer who served throughout the Peninsula War under Napoleon's marshals. Special guest Charles Mackay joins the show to discuss this infamous scourge of Portugal, nicknamed "Maneta" or "One-Hand".
Bluesky: @bubblesvampire.bsky.social, @andnapoleon.bsky.social
In 1811, General William Beresford's Allied army collided with Marshal Soult's French army in the Spanish town of Albuera. Special guest Marcus Beresford joins the show to discuss the single bloodiest day of warfare in the Peninsula War.
X/Twitter: @andnapoleon
One of more striking figures in Napoleon's cavalry squadrons was the imposing General Montbrun. Special guest and blogger Jonas de Neef joins the show to discuss this intrepid commander of the Grande Armee who died on the battlefield of Borodino.
X/Twitter: @andnapoleon
The 1807 Battle of Eylau was a bloody stalemate that inflicted horrendous casualties on both sides. It may have also provided a blueprint on how to defeat Napoleon. Special guest & author Alexander Mikaberidze discusses the monumental clash between Napoleon's Grande Armee and the Russian army.
X/Twitter: @AMikaberidze, @andnapoleon
General Morand was a commander for Marshal Davout and one of his "Three Immortals" along with Gudin and Friant. Special guest Charles Mackay joins the show to discuss this stalwart general of the Grande Armee.
Bluesky: @bubblesvampire.bsky.social, @andnapoleon.bsky.social