Generals and Napoleon

Conscription (compulsory military service) was around for ages before the Napoleonic Era, but it was the Emperor who truly honed this recruitment tool to enhance his empire. Special guest & author Graeme Callister joins the show to discuss Napoleon's conscript soldiers.

X/Twitter: @graemecallister, @andnapoleon

Comparisons are often made on the careers of Napoleon and Hitler, but Napoleon also had a strong influence on Winston Churchill. Special guest & author Warren Dockter joins the show to discuss the similarities and contrasts between these 3 historical figures.

X/Twitter: @WarrenDockter, @andnapoleon

The French army had invaded and looted much of Portugal during their first 2 invasions of that country. To prevent a 3rd invasion, Wellington instructed the Allied army to build the Lines of Torres Vedras. Special guest Mark S. Thompson tells us about this formidable line of defenses and fortifications.

X/Twitter: @andnapoleon

Want to get your general education credits in Napoleonic tactics 101? West Point instructor Michael Hamel walks us through Napoleon's best practices. We discuss pre-Napoleonic Era military theorists, central position, the Corps system, headquarters staff systems, and tactics for combined arms of infantry, cavalry, & artillery.

X/Twitter: @andnapoleon

With unshakeable discipline and a feared mystique, the Imperial Guard was renowned throughout Europe and is still revered to this very day. Special guest & author Michael Broers joins the show to discuss Napoleon's elite fighting force.

X/Twitter: @andnapoleon

Napoleon's focus on succession forced his divorce from his true love, Josephine. Special guest Katherine Bayford discusses Napoleon's succession plan, potential heirs, his marriage to Marie Louise of Austria, and his son (Napoleon II) and nephew (Napoleon III).

X/Twitter: @kebayf, @andnapoleon

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Marshal Lannes was one of Napoleon's best commanders and one of the best tacticians of the era. Special guest & author Graeme Callister discusses the many battlefield victories for Lannes and his importance to the French army.

X/Twitter: @GraemeCallister, @andnapoleon

Marshal Marmont made regrettable mistakes during the 1812 Battle of Salamanca and his army was defeated. But his biggest mistakes were yet to come. Special guest & podcaster David Montgomery walks us through the checkered career of the Duke of Ragusa.

X/Twitter: @TheSiecle, @andnapoleon

Another one of Wellington's masterful victories, the Battle of Vitoria forever ended the reign of Napoleon's empire in Spain. Special guest & author Josh Provan walks us through the background, battle, and aftermath of Vitoria.

X/Twitter: @landofhistory, @andnapoleon

Was Caroline just another scheming member of the Bonaparte family or was she an adroit political operator? Special guest Katherine Bayford joins the show to discuss this Machiavellian character who would marry Marshal Murat, become Queen of Naples, and ultimately betray Napoleon.

X/Twitter: @kebayf, @andnapoleon

Bernadotte's was Napoleon's only Marshal who managed to become a permanent king. His descendants maintain the throne to this very day. Special guest Fredrik Eriksson tells us about Bernadotte's path to becoming King of Sweden and how he performed in the role.

X/Twitter: @andnapoleon

Son of the famous Marshal Kellermann, Francois Etienne de Kellermann blazed his own path within the Napoleonic legend. He and his cavalry troopers were pivotal in securing Napoleon's last-second victory at Marengo and served the Emperor all the way through Waterloo. Special guest Charles Mackay tells us all about this beau sabreur!

X/Twitter: @bubblesvampire, @andnapoleon

Belliard had an eventful career from Cairo to Madrid to Moscow to Paris - he seemed to be in the midst of all the great campaigns of the Napoleonic Era. Special guest and author Jonathan North tells us about this useful French officer.

X/Twitter: @andnapoleon

Napoleon's most well-known victory, the Battle of Austerlitz was called the Battle of 3 Emperors. Napoleon defeated the Third Coalition led by Austrian Emperor Francis and Russian Czar Alexander. Special guest Jonathan Abel joins the show to discuss this dominating performance by Napoleon.

X/Twitter: @historianabel, @andnapoleon

Vandamme had a reputation as an excellent division and corps commander. However, he had a nasty disposition that alienated his colleagues and his Emperor. Special guest & author David Buttery discusses this infamous French general.

X/Twitter: @andnapoleon

By some estimates, there were 30 attempts on Napoleon's life during his reign. Special guest Jonathan North and author of the book, "Killing Napoleon" joins the show to discuss the various assassination plots. Which ones were legitimate and which one were farcical?

X/Twitter: @andnapoleon

Samuel Hood had a long, celebrated career and even mentored a young Horatio Nelson. Special guest Oliver Webb-Carter from the Aspects of History podcast joins the show to discuss this legendary British admiral.

X/Twitter: @AspectsHistory, @andnapoleon

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Kleber was a famous general during the Revolutionary Wars and joined Napoleon's legendary expedition to Egypt. Special guest & West Point instructor Michael Hamel joins the show to discuss Kleber's career and his untimely demise in Egypt.

X/Twitter: @andnapoleon