Generals and Napoleon

John W. Viscardo
  • 4.9 (58)
  • History
  • Updated Semiweekly

Generals and Napoleon, presented by John Viscardo, a history podcast exploring the Napoleonic Wars, iconic commanders, battlefield strategy, and leadership lessons. Instagram: @andnapoleon X/Twitter: @andnapoleon YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@generalsandnapoleon Patreon: patreon.com/generalsandnapoleon TikTok: tiktok.com/@andnapoleon

  1. Jun 19

    Episode 164 - The Malet Conspiracy, an elaborate lie that almost toppled Napoleon's Empire, with special guest Graeme Callister

    During Napoleon’s catastrophic retreat from Russia, another crisis nearly brought down his empire from within. In October 1812, while Napoleon was deep inside Russia, General Malet launched one of the boldest coup attempts in French history—the Malet Conspiracy. Armed with forged documents announcing Napoleon’s death, Malet deceived Paris officials, freed imprisoned generals, arrested senior government figures, and for a few dramatic hours came dangerously close to overthrowing the French Empire. How could a single general, with forged papers and incredible nerve, nearly topple Napoleon’s regime? Why did so many officials believe him? And what did this shocking conspiracy reveal about the fragility of Napoleon’s rule at the height of his power? In this episode, special guest and author Graeme Callister will break down the Malet Conspiracy of 1812, the men behind the coup, Napoleon’s furious reaction when he learned the news, and why this little-known event exposed serious weaknesses inside the Napoleonic Empire. If you enjoy deep dives into Napoleon, his marshals, and the dramatic political and military history of the Napoleonic Wars, subscribe for more weekly episodes. X/Twitter: @GraemeCallister, @andnapoleon #Napoleon #NapoleonicWars #FrenchEmpire #MaletConspiracy #Napoleon1812 #NapoleonBonaparte #HistoryPodcast #FrenchHistory #RussianCampaign1812 #MilitaryHistory #NapoleonicEra #GeneralsAndNapoleon

    46 min

  2. Jun 10

    Episode 163 - Napoleon's turbulent relationship with the Catholic Church, with special guest Ambrogio Caiani

    Discover the complex and often volatile relationship between Napoleon Bonaparte and the Catholic Church—a story filled with ambition, compromise, and conflict. In this episode, special guest & author Ambrogio Caiani breaks down how Napoleon went from restoring Catholicism in France to ultimately clashing with the Pope himself. After the chaos of the French Revolution, religion in France was in ruins. Napoleon saw an opportunity. Through the Concordat of 1801, he reestablished ties with the Catholic Church, bringing stability to a fractured nation. But was this a genuine act of faith—or a calculated political move? As Napoleon’s power grew, so did tensions with the papacy. From controlling church appointments to annexing Papal territories and even imprisoning Pope Pius VII, Napoleon pushed the limits of his authority. What began as cooperation quickly turned into a dramatic struggle between empire and faith. In this episode, you’ll learn: How the French Revolution reshaped religion in FranceWhy Napoleon signed the Concordat of 1801The growing conflict between Napoleon and the PopeThe annexation of the Papal StatesThe arrest and imprisonment of Pope Pius VIIHow religion became a tool of imperial control👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more deep dives into Napoleonic history and legendary figures from the past. X/Twitter: @andnapoleon Patreon: patreon.com/generalsandnapoleon

    43 min

  3. May 31

    Episode 162 - Napoleon’s 1813 Attack on Berlin, the Gamble that Failed, with special guest Michael Leggiere

    In 1813, after the disastrous retreat from Russia, Napoleon faced a growing coalition determined to destroy his empire. In this episode, author Michael Leggiere will explore Napoleon’s attempt to capture Berlin in 1813 and the reasons behind it. Determined to regain the initiative, Napoleon ordered a bold offensive toward Berlin—the capital of Prussia. Napoleon entrusted the operation to 2 of his most aggressive marshals, Oudinot and Ney. In 1813, a large French army moved north to strike the Prussian forces defending the road to Berlin. The campaign culminated in the Battles of Grossbeeren and Dennewitz The failure of this attack shattered Napoleon’s plan to seize Berlin and helped energize the anti-French coalition during the War of the Sixth Coalition.• Why Napoleon targeted the Prussian capital• The roles of Marshals Ney, Oudinot, and Macdonald in the campaign• How the Prussians stopped the French advance• Why the failure helped lead to Napoleon’s ultimate defeat in Germany 📌 If you enjoy history about Napoleon, great generals, and the decisive battles that shaped Europe, subscribe for more content. #Napoleon #NapoleonicWars #BattleOfDennewitz #Berlin1813 #MilitaryHistory #NapoleonBonaparte #WarOfTheSixthCoalition

    59 min
  4. Episode 161 - Naval Tactics of the Napoleonic Era, with special guest Joshua Meeks

    May 22

    Episode 161 - Naval Tactics of the Napoleonic Era, with special guest Joshua Meeks

    ⚓ Naval Tactics of the Napoleonic Era Explained ⚓ Step into the age of sail and discover how naval warfare shaped the fate of empires during the Napoleonic Wars. In this episode, special guest and author Joshua Meeks will break down the key tactics, strategies, and innovations used by legendary commanders like Admiral Nelson. From the devastating effectiveness of the “line of battle” to bold maneuvers like breaking the enemy line at the Battle of Trafalgar, you’ll learn how discipline, signaling, and seamanship determined victory on the high seas. 🌊 What You’ll Learn: The “line of battle” formation and why it dominated naval warfare The role of wind (the “weather gauge”) in tactical advantage Boarding actions vs. artillery duels Why the British Royal Navy dominated the seas ⚔️ Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a fan of the Napoleonic Wars, or just curious about naval combat, this deep dive will bring the strategies of the age of sail to life. 📚 Perfect for students, history buffs, and fans of military strategy. 👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Napoleonic history content! #NapoleonicWars #NavalHistory #HoratioNelson #BattleOfTrafalgar #MilitaryHistory #AgeOfSail #HistoryExplained Patreon support: patreon.com/generalsandnapoleon

    42 min

  5. May 13

    Episode 160 - Double episode! Generals La Bédoyère and Cambronne, with special guest Jonathan North

    In this episode, special guest & author Jonathan North explores the dramatic story of 2 of the most devoted French officers of the Napoleonic Wars: La Bedoyere and Cambronne La Bédoyère - From his early service in the Grande Armée to his pivotal role in the Emperor’s return during the Hundred Days, La Bédoyère risked everything for Napoleon. When France stood divided after the fall of the Empire, he made a fateful choice that would seal his destiny. Discover how La Bédoyère rallied troops to Napoleon in 1815, helped reignite the imperial cause, and stood by the Emperor during the final campaign that culminated at the Battle of Waterloo. After defeat, La Bédoyère refused to abandon his principles — and paid the ultimate price under the restored Bourbon monarchy. Was he reckless? Romantic? Or the purest symbol of Napoleonic loyalty? Cambronne - Did Pierre Cambronne really say, “The Guard dies but does not surrender” at the Battle of Waterloo — or was it something far more blunt? In this episode, we dive into the life and legend of one of the most famous officers of Imperial Guard. From his early service in the Revolutionary Wars to his rise within the elite Old Guard, Cambronne became forever linked to one of the most dramatic moments in military history. As the Grande Armée collapsed in 1815, Cambronne commanded a square of the Guard surrounded by Allied forces. What happened next has become myth: Did he defiantly proclaim that the Guard would die but never surrender? Or did he utter the single word — “M***e!” — that cemented his place in legend? X/Twitter: @andnapoleon jpnorth.co.uk

    47 min

  6. May 4

    Episode 159 - 🤍 30 things to love about the Napoleonic Era, with special guest Joshua Provan

    Step into the pages of history and explore 30 things we love about the Napoleonic Era—one of the most dramatic, influential, and larger-than-life periods in world history. From Napoleon’s genius to legendary marshals, epic battles, iconic uniforms, and earth-shaking political change, this era reshaped Europe forever. In this episode, author Joshua Provan and I will break down why the Napoleonic Era still captivates historians, gamers, readers, and military strategists today—from revolutionary tactics to unforgettable personalities like Ney, Davout, Wellington, and Murat. Whether it’s the thunder of artillery, the elegance of the uniforms, or the rise and fall of an emperor, there’s something here for every history fan. 📌 Perfect for fans of:Napoleonic historyMilitary historyGreat commanders & generalsEpic battles like Austerlitz, Waterloo, BorodinoStrategy, leadership, and warfare 👍 If you love history explained, Napoleon, or deep dives into the Napoleonic Wars, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite moment from the era in the comments! X/Twitter: @andnapoleon, @LandOfHistory

    1h 14m

  7. Apr 26

    Episode 158 - General Wittgenstein, the Savior of St. Petersburg, with special guest Jimmy Chen

    General Wittgenstein: Russia’s “Savior of St. Petersburg” General Peter Wittgenstein was one of Imperial Russia’s most important commanders during the Napoleonic Wars, earning the nickname “The Savior of St. Petersburg” for stopping Napoleon’s advance in 1812. In this special guest, Jimmy Chen will explore Wittgenstein’s rise through the Russian army, his crucial victories at Kliastitsy and Polotsk, and his role in halting French momentum during the invasion of Russia. Often overshadowed by generals like Kutuzov and Bagration, Wittgenstein proved to be one of Russia’s most aggressive and effective field commanders. His actions on Napoleon’s northern flank protected Russia’s capital and helped turn the tide against the Grande Armée. Whether you’re a fan of Napoleon, Russian military history, or the decisive campaigns of 1812, this deep dive into General Wittgenstein reveals why he deserves far more recognition. 🔔 Subscribe for more Napoleonic history, battle breakdowns, and military biographies. Topics covered: Who was General Peter Wittgenstein? The 1812 invasion of Russia Battle of Kliastitsy First and Second Battles of Polotsk Russian generals vs Napoleon #NapoleonicWars #RussianArmy #GeneralWittgenstein #Napoleon1812 #BattleOfPolotsk #MilitaryHistory #HistoryExplained X/Twitter: @napoleonic_imp, @andnapoleon

    34 min

  8. Apr 18

    Episode 157 - General Desaix, the "Just Sultan" of Napoleon's army, with special guest Charles Mackay

    General Louis Charles Antoine Desaix was one of Napoleon’s most brilliant and underrated commanders. Known as “the Just Sultan” for his integrity and calm leadership, Desaix played a crucial role in the French Revolutionary Wars and Napoleon’s early rise to power. From his campaigns in Germany to his legendary service in Egypt, Desaix earned a reputation for discipline, humanity, and battlefield brilliance. Special guest Charles Mackay explores Desaix’s military career, his close relationship with Napoleon, and his decisive actions at the Battle of Marengo (1800)—where his timely arrival helped secure victory for France, but cost him his life. Often compared to Marshal Davout for his reliability and tactical skill, Desaix was widely expected to become one of Napoleon’s greatest marshals had he lived longer. Learn why Napoleon mourned Desaix deeply, how his death shaped the Napoleonic Wars, and why many historians consider him one of the great “what-ifs” of Napoleonic history. 📌 Topics Covered:• General Desaix biography• French Revolutionary Wars• Napoleon and Desaix• Egyptian Campaign• Battle of Marengo explained• Napoleonic generals and marshals• The death of General Desaix 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into Napoleonic history, great generals, and decisive battles. Bluesky: @bubblesvampire.bsky.social, @andnapoleon.bsky.social

    31 min
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4.9
out of 5
58 Ratings

About

Generals and Napoleon, presented by John Viscardo, a history podcast exploring the Napoleonic Wars, iconic commanders, battlefield strategy, and leadership lessons. Instagram: @andnapoleon X/Twitter: @andnapoleon YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@generalsandnapoleon Patreon: patreon.com/generalsandnapoleon TikTok: tiktok.com/@andnapoleon

Information

  • Creator
    John W. Viscardo
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    164
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © John W. Viscardo
  • Show Website
    Generals and Napoleon

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