The Napoleonic Wars Podcast

Zack White
  • 4.9 (122)
  • History
  • Updated Biweekly

Who was Napoleon Bonaparte? What was his legacy on history? And why, more than 200 years later, does the conflict which he gave his name to still matter? Join award-winning Napoleonic historians Dr Zack White, Dr Luke Reynolds, and Liam Telfer as they host Europe's leading show devoted to the American War of Independence, French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. From interviews with leading researchers, to deep dive debates on some of the big questions, this show is ideal for those who want to start building their knowledge or deepen their understanding of the period.

  1. 7h ago

    The Napoleonic Great Escape

    Captured by the French, stripped of his freedom, and confined hundreds of miles from home, Royal Navy officer Charles Hare faced a challenge that thousands of British prisoners dreamed of overcoming but few ever achieved, escape. In this episode, we sit down with Dr Katherine Gazzard of Royal Museums Greenwich to uncover the remarkable story behind one of the most extraordinary survival tales of the Napoleonic Wars. Drawing on Hare’s rediscovered journal, personal belongings, and the famous uniform that accompanied him on his journey, we follow the young naval officer from his early career at sea through his capture by the French and into the dangerous world of Napoleonic prisoner-of-war camps. How did British prisoners live in captivity? What risks did they face if they attempted to escape? And how did Hare manage to travel across enemy territory, evade capture, and make his way back to Britain? Along the way, we explore the wider experience of naval prisoners during the wars against Napoleon, the detective work that brought Hare’s story back into the spotlight, and the extraordinary legacy of a man whose determination turned a desperate gamble into one of the great escape stories of the age. Join us for an unforgettable journey of endurance, ingenuity, and adventure in the age of Napoleon. For more on Dr Gazzard's research please visit Spotlight Series: Charles Hare's Great Escape – Royal Museums Greenwich Shop and also her work Buy The Art of Naval Portraiture by Katherine Gazzard – Royal Museums Greenwich Shop

    1h 4m

  2. May 31

    Masquerades - The Ultimate Georgian Party?

    Discover the fascinating world of 18th-century masquerades with cultural historian Dr. Megan Kobza. We explore the social, political, and artistic layers behind these extravagant events, revealing how masks and costumes served as tools of transgression, status, and social experimentation. Megan's book: https://yalebooks.co.uk/book/9780300276213/the-masquerade/ Timestamps: 01:45 - The first masquerades in London: their origins and the political context 02:46 - Costume choices: character dressing, historic dress, and the domino 05:47 - The Georgian Masquerade: key features and differences from other entertainments 09:03 - Debauchery myths and the reality: episodes of flirtation and limited physical intimacy 13:01 - The real versus perceived debauchery: archival evidence and myth debunking 13:46 - Historical perceptions and fears of masquerades as sex parties and moral threats 15:23 - The political reactions: bans and the impact of earthquakes and natural calamities 16:51 - Masquerades as spaces of expression for the elite’s hidden desires 18:42 - Primary source material: diaries, newspapers, bills—and interpretative challenges 19:46 - Changing public perceptions: from scandal to entertainment 20:39 - Evolution of masquerades over the Georgian period: commercialization and accessibility 22:37 - The suppression and revival of masquerades: links to political crises and royal events 24:32 - The extravagant and costly nature of masquerades: from private commissions to public spectacles 28:41 - The role of newspapers, diaries, and visual artefacts in reconstructing masquerade history 39:26 - The suppression of masquerades outside elite spaces and legal repercussions 50:29 - The importance of storytelling and the role of visual culture in history 56:40 - How modern popular culture like Bridgerton celebrates and distorts those historical images 66:38 - The potential for masquerades to serve as spaces of resistance, identity, and societal critique

    1h 10m

  3. May 24

    Plotting Napoleon's Coup - Brewing Brumaire

    In 1799 Napoleon Bonaparte abandoned an army, and abandoned a government, launching a coup which would cement his place as a pivotal figure in history. Dr Graeme Callister returns to talk us through the political chaos, key figures, and strategic planning behind the event. We also discuss the revolutionary context, the role of military and political players, and the implications for French history. Buy Graeme's books at: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Dr-Graeme-Callister/a/4546 Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspod Chapters 00:00 The Rise of Napoleon: A Coup in 1799 03:01 Napoleon's Return from Egypt: A Savior or a Coward? 06:10 The State of the Directory: A Failing Government 08:58 The Impact of Personal Relationships on Political Decisions 11:57 The Paranoia of French Politics: A Legacy of the Terror 15:01 Key Figures in the Coup: Allies and Influencers 17:49 The Role of the Military in Political Change 21:14 The Future of France: Napoleon's Vision and Ambitions 28:03 Key Figures in the Coup 32:09 Political Dynamics and Military Influence 35:10 Historical Parallels: The English Civil War 39:00 Napoleon's Rise: From Second Choice to Leader 50:14 The Coup Plan: Constitutional Manipulation 54:32 Conclusion and Future Discussions Keywords Napoleon Bonaparte, French Revolution, Brumaire Coup, French politics, military strategy, 1799, revolutionary France, political upheaval

    58 min

  4. May 17

    Looking like a Redcoat: Meet the Tailor

    Ever wanted to know what it takes to look like a redcoat? Join us as we explore the intricate world of historical military tailoring with expert James Graves. Discover the craftsmanship, research process, and challenges behind recreating authentic Napoleonic era uniforms, and get tips for reenactors and history enthusiasts alike. One of our 'Meet the...' range with leading historical experts which we usually save exclusively for our patrons. For more of these, join us on patreon. Graves' Historical Uniforms Facebook Page - https://facebook.com/GravesHistoricalUniforms Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod Keywords historical tailoring, military uniforms, Napoleonic Wars, reenactment, costume making, historical research, garment construction, museum collections, period textiles, reenactor tips Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 12:31 Meet the Tailor: James Graves 15:55 The Journey into Historical Tailoring 20:19 Researching Historical Uniforms 24:25 Challenges in Historical Accuracy 27:54 Navigating Historical Regulations and Contradictions 28:31 Translating Research into Garments 29:12 The Construction Process of Historical Uniforms 32:40 Balancing Modern Techniques with Historical Authenticity 37:15 Managing Customer Expectations in Historical Tailoring 41:13 The Role of Living Historians in Tailoring Development 49:28 The Future of Historical Tailoring and Personal Aspirations

    56 min

  5. May 3

    Catholic Emancipation

    Catriona Kennedy joins us to explore the history of Catholic emancipation in Britain, the slow shift towards toleration, scapegoating and the final Emancipation Act's social and political implications, along with the key figures involved, including the pivotal role of the Duke of Wellington, Robert Peel and Daniel O'Connell. Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod Catriona's Work: Narratives of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, Military and Civilian Experience in Britain and Ireland, 1793 to 1815 - https://www.palgrave.com/gp/book/9783030559274 Women, Politics and the Irish Public Sphere in the Age of Revolution - https://www.oxford.com/academic/works/9780198807474 University of York - Catriona Kennedy Profile - https://www.york.ac.uk/history/people/academic-staff/katrina-kennedy/ University of Southampton Special Collections - Wellington Papers - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/archives/collections/wellington-papers.page Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest Katrina Kennedy 01:00 Historical context: Catholic persecution from the Reformation to 1829 02:25 The legal status of Catholics in Britain in the late 18th century 05:36 Reasons behind the relaxation of anti-Catholic laws in the 1790s 08:55 Impact of the French Revolution on British attitudes towards Catholics 11:03 The shifting concept of Britishness and Irish identity 21:44 The rise of Daniel O'Connell and the Catholic campaign in Ireland 24:19 Wellington's opposition and the political crisis of 1829 33:05 The relationship between King George IV and Wellington during emancipation 37:53 Public opinion, prejudice, and the social impact of emancipation 42:07 Modern parallels: anti-Catholic prejudice and othering 49:43 Conclusion: The social and political legacy of Catholic emancipation Keywords Catholic emancipation, British history, Irish history, Act of Union, Daniel O'Connell, Wellington, Irish immigrants, 19th century politics

    53 min

  6. Apr 26

    The Battle of Maida

    In this Battle Series episode of the The Napoleonic Wars Podcast, we head to southern Italy to unpack the dramatic and sometimes misunderstood Battle of Maida with historian Richard Hopton author of 'The Battle of Maida, 1806: Fifteen Minutes of Glory'. We set the stage with the wider Mediterranean campaign before diving into the opposing commanders, John Stuart and Jean Reynier, and the bold decisions that brought both armies into open battle. From the geography of the Maida plain to the eerie “awful silence” before bayonets clash, we reconstruct the battle moment by moment. At its heart lies the famous “fifteen minutes” that shattered the French attack, was this a triumph of fire discipline, leadership, or something more complex? We also tackle one of Napoleonic history’s biggest debates: line versus column. What really happened on the day, and how did Maida become a textbook case albeit accurately or not? Finally, we explore the aftermath, its strategic impact, its place in British military memory, and whether Maida deserves its reputation as a pivotal moment. A fast paced, myth busting deep dive into one of the era’s most fascinating battles that may have set up some of Britain's most decorated commaders for sucess in future campaigns. For more on Richard’s published works and where to find them, please click here Richard Hopton - Author | Historian | Journalist - Richard Hopton

    53 min

  7. Apr 19

    Cavalrymen of the Napoleonic Era

    In this second instalment we return to the saddle with historian Josh Proven to uncover the hidden mechanics behind cavalry warfare during the Napoleonic Wars. This episode goes beyond the charge to explore how cavalry actually functioned under the chaos of battle. How did commanders maintain control over fast moving formations at Waterloo or Eylau? Were signals, discipline, and doctrine enough or was unpredictability inevitable? We then dive deep into the lifeblood of cavalry, horses. From vast remount systems in France, Austria, and Britain to Russia’s reliance on native herds, we examine the logistical and economic struggle to keep armies mounted. How were horses sourced, trained, and conditioned for the terror of gunfire and close combat? And how did different cultures, from European cuirassiers to Cossacks and Tatars shape the relationship between rider and mount? Finally, we explore the often overlooked realities of campaign life, feeding, shoeing, transporting, and caring for thousands of horses. With limited veterinary support and immense logistical strain, cavalry effectiveness often hinged on equine survival. If Part 1 was about how cavalry fought, Part 2 reveals what made it possible. More of Josh's work can he found here Home - Joshua Provan

    1h 22m

  8. Apr 12

    95th Rifles - Mythbusted

    Historian and Rifles veteran Tim Saunders joins us to delve into the history, ethos, and legacy of the 95th Rifles, a distinguished unit of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. We discuss their formation, training, and the impact of their unique weaponry, including the Baker rifle. The discussion also explores the challenges faced by the unit, their portrayal in popular culture through Bernard Cornwell's 'Sharp'e series, and the lasting influence of the 95th on modern military practices. Tim's books: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tim-Saunders/a/227 Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod Keywords 95th Rifles, Napoleonic Wars, British Army, light infantry, military history, Tim Saunders, Baker rifle, green jacket, Peninsula War, legacy Time Stamps: All timings approximate 00:00 Introduction to the 95th Rifles 02:17 The Formation and Evolution of the 95th Rifles 12:20 The Ethos and Character of the Rifle Corps 19:09 Training Regimen and Marksmanship of the 95th 27:08 The Baker Rifle: A Game Changer for the 95th 32:59 The Evolution of Wellington's Army 41:35 The Significance of the Green Jacket 42:06 The Impact of the Peninsula War 49:34 Challenges and Failures of the 95th 55:06 The Legacy of the 95th and Popular Culture

    1h 9m
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About

Who was Napoleon Bonaparte? What was his legacy on history? And why, more than 200 years later, does the conflict which he gave his name to still matter? Join award-winning Napoleonic historians Dr Zack White, Dr Luke Reynolds, and Liam Telfer as they host Europe's leading show devoted to the American War of Independence, French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. From interviews with leading researchers, to deep dive debates on some of the big questions, this show is ideal for those who want to start building their knowledge or deepen their understanding of the period.

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