The Napoleonic Wars Podcast

Zack White
  • 4.9 (126)
  • 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. 1d ago

    The Peninsular War: Coa & Almeida

    Josh Provan returns for another instalment of our blow by blow retelling of the Peninsular War, which this episode being the first in a triple bill of Peninsular-focused episodes. We cover the Combat at the Coa, the combobulation of Black Bob Craufurd, and 'the big bang' that ended the siege of Almeida. Buy Josh's books: https://www.helion.co.uk/people/joshua-provan.php Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod

  2. Sep 13

    Wellington and 'the Scum of the Earth'

    Wellington famously dismissed his rank and file as a band of criminals, rogues and reprobates who were hammered into a fine fighting force by the British military establishment. His infamous 'scum of the earth' comment has cast a long shadow over the reputation of the British soldiers who fought during the Napoleonic Wars. In this wide-ranging discussion, Liam Telfer and Dr Luke Reynolds dissect the reputation of soldiers during this period, separating myth and reality. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/cw/thenapoleonicwarspod

  3. Sep 6

    Redcoats in Combat - ON FILM!

    We all love to hate the Napoleon Movie - high hopes left dashed by a lacklustre storytelling, sloppy editing and a disdain for the historical. Now meet the man who wants to right that wrong! Connor O'Brien is a producer who wants to create a short film about a soldier in the Battle of Lundy's Lane, fought in Canada in 1814. His vision is for this project to be a stepping stone to a much larger production about set at the Battle of Waterloo. I sat down with him to talk about his vision behind 'The Coward' (the short film he's creating), why he is putting historical accuracy front and centre of his film making, and how, in his words, he's bringing a 'Saving Private Ryan' approach to the Napoleonic Wars. This is a fantastic project which we're very keen to support. If you would like to chip in to the fundraiser, check out the link below - you will not be charged unless the project reaches its funding goal. Support 'The Coward': https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/exorbito/the-coward-short-war-film-2026 Find out more about the project: https://thecoward1812.com

  4. Aug 30

    The Last Napoleonic Coup: Napoleon III's power grab

    Napoleon III was in equal parts implausible, hapless and ambitious. But in 1848 he finally succeeded in achieving his long-held ambition of taking power in France. In the second instalment of our exploration of Napoleon III's life, we explore how he bounced back from his second failed coup, seized the initiative in the course of the 1848 revolution, and honed his populist style of politics to appeal to all sides of the political divides. How did he reverse his fortunes as an escaped political prisoner to become President of France, and why as President did he decide to carry out yet another coup? Edward Shawcross returns to take us through this rollercoaster of French politics and intrigue. Get Edward's books: https://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571361304-the-peoples-emperor/?srsltid=AfmBOoomYEkfA0l83B2WxSnkmV7WFm30bUTqFFdkdxD7UlFQs7ltCPIf https://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571360581-the-last-emperor-of-mexico/ Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspod Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Louis Napoleon and his coups 02:12 Exile in London and social life in the demi-monde 03:49 Louis Napoleon's political ambitions and 1848 revolution 07:08 The rise of the Second Republic and the new electoral landscape 11:52 Louis Napoleon's electoral strategy and populist appeal 15:49 The 1848 presidential election and his surprising victory 21:05 The use of plebiscites and propaganda to legitimize power 25:02 The 1851 coup d'etat and the path to empire 29:57 Challenges faced by Louis Napoleon as president 35:00 The expedition to Rome and foreign policy missteps 40:05 Consolidation of power and the 1852 referendum 44:49 The legacy of Louis Napoleon and lessons on populism keywords Louis Napoleon, Napoleon III, French history, populism, coup d'etat, 19th-century France, political strategy, democracy, revolution, empire

  5. Aug 23

    Waterloo Weekend at Apsley House

    This year, Matthew Taylor worked in partnership with Apsley House to create a 'Waterloo Weekend' commemoration, featuring talks by top historians hosted in the Waterloo banquet room in the Duke of Wellington's London Residence, Apsley House - also known as 'Number One, London. Featuring Graeme Callister, Michael Rayner, Luke Reynolds, Matthew Taylor, and some reprobate called Zack White, the Napoleonic Wars Podcast was privileged to be given exclusive access to the event to record the talks, which we now present for your viewing pleasure. So be prepared to shout 'Vive L'Empereur', 'God Save the King', and declare that 'Now is your time' as we recount the Battle of Waterloo, revisit the Waterloo Banquet, remind ourselves of Wellington's crime and punishment nightmares, and consider the experiences of black soldiers in the Napoleonic era in a two hour extravaganza. Visit Apsley House: https://www.wellingtoncollection.co.uk Support our work at patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspod

  6. Aug 16

    The Royal Engineers

    Who were the Royal Engineers? How were they formed? What did they do? And why do they matter in the context of the Napoleonic Wars?  The world's leading expert on the Royal Engineers during the Napoleonic Wars, Dr Mark Thompson, returns to the show to discuss this unit, their impact, and their controversies during the Napoleonic era. We discuss everything from crime to animosity with 'Black Bob' Craufurd and notable figures such as John Fox Burgoyne. Mark's Books: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Dr-Mark-S-Thompson/a/2446 https://www.helion.co.uk/people/mark-s-thompson.php Keywords Royal Engineers, Napoleonic Wars, military engineering, John Fox Burgoyne, Wellington, siegecraft, military history, engineering legacy Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Royal Engineers 02:29 The Origins of the Royal Engineers 05:05 Engineering Duties in the Napoleonic Era 10:04 Reputation and Perception of the Royal Engineers 14:01 Promotion and Structure within the Royal Engineers 19:51 Characteristics of Royal Engineers 22:51 Behaviour and Discipline of Royal Engineers 31:29 John Fox Burgoyne and His Legacy 31:39 The Legacy of John Fox Burgoyne 35:30 Burgoyne's Role in the Royal Engineers 38:17 The Napoleonic Wars: Engineers in Action 46:08 Challenges Faced by Military Engineers 52:03 The Controversy of the Waterloo Map 01:01:27 Memoirs and Historical Accounts of Engineers 01:05:09 The Evolving Reputation of the Royal Engineers

  7. Aug 9

    The King's Foreigners: The Men who fought for Britain

    What if the British army wasn't actually that British? Alistair Nichols joins us to look at the Foreign troops who took the 'King's Shilling' and served under the British flag. We look at their motivations, their contributions and whether they have been saddled with an unjustified reputation for desertion. Buy Alistair's books: https://www.helion.co.uk/people/alistair-nichols.php Support the show at: www.patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspod Keywords: British Army, Napoleonic Wars, foreign soldiers, Swiss Regiment, German Legion, military recruitment, desertion, prisoners of war, foreign regiments, military history Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Foreign Troops in the British Army 02:49 Perceptions and Stigmas Surrounding Foreign Soldiers 05:59 Stereotypes and Positive Accounts of Foreign Soldiers 09:08 Diverse Sources of Foreign Soldiers 12:00 The Multinational Nature of the British Army 15:03 Reasons for Recruitment of Foreign Soldiers 17:47 The Longevity and Future of Foreign Regiments 29:10 The Evolution of Foreign Regiments in the British Army 31:24 The Risks of Joining the British Army 34:53 Desertion and Recruitment of Foreign Soldiers 40:35 French Emigres and Their Role in the British Army 43:34 The Stories of French Soldiers in British Service 54:35 Life After Service for Foreign Soldiers

  8. Aug 2

    The 'Other' Napoleon: Napoleon III's early life and haphazard career

    France's experiment with Bonapartism did not end in 1815. Edward Shawcross joins us to explore the baffling and improbably life of Napoleon III - the nephew of the Emperor who seemed to have all of the ambition, and none of the talent, of the original Napoleon. Get Edward's books: https://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571361304-the-peoples-emperor/?srsltid=AfmBOoomYEkfA0l83B2WxSnkmV7WFm30bUTqFFdkdxD7UlFQs7ltCPIf https://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571360581-the-last-emperor-of-mexico/ Support us at: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspod⁠ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Napoleon III and his historical context 01:54 The family background and early life of Napoleon III 07:06 Myth vs. reality: Napoleon III's perception and legacy 14:52 The political landscape of 19th century France and Bonapartism 25:01 Napoleon III's early attempts at power and exile 39:56 The farcical coups and escape attempts of Napoleon III 54:59 The political ideas and ambitions of Napoleon III in prison 01:04:49 Conclusion: The legacy and myth of Napoleon III

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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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