The Napoleonic Quarterly

Clemens Bemmann is joined by Rick Schneid, John Gill and Graeme Callister for the final of our Italian campaign series, this time looking at the Battle of Rivoli - a pivotal moment for Napoleon Bonaparte which provided him with yet another triumph. This episode concludes our pilot series exploring whether we can do more to make battles presentable in audio format.Here's a good map to visualise the battle... here's an even better one... and here's a summary courtesy of N-AI-poleon Bot-aparte on what to expect in this episode:A front-row seat at the Battle of Rivoli: Experience the dramatic twists and turns of the battle, including strategic decisions, troop movements, and real-time chaos, bringing the conflict vividly to life.Insider perspectives: Gain a balanced view of the campaign, with detailed insights from the French and Austrian camps—from Bonaparte’s restless ambition to the Austrian army’s struggles and eventual defeat.Behind-the-scenes of Napoleonic leadership: Learn how Napoleon and his staff responded to challenges, kept their forces motivated, and managed crises as the momentum shifted back and forth across the battlefield.Historical anecdotes and colourful commentary: Firsthand accounts, rumors, and memorable moments—such as Napoleon’s legendary “ditch” incident at Lodi, cavalry charges, and officers rallying (or failing to rally) their men.Consequences beyond Rivoli: Discover the aftermath of the battle and why Rivoli marked a decisive turning point, setting the stage for further French victories and reshaping the fate of the Italian campaign and the War of the First Coalition.Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Chris Sloan is joined by Josh Provan to explore more about the Marathas, untold stories from their second war with the British and the rise of the maverick Maharajah Holkar amidst the end of an Empire and the rise of another. These were turbulent times for India, as we unpick here. This episode covers:A deep dive into the Second Anglo-Maratha War, including the complex relationships and internal disputes among the Maratha confederacy’s rulers.Insightful exploration of Yashwantrao Holkar’s role—his background, military strategies, timing, and impact on the course of the conflict.Detailed discussion of Maratha military traditions, especially their reliance on cavalry, how this shaped their campaigns, and comparisons to other regional forces.Examination of the broader societal context: the lives of ordinary people under Maratha rule and British expansion, including the economic and social consequences of prolonged warfare.Critical analysis of historiography and perspectives, challenging the myth of inevitable British victory and illuminating nuances of alliance, resistance, and early hints of Indian nationalism.Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

1804. October... November... December... three months in which the ruler of France completes his transition from Buonaparte to the Emperor Napoleon... the British seize three Spanish treasure ships, prompting a declaration of war from Madrid... and in India there's success for the British, continuing the downward slide of the Marathas. This is episode 52 of the Napoleonic Quarterly - covering three months in which the country of Charlemagne once again has an emperor on its throne.[05:45] - Headline developments[11:45] - Adam Zamoyski on the coronation of the Emperor Napoleon[38:00] - David Andress on Britain in 1804, its seizure of Spanish treasure ships and Spain's declaration of war[1:03:15] - Josh Provan on the Holkar War, the British in India and the end of the Second Anglo-Maratha WarAdam Zamoyski on the Napoleonic soap opera: https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/ADAM-ZAMOYSKI-on-the-Napoleonic-soap-opera/B0G1HWMBH6Indian soldiers and the British Empire: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/indian-soldiers-and-the-british-empire-w-ravindra-rathee/id1547058446?i=1000696386813Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Liam Gauci of the Malta Maritime Museum is joined by Phillip Cuccia and Konstantine Peradze to discuss the complex history of the Barbary States, their war with the United States and their broader impact on the Napoleonic Wars.In this episode you'll hear:The 'Pirate' vs 'Privateer' debate: The panel dives into whether the Barbary States’ seafaring activities should be considered piracy or state-sanctioned privateering, highlighting the political and legal complexities of the time.The US Navy’s First Major Combat Encounter: A detailed look at the fierce 1804 close-combat in Tripoli, including Stephen Decatur’s daring actions and the dramatic destruction of the USS Philadelphia.Personal Stories from the Mediterranean: Listeners hear about fascinating characters, like a Maltese who switched allegiances multiple times, and the roles played by Georgians and other Mediterranean peoples in these shifting alliances.How the Barbary Wars Shaped American Naval Policy: The episode explains how attacks by the Barbary corsairs prompted the young United States to invest in building a powerful navy, influencing both US politics and military priorities.Behind-the-Scenes Diplomacy and Local Perspectives: There’s rich discussion around diplomatic efforts, ransom negotiations, and the constant need for resources in the Barbary States, tying in broader Mediterranean and Napoleonic geopolitics.Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Alex Stevenson is joined by Rick Schneid, John Gill and Graeme Callister for the latest in our 1796 battles series, this time looking at Castiglione when for the first time Napoleon Bonaparte found himself on the strategic defensive.You'll find all the pictures and maps mentioned in this episode here: https://x.com/napoleonic_q/status/2013017694077911143Expect “on the battlefield” atmosphere, expert analysis, maps you can almost see, and a riveting blend of strategy and storytelling:A Walkthrough of the Battlefield and Its GeographyListeners will be expertly guided through the geography of Castiglione and its surrounding landmarks—hills, rivers, villages—painting a vivid operational map crucial to understanding the movements and intentions of both armies.The Austrian and French PerspectivesThe panel adopts the roles of staff officers and commanders in both the Austrian and French camps, offering both granular and big-picture views on morale, strategy, and the unique challenges faced by each side.Command Decisions and Tactics UnpackedExplore why Austrian commander Wurmser and his French counterpart Bonaparte made the decisions they did, how logistical issues, communication breakdowns, and battlefield improvisation altered the course of operations.Dramatic Near-Misses and Shifting MomentumExperience the near-encirclement of the French, the Austrian attempts at pincer movement, and how crucial moments and battlefield heroics (like the timely arrival of French reinforcements) flipped the campaign’s momentum.Aftermath, Analysis, and Why Castiglione MatteredThe episode delves into the outcomes of the battle: the relief and renewed siege of Mantua, troop exhaustion, command changes, loss of crucial siege artillery, and how Castiglione marked a turning point in Napoleon’s operational approach—and for the wider Napoleonic Wars.Help us produce more episodes by joining the Napoleonic Quarterly community on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

The second half of Hamilton the Musical, which covers the post-Revolutionary period that just happens to be that of this podcast, is a bit more confusing than the first: "can we get back to politics, please?" as Jefferson puts it. The precise role of Alexander Hamilton after he left office, covering the John Adams administration, the elections of 1800 and 1804 and of course the famous duel with Aaron Burr which ended Hamilton's life are brilliantly covered but still leave some questions hanging. To resolve some of those, this episode sees the return of Peter Kastor, Professor of History and American Culture Studies at Washington University in St. Louis...Help us produce more episodes by joining the Napoleonic Quarterly community on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterlyIn this episode you'll hear: - How the musical impacts on historical understanding, both illuminating and simplifying the era of the Founding Fathers; - Reflections on what the musical gets right and what it leaves out;- An exploration of the key events and debates of the 1790s, including the Jay Treaty, the Adams administration, and the complexities of early American politics that are glossed over or omitted in the musical;- Recommendations for books and resources to deepen knowledge about Hamilton’s life and the broader revolutionary and post-revolutionary period, including the works of Alan Taylor and Joanne Freeman, as well as Peter Kastor's own research;- A nuanced discussion on the code of honor that shaped political and personal decisions, including the famous duel between Hamilton and Burr; and - Insights into the personal challenges and tragic second acts of the Founding Fathers, contrasted with their triumphs, and thoughts on how historical interpretation might change in years to come.Mentioned in this episode:Founders OnlineExplore the digitized collections of the papers of America’s Founders, including Hamilton, Jefferson, Washington, and more.https://founders.archives.govRon Chernow's Biography of HamiltonThe biography that inspired “Hamilton: The Musical” and shaped popular understanding of Alexander Hamilton’s life.https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/29384/alexander-hamilton-by-ron-chernow/Joanne Freeman's “Affairs of Honor”Highly recommended for anyone wanting to understand the culture of honor, dueling, and early American politics.https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300088770/affairs-of-honor/Alan Taylor’s “American Revolutions”A Pulitzer Prize-winning historian’s sweeping account of the Revolutionary era.https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393082815Ken Burns’ Documentary: The American RevolutionA new, in-depth documentary series offering a broader perspective on the Revolution’s impact.

1804. July… August… September… Three months in which Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr take their political differences to the duelling ground… Tripoli’s pirates are bombarded by the United States… And another quarter, another new emperor - this time Francis I for Austria. This is episode 51 of the Napoleonic Quarterly - covering three months which continues this year’s theme of political violence.[4:40] - Headline developments[14:00] - Peter Kastor on US politics and the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr[36:00] - Liam Gauci on the Barbary States' war with the United States[59:50] - Barbara Stollberg-Rilinger on Francis' decision to become Austrian EmperorHelp us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

In April 1796, a 26-year-old Napoleon Bonaparte transformed a demoralized, ragged French army into a lightning-fast strike force that knocked the Kingdom of Sardinia out of the war in just over two weeks. By utilizing the strategy of the central position he successfully split the superior Austrian and Piedmontese forces, defeating them in rapid succession at battles like Montenotte and Mondovi - and proving in the process that a disciplined, mobile army could shatter traditional European alliances and permanently shift the balance of power in Italy.Clemens Bemmann is joined once again by Rick Schneid, our battlefield correspondent, and John Gill and Graeme Callister, our Austrian/Piedmontese and French army experts, for this continuation of our series on the battles of 1796.

A conversation with Barbara Stollberg-Rilinger, Professor Emerita of Early Modern History at the University of Munster and Rector of the Institute for Advanced Study in Berlin. Germany is becoming increasingly important to this podcast, which is why we're digging into another aspect of this fascinating part of Europe. Dualism and dissolution; between fealty and federation; the unravelling of the Holy Roman Empire and a tumultuous period. All setting the stage for Napoleon Bonaparte...This discussion:- Explores the complexities and contradictions of the Holy Roman Empire in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, including its structure, political dynamics, and the concept of legitimacy.- Discusses the dualism and rivalry between Austria and Prussia, and how their ambitions and actions contributed to the fragmentation and eventual dissolution of the Empire.- Examines the significance of symbolism, rituals, and ceremonies in sustaining imperial power—and the ways these traditional forms were both maintained and undermined in practice.- Looks at cultural and intellectual responses to the era’s upheavals, including the reactions of figures like Goethe, Schiller, and Hegel to the French Revolution and emerging German nationalism.- Considers the impact of Napoleon and the mediatisation of the Empire, questioning whether Napoleon was the executioner of the Holy Roman Empire or if its internal weaknesses had already sealed its fate.Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

A conversation about a legendary moment in United States history between James Quint, Director of the Old Cowtown Museum in Wichita, Kansas, and Peter Kastor, Professor of History and American Culture Studies at Washington University in Saint Louis. The episode dives deep into the context and significance of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, from the initial uncertainty faced by the United States after acquiring the Louisiana Purchase to the quest for knowledge and trade routes in unknown territory.Discussion highlights the pivotal roles of indigenous nations and French-Canadian traders in shaping the expedition’s progress, including the crucial diplomatic and trading relationships necessary for survival.The complex dynamics of the Corps of Discovery are explored, touching on its diverse and multicultural makeup, the contributions of key figures like Sacagawea and York, and the evolving perspectives on Native American diplomacy.The challenges and logistical feats of the expedition—navigating vast rivers, crossing the Rocky Mountains, and surviving harsh winters—are described alongside the extraordinary documentation kept through journals and maps, which became invaluable historical sources.The legacy of Lewis and Clark is examined, not only as a story of exploration but as a lens into America’s expansion, scientific ambition, the consequences for native peoples, and how these events continue to shape public memory and interpretation in museums and beyond.Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

1804. April... May... June... three months in which the British are facing an uphill struggle in building another coalition against the French... The Revolution takes its final step as Napoleon Bonaparte is to be granted the imperial dignity... and in the Caucasus, a determined Russian general is making real progress. This is episode 50 of the Napoleonic Quarterly... covering three months in which France makes the decision to move to Empire.[06.00] - Headline developments[18.10] - Adam Zamoyski on European diplomacy in 1804[46.40] - Philip Dwyer on the decision to make Napoleon Bonaparte an emperor[1.06.15] - Giorgi Tchkadua on Russian efforts to establish control of the CaucasusHelp us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

"It was like a soap opera," Adam says of the Congress of Vienna near the end of this interview episode. That just about sums up his unique perspective on the whole Napoleonic period, as reflected throughout this discussion - a fascination with personalities and the impact individuals can have on human history, contextualised by an understanding of the messiness of diplomacy and power politics which defined the long 18th century. 01.20 - Izabela The Valiant, Adam's most recent book10.00 - How Adam's views about the biggest characters of 1792-1815 have developed over the past five years18.00 - Was Wellington over-rated28.00 - Czartoryski, Alexander's first foreign minister and a key figure for Poland36.00 - Power politics in eastern Europe - Germany, Poland, Austria, Russia and France 52.00 - Napoleon's Spanish calculations56.50 - The Congress of Vienna's negative impact on the ideals of monarchyHelp us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Giorgi Tchkadua of Ilia State University in Georgia, PhD candidate under our own Alexander Mikaberidze, helps unpack the multiplicity of riddles which makes up the fascinatingly complex power dynamics in the Caucasus before, during and after the 1792-1815 period. In this episode you'll learn: How Russian expansion into the Caucasus took place following failures by their Ottoman and Persian rivalsWhy the patchwork of kingdoms and khanates in the region proved so elusive for imperial dominationAnd above all, how from the perspective of those living in the Caucasus the big powers were themselves being played - in a local struggle for power even more compelling than you'd think.Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Prof Emeritus Alan Forrest of the University of York, biographer of Napoleon, is back in conversation with Alex Stevenson to give his appraisal of imperial France as it was in 1804-05. Featuring - France’s shift from revolutionary chaos to Napoleonic stability in 1804-1805, with the rise of executive power and curtailment of parliamentary influence.Ongoing security threats and conspiracies from both Jacobins and royalists, including assassination plots and political purges.The challenges and social impact of conscription, causing widespread resentment, draft dodging, and community resistance.Transformation of the French economy and society under the pressures of renewed war, British blockade, and loss of overseas colonies.The emergence of new administrative strengths and legal reforms, alongside the growing reach of centralized state authority into everyday life.Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

1804. January… February… March… Three months in which Napoleon acts ruthlessly by abducting and killing a royalist figurehead... Both Haiti and Louisiana face momentous questions about their future... And in the forested, rugged terrain of the Balkans, a figure called Karadjordje rises to challenge the Ottomans. This is episode 49 of the Napoleonic Quarterly - covering three months in which the murderous shedding of more royal blood sends shockwaves across Europe.[15:18] - Headline developments[34:30] - Peter Kastor on the Louisiana Purchase and Haiti[58:50] - Alan Forrest on the Cadoudal plot, the abduction of the Duc D'Enghien and the conspiracists mindset[1:19:20] - Michael Talbot on Karadjordje and the Serbian uprisingHelp us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

April 1796 - time for another critical chapter in the young Napoleon Bonaparte's legendary Italian campaign, brought to you once again by our Battlefield Despatches dream team. Clemens Bemmann presents; Rick Schneid is our battlefield correspondent; John Gill is with the Austrian command; and Graeme Callister is on Bonaparte's staff to provide the French perspective. Maps x2 can be found here.Produced by Alex Stevenson, with audio editing support from Sam Loose.Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Bernie Campbell is joined by Rachel Blackman-Rogers of King's College London and Olivier Aranda of the University of Western Brittany to discuss naval strategy in the Mediterranean theatre in the 1790s, with a particular emphasis on the Battle of the Nile.The episode explores the strategic importance of the Mediterranean for both France and Britain during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods, particularly focusing on the lead-up to the French invasion of Egypt and the Battle of the Nile. It highlights how each nation’s naval priorities shifted over the 1790s depending on political alliances and military objectives.Olivier Aranda explains the French dilemma of having to split their naval forces between the Atlantic and Mediterranean, and how this dual-front created both opportunities and problems for the French navy. The discussion contrasts the fortunes of France’s Mediterranean (Toulon) and Atlantic (Brest) fleets, illustrating the divergent outcomes and strategic thinking.Rachel Blackman-Rogers provides insight into British strategy, emphasizing the significance of trade, power projection, and political influence in the Mediterranean. The episode also discusses Britain’s reliance on bases, alliances with smaller regional powers, and the critical impact of controlling Mediterranean routes for economic and diplomatic reasons.Both speakers detail the roles and shifting alliances of other Mediterranean powers—such as Spain, Naples, Venice, the Ottoman Empire, and the Barbary States—influencing French and British strategies. The complexity of these ever-shifting diplomatic relationships is shown to be a constant challenge for both major powers.The consequences of the Battle of the Nile are examined in terms of their profound impact on French and British strategic options. The destruction of the French fleet isolated Napoleon in Egypt, shifted the naval initiative firmly to Britain, and set the stage for changing coalitions and further military campaigns in the region.Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Yes, it's the planning meeting once again - this is the third go in our festival of bureaucracy, the critical discussion which sees us sort out what each of our main episodes should include as topics for their three segments. The years 1804 and 1805 are exciting times for the podcast, as we actually hit the Napoleonic Wars proper. All roads lead to the fabled episode 56, covering the final quarter of 1805...Alex Stevenson hands over the presenting reins to Josh Provan, whilst Alex Mikaberidze and Rick Schneid (in Charles' absence) lead the debate about what we should include. Spoiler: we are going to talk about Austerlitz. And Trafalgar. Not in that order. Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

1803. October… November… December… Three months in which French forces wave the white flag on Saint-Domingue... In Washington the Louisiana Purchase gets a green light from Congress - without working out the detail... And in India a series of defeats for the Marathas force Scindia to the negotiating table. This is episode 48 of the Napoleonic Quarterly - covering three months in which the Haitian Revolution finally reaches its culmination. [11.10] - Headline developments[32.30] - Marlene Daut on independence for Haiti[53.50] - Peter Kastor on the Louisiana Purchase[1.20.00] - Ravindra Rathee on India, the Treaty of Deogaon and the end of the Second Anglo-Maratha WarHelp us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

This episode offers a deep dive into the pivotal Battle of Assaye fought on September 23, 1803, a clash that shaped British dominance in India and forged the reputation of Arthur Wellesley—better known to history as the Duke of Wellington. Host Clemens Bemmann welcomes a special panel to explore the campaign, armies, personalities, and chaos that defined one of the most dramatic battles on the Indian subcontinent during the Napoleonic era. Josh Provan is the battlefield correspondent; Zack White is the East India Company expert; Andy Copestake is the Maratha army expert. Featuring: The Maratha Confederacy: European mercenaries, regular brigades, and command strugglesBritish Army composition: The rise of Arthur Wellesley, Indian sepoys, and logistical prowessLead-up to Assaye: The Treaty of Bassein, Maratha-British diplomacy, and campaign maneuversThe battlefield: Terrain, climate, and strategic optionsThe battle unfolds: Surprise encounters, flanking maneuvers, massed artillery, discipline under fireLeadership and morale: Command breakdowns vs. individual heroism on both sidesThe outcome: Heavy losses, psychological aftermath, and the reshaping of Indian and British military futuresThe panel considers how the mix of European mercenaries and Indian soldiers within the Maratha army both enhanced and undermined its fighting ability at Assaye; what the leadership style of Arthur Wellesley at Assaye—and the razor-thin margin of his victory—reveal about the nature of military success and reputation in the colonial era; and, in a battle filled with confusion, split-second decisions, and shifting morale, the role of discipline, training, and individual initiative in determining battles like these.Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly