Generals and Napoleon

Battle of Wavre & Plancenoit (1815) | Napoleon’s Last Campaign & Grouchy’s Controversial StandThe Battle of Wavre, fought on 18–19 June 1815, was the final major engagement of Napoleon’s Hundred Days and one of the most controversial battles of the Napoleonic Wars. While Napoleon faced Wellington at Waterloo, Marshal Grouchy fought the Prussian III Corps under General Thielmann near the town of Wavre in Belgium.Special guest & author Graeme Callister will explore how Grouchy, obeying Napoleon’s orders to pursue the Prussians after Ligny, became locked in a fierce battle just miles away from Waterloo—unable to influence the decisive struggle that ended the Napoleonic Era. We break down the strategy, key moments, and fighting along the River Dyle, and explain why Wavre remains central to the debate over Grouchy’s responsibility for Napoleon’s final defeat.Was the Battle of Wavre a missed opportunity, or did Grouchy do exactly what he was ordered to do? And could events at Wavre have changed the outcome at Waterloo?Battle of Plancenoit (1815) | The Fight That Decided Waterloo’s Right FlankThe Battle of Plancenoit, fought on 18 June 1815, was one of the most brutal and decisive struggles of the Battle of Waterloo. As Napoleon battled Wellington to the west, the fate of the French army hinged on this small Belgian village, where Prussian forces under General Bülow collided with Napoleon’s right flank.This episode explores how Plancenoit became the last major French defensive stand of the Napoleonic Wars. We break down the savage house-to-house fighting, the repeated Prussian assaults, and Napoleon’s dramatic decision to commit the Young Guard and Old Guard to hold the village. Despite moments of French success, the fall of Plancenoit opened the road to Napoleon’s final defeat.Was Plancenoit the true turning point of Waterloo? And could holding the village longer have changed the outcome of the battle?X/Twitter: @graemecallister, @andnapoleon

General Gerhard von Scharnhorst was the intellectual architect of Prussia’s military revival after its crushing 1806 defeat by Napoleon. In this video, special guest Ethan Soefje explores Scharnhorst’s revolutionary reforms, his role in transforming the Prussian Army, and how his ideas laid the foundations for modern warfare.Discover how Scharnhorst ended aristocratic privilege, introduced merit-based advancement, reorganized training and education, and helped create the Prussian General Staff. We also examine his collaboration with figures like Gneisenau, Clausewitz, and Blücher, and his contributions during the War of Liberation (1813) against Napoleon.From his early career as a theorist and officer to his fatal wounding at the Battle of Lützen, this video explains why Scharnhorst remains one of the most influential military reformers in European history.X/Twitter: @andnapoleon

Discover the Top 15 most surprising moments of the Napoleonic Era—from unexpected battlefield reversals to political shocks that reshaped Europe forever. ⚔️🌍In this video, we explore the events, decisions, and outcomes that defied expectations during the age of Napoleon Bonaparte, including shocking victories, disastrous miscalculations, underestimated people, and turning points that historians still debate today. Whether you’re a longtime Napoleonic history fan or new to the era, these surprises reveal why the period from 1793 – 1815 remains one of the most dramatic in military history.Our experts include David Markham, Graeme Callister, Geraint Thatcher, and Zack White! We discuss:Battles Napoleon should have lost—but didn’tDecisions that unexpectedly changed the course of campaignsPolitical and strategic surprises that altered Europe’s balance of powerHow chance, weather, and human error shaped historyPerfect for fans of military history, European history, strategy, and war documentaries, this countdown-style breakdown is ideal for classrooms, podcasts, and history enthusiasts alike.📌 Watch to the end to see which surprises rank as #1—and why it still shocks historians today.

The Duke of Wellington wasn’t just the man who defeated Napoleon — he was also one of Britain’s most influential political leaders of the era.In this episode, special guest Marcus Cribb examines Arthur Wellesley’s political career, including his time as Prime Minister, his role in shaping Britain after the Napoleonic Wars, and his controversial decision to support Catholic Emancipation in 1829. Discover how Wellington transitioned from battlefield command to high politics, faced public unrest, and left a lasting mark on 19th-century British government.We also discuss his later years and his funeral, one of the largest in British history. Perfect for fans of Napoleonic history, British politics, and Waterloo, this video reveals the statesman behind the soldier.X/Twitter: @mcribbhistory, @andnapoleon

The Battle of Bautzen (May 20–21, 1813) – Napoleon’s Hard-Fought Victory in the War of the Sixth CoalitionIn today’s episode, special guest Jonas de Neef breaks down the Battle of Bautzen, one of the most intense and strategically intriguing clashes of the 1813 campaign. Fought after Napoleon’s retreat from Russia, Bautzen saw the Emperor attempt to crush the combined Prussian & Russian armies under Blücher and Wittgenstein. Despite a tactical French victory, the battle failed to deliver the decisive blow Napoleon desperately needed.We explore:Napoleon’s strategy and the movements leading to BautzenKey commanders: Napoleon, Ney, Soult, Oudinot, Blücher, and WittgensteinThe brutal two-day fightNey’s missed opportunity that allowed the Allies to escapeCasualties, consequences, and how Bautzen shaped the rest of the 1813 campaignPerfect for fans of Napoleonic history, military strategy, and anyone following the War of the Sixth Coalition.🔔 Subscribe for more Napoleonic battles, biographies, and deep-dive episodes!👍 Like & comment — Which Napoleonic battle should we cover next?#Napoleon #BattleOfBautzen #NapoleonicWars #OTD #WarOfTheSixthCoalition #MilitaryHistory #GeneralsAndNapoleon

🇩🇪 King Frederick William III of Prussia Discover the dramatic life and legacy of King Frederick William III (1770–1840), the Prussian monarch who ruled during one of Europe’s most turbulent eras. This video explores how a shy and reluctant king transformed Prussia after devastating defeats by Napoleon—leading to sweeping military, social, and governmental reforms that helped shape modern Germany.Special guest Ethan Soefje joins the show to cover:Frederick William III’s early life and accession to the thronePrussia’s catastrophic losses at Jena–Auerstedt (1806)His complex relationship with Napoleon BonaparteThe influence of Queen Louise, one of Prussia’s most beloved figuresThe Prussian Reform Movement (Scharnhorst, Stein, Hardenberg)His leadership during the Wars of Liberation (1813–1815)The Congress of Vienna and the rise of Prussia as a European powerHis later reign and long-term legacy on German unificationThis biography is perfect for fans of Napoleonic history, German history, and anyone interested in leadership under pressure.👍 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more deep-dive history episodes.#FrederickWilliamIII #PrussianHistory #NapoleonicWars #KingsofPrussia #GermanHistory #HistoryDocumentary #GeneralsandNapoleon

While Napoleon’s armies fought brilliant battles across Spain and Portugal, their greatest enemy wasn’t always the British or the guerrillas — it was logistics.Supplying tens of thousands of soldiers across rugged mountains, scorched plains, and hostile territory tested the limits of Napoleonic warfare. Food shortages, broken supply lines, and guerrilla ambushes made every march a struggle for survival.In this video, special guest & author Gareth Glover will tell us🚚 How Wellington & Napoleon tried to feed, arm, and move their armies across the Iberian Peninsula⚙️ The challenges faced by French and British quartermasters🔥 Why logistics, not tactics, decided the outcome of the war🇪🇸 How Spain’s geography and resistance crippled Napoleon’s ambitionsDiscover the untold story of the Peninsular War — a campaign where supply wagons, not just muskets, determined victory.#Napoleon #PeninsularWar #NapoleonicWars #History #Wellington #Spain #Logistics

In August 1813, amid the German Campaign of the Napoleonic Wars, Napoleon faced one of his greatest challenges — the combined might of Austria, Prussia, and Russia. The Battle of Dresden would become his last major battlefield triumph, showcasing his tactical genius even as the empire began to crumble.Special guest Winston Valentine discusses Napoleon’s maneuvers, use of terrain, and daring counterattacks that crushed the Coalition forces under Schwarzenberg. Learn about the heroic stand of Marshal Saint-Cyr, the daring charge of the Imperial Guard, and the tragic defeat of General Vandamme at Kulm just days later.🔴 Key Topics Covered:Background of the 1813 German CampaignNapoleon’s defensive strategy at DresdenKey commandersThe turning point of the fightAftermath and its impact on the War of the Sixth Coalition🎖️ Why it Matters:The Battle of Dresden was Napoleon’s final victory at the height of his powers — a flash of brilliance before the storm that led to Leipzig and the fall of his empire.📅 Watch more Napoleonic History videos every week!👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the battles, generals, and strategies of the Napoleonic Era.#Napoleon #BattleOfDresden #NapoleonicWars #MilitaryHistory #GeneralsAndNapoleonX/Twitter: @Napoleon_1796, @andnapoleon

Few men stood closer to Napoleon Bonaparte than General Jean Rapp — a fearless soldier, loyal aide-de-camp, and hero of some of the Empire’s fiercest battles. From Austerlitz to Borodino, Rapp’s bravery and devotion made him one of the most respected figures of the Grande Armée.Special guest Jonas de Neef shares how this Alsatian officer rose from humble beginnings to become a Count of the Empire, Governor of Danzig, and one of the Emperor’s most trusted commanders. Discover his daring cavalry charges, his near-death encounters, and his loyalty even in defeat.🎖️ Highlights include:Rapp’s early service in the Revolutionary WarsHis legendary charge at AusterlitzSaving Napoleon from assassination attemptsDefense of Danzig against overwhelming oddsLife after the fall of the Empire⚔️ Why it Matters:General Rapp embodied the courage, loyalty, and honor of Napoleon’s finest officers — a man who never flinched under fire.👉 Subscribe for more stories of Napoleon’s Marshals, Generals, and epic battles of the Napoleonic Era!#Napoleon #GeneralRapp #NapoleonicWars #GeneralsAndNapoleon #MilitaryHistory

🎖️ We return for Part II of the Top 15 Battles of the Napoleonic EraStep into the age of empires and ambition — this video counts down the Top 15 Battles of the Napoleonic Era, where strategy, courage, and destiny shaped the course of Europe. From the stunning triumph at Austerlitz to the final reckoning at Waterloo, discover how Napoleon Bonaparte’s genius — and his opponents’ resilience — changed warfare forever.Join our fantastic panel of guests - Marcus Cribb, Graeme Callister, Josh Provan, and Charles Mackay - who discuss everything from Kellerman's stalwart victory at Valmy to Wellington’s defensive genius at Waterloo. We break down the tactics, triumphs, and legacies of battles involving from France, Britain, Russia, Austria, Prussia, and beyond.🔍 Whether you're a history buff, military strategist, or Napoleon enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights, surprises, and debates on what made these battles legendary.💬 Tell us in the comments: Which ones would make YOUR Top 15 list?🎧 Subscribe for more on the Napoleonic Era, epic battles, leadership lessons, and the fascinating lives of history’s greatest military eraX/Twitter: @graemecallister, @mcribbhistory, @LandOfHistoryBluesky: @bubblesvampire.bsky.social

🎖️ What Were the Top 15 Battles of the Napoleonic Era? Step into the age of empires and ambition — this video counts down the Top 15 Battles of the Napoleonic Era, where strategy, courage, and destiny shaped the course of Europe. From the stunning triumph at Austerlitz to the final reckoning at Waterloo, discover how Napoleon’s genius — and his opponents’ resilience — changed warfare forever.Join our fantastic panel of guests - Marcus Cribb, Graeme Callister, Josh Provan, and Charles Mackay - who discuss everything from Kellerman's stalwart victory at Valmy to Wellington’s defensive genius at Waterloo. We break down the tactics, triumphs, and legacies of battles involving from France, Britain, Russia, Austria, Prussia, and beyond.🔍 Whether you're a history buff, military strategist, or Napoleon enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights, surprises, and debates on what made these battles legendary.💬 Tell us in the comments: Which ones would make YOUR Top 15 list?🎧 Subscribe for more on the Napoleonic Era, epic battles, leadership lessons, and the fascinating lives of history’s greatest military eraX/Twitter: @graemecallister, @mcribbhistory, @LandOfHistory, @andnapoleonBluesky: @bubblesvampire.bsky.social

🌍 From an unknown Corsican artillery lieutenant to Emperor — Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise is one of history’s most dramatic stories. Special guest Rafe Blaufarb joins the show to discuss how Napoleon climbed the ranks during the French Revolution, won stunning victories, and seized power to reshape Europe forever.⚔️ In this video, we’ll cover:Napoleon’s early military career as a young officerHis breakthrough at Toulon and rise to generalHow he became a national heroThe 1799 coup that made him First Consul📖 Perfect for history buffs, students, and anyone fascinated by leadership, ambition, and the Napoleonic era.🔔 Subscribe for more Napoleonic history, great battles, and “on this date” events from the life of Napoleon and his marshals!X/Twitter: @andnapoleon#Napoleon #History #NapoleonicWars #FrenchRevolution #RiseOfNapoleon #floridastateuniversity

🔴 The Battles of Ligny & Quatre-Bras | Napoleon’s Final Gamble Begins 🔴In this episode, we dive deep into the critical twin battles that set the stage for Waterloo: Ligny and Quatre-Bras, both fought on June 16, 1815. Special guest & author Gareth Glover discusses how Napoleon's last great victory at Ligny was undercut by missed opportunities, and how the Duke of Wellington's stubborn stand at Quatre-Bras helped shape the epic showdown to come.👑 Featuring key figures like Marshal Ney, General D'Erlon, and Field Marshal Blücher we examine the strategies, blunders, and heroism that unfolded over one fateful day in Belgium.⚔️ Learn how coordination failures, fog of war, and bold decision-making altered the course of European history in just 24 hours.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Napoleonic history every week!#Napoleon #BattleOfLigny #QuatreBras #NapoleonicWars #Wellington #Waterloo #MilitaryHistory #HistoryPodcast #PrussianArmy #MarshalNey

Discover the dramatic story of Napoleon Bonaparte’s state funeral and the return of his remains to France in 1840, nearly two decades after his death on Saint Helena. Special guest Charles Mackay joins us to explores the political symbolism, the public reaction, and the elaborate procession that accompanied the Emperor’s final journey through Paris to Les Invalides.Learn why King Louis-Philippe agreed to bring Napoleon home, how French citizens responded, and what the funeral meant for Napoleon's legacy.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow more Napoleonic history!👇 Comment below: Should Napoleon have been buried in France or left on Saint Helena?Bluesky: @andnapoleon.bsky.social‬, @bubblesvampire.bsky.social‬#napoleon #napoleonfuneral #lesinvalides #history #podcast

👑 Charles X of France – The Last Bourbon King 👑Charles X (1757–1836) was the final reigning monarch of the Bourbon line in France. Brother of Louis XVI and Louis XVIII, Charles inherited the throne in 1824 during the Bourbon Restoration. Special guest & podcaster David Montgomery joins the show to discuss his reign, which was marked by attempts to roll back the French Revolution.Deeply conservative, Charles X pushed policies favoring the Catholic Church and the old aristocracy—earning him fierce opposition from liberals and the middle class. His controversial July Ordinances of 1830, which dissolved Parliament, censored the press, and restricted voting rights, triggered the July Revolution. Charles was overthrown and forced to abdicate, ending Bourbon rule in France.📜 In this video, we’ll explore:Charles X’s rise to power His political struggles during the RestorationHow his policies sparked the 1830 RevolutionThe legacy of the last Bourbon king of France🔔 Subscribe for more history on French kings, Napoleon, and the dramatic revolutions that shaped Europe!X/Twitter: @TheSiecle, @andnapoleon#charlesX #kings #kingoffrance #bourbons #napoleon

The Battle of Bailén (July 16–19, 1808) was a shocking defeat for Napoleon’s forces during the Peninsular War—and the first time a French field army surrendered in open battle. Special guest and author Josh Provan discusses how Spanish General Castaños surrounded and crushed General Dupont’s troops, forcing over 17,000 French soldiers to lay down their arms.This stunning Spanish victory electrified Europe, shattered the myth of French invincibility, and inspired resistance against Napoleon across the continent.⚔️ Learn about:How Spanish forces outmaneuvered Napoleon’s troopsThe leadership of General CastañosThe surrender of General DupontWhy Bailén changed the course of the Peninsular WarX/Twitter: @landofhistory, @andnapoleon#bailen #battles #battlefields #spain #napoleon

General Horace Sébastiani was more than just a cavalry officer—he was a battlefield commander, imperial diplomat, and political survivor in one of the most turbulent eras in French history. From the thunder of hooves in Spain and Russia to the quiet halls of diplomacy, Sébastiani’s career spanned empires, revolutions, and restorations. Special guest and author Jonathan North joins the show to explore the remarkable journey of a man who wore many hats:✅ His cavalry commands in the Peninsular War and Russian Campaign✅ Service under Murat and participation in key engagements like Talavera and Borodino✅ His diplomatic missions to Constantinople and role in shaping French-Ottoman policy✅ How he navigated the fall of Napoleon, the Bourbon Restoration, and the July 1830 Revolution✅ Why Sébastiani remains one of the most adaptable figures of the eraWhether on horseback or in the halls of power, Sébastiani was always at the center of history.📌 Like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the overlooked generals of the Napoleonic Wars!X/Twitter: @andnapoleon

Part II of our Ultimate ranking of the Top 15 Generals of the Napoleonic Era!Step into the boots of the greatest military minds of the Napoleonic Wars. In this episode of Generals and Napoleon, we count down the Top 15 generals of the Napoleonic Era—the brilliant, bold, and often controversial commanders who shaped European history between 1796 and 1815. Join our brilliant panel of guests - Rachael Stark, Graeme Callister, Nick Kramer, Michael Hamel, and Jonas de Neef - who discuss everything from Marshal Davout’s iron discipline to Wellington’s defensive genius. We break down the tactics, triumphs, and legacies of iconic leaders from France, Britain, Russia, Austria, Prussia, and beyond.🔍 Whether you're a history buff, military strategist, or Napoleon enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights, surprises, and debates on what made these men legendary.👉 We Include:Forgotten geniuses and battlefield legendsKey campaigns that defined each generalHow Napoleon influenced—and was influenced by—his marshals and enemies💬 Tell us in the comments: Who would make YOUR Top 15 list?🎧 Subscribe for more on the Napoleonic Wars, epic battles, leadership lessons, and the fascinating lives of history’s greatest generals.*Note: "The opinions expressed herein are those of the individuals and do reflect the official policy or position of the US Army, the United States Military Academy, the Department of Defense, or the US Government.”X/Twitter: @bookish_rachael, @nkramer5812, @graemecallister, @andnapoleon #Napoleon #NapoleonicWars #MilitaryHistory #Wellington #Davout #NapoleonicGenerals #HistoryPodcast #GeneralsAndNapoleon

🎖️ Who Were the Top 15 Generals of the Napoleonic Era? Step into the greatest military minds of the Napoleonic Wars. In this episode of Generals and Napoleon, we count down the Top 15 generals of the Napoleonic Era—the brilliant, bold, and often controversial commanders who shaped European history between 1796 and 1815. Join our brilliant panel of guests - Rachael Stark, Graeme Callister, Nick Kramer, Michael Hamel, and Jonas de Neef - who discuss everything from Marshal Davout’s iron discipline to Wellington’s defensive genius. We break down the tactics, triumphs, and legacies of iconic leaders from France, Britain, Russia, Austria, Prussia, and beyond.🔍 Whether you're a history buff, military strategist, or Napoleon enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights, surprises, and debates on what made these men legendary.👉 We Include:Forgotten geniuses and battlefield legendsKey campaigns that defined each generalHow Napoleon influenced—and was influenced by—his marshals and enemies💬 Tell us in the comments: Who would make YOUR Top 15 list?🎧 Subscribe for more on the Napoleonic Wars, epic battles, leadership lessons, and the fascinating lives of history’s greatest generals.*Note: "The opinions expressed herein are those of the individuals and do reflect the official policy or position of the US Army, the United States Military Academy, the Department of Defense, or the US Government.”X/Twitter: @bookish_rachael, @nkramer5812, @graemecallister, @andnapoleon #Napoleon #NapoleonicWars #MilitaryHistory #Wellington #Davout #NapoleonicGenerals #HistoryPodcast #GeneralsAndNapoleon

Discover the untold story of Napoleon Bonaparte’s parents — Carlo Buonaparte and Letizia Ramolino — and how their influence shaped the future Emperor of France. 🏛️Special guest John Kuehn joins the show to help us dive into the lives of this Corsican couple:Carlo Buonaparte, a lawyer and political opportunist, who navigated the turbulent politics of 18th-century Corsica.Letizia Ramolino, Napoleon’s strong-willed mother, known for her resilience and discipline, who raised one of history’s most iconic military leaders.From their noble Corsican roots to their roles during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Empire, learn how their ambitions, struggles, and values molded young Napoleon’s character, drive, and identity.💡 Perfect for fans of history, Napoleonics, and those curious about the family behind the legend.X/Twitter: @jkuehn50, @andnapoleon