Generals and Napoleon

One of more striking figures in Napoleon's cavalry squadrons was the imposing General Montbrun. Special guest and blogger Jonas de Neef joins the show to discuss this intrepid commander of the Grande Armee who died on the battlefield of Borodino.X/Twitter: @andnapoleon

The 1807 Battle of Eylau was a bloody stalemate that inflicted horrendous casualties on both sides. It may have also provided a blueprint on how to defeat Napoleon. Special guest & author Alexander Mikaberidze discusses the monumental clash between Napoleon's Grande Armee and the Russian army. X/Twitter: @AMikaberidze, @andnapoleon

General Morand was a commander for Marshal Davout and one of his "Three Immortals" along with Gudin and Friant. Special guest Charles Mackay joins the show to discuss this stalwart general of the Grande Armee.Bluesky: @bubblesvampire.bsky.social, @andnapoleon.bsky.social

One of Nelson's masterpieces was also one of the most lopsided defeats suffered by the French Navy and Napoleon's military. Special guest & author John Kuehn discusses the background, strategy, outcome, and legacy of the battle.Step back into 1798 and witness one of the most dramatic naval battles in history — explore how Admiral Horatio Nelson outmaneuvered the French fleet at Aboukir Bay, delivering a crushing blow to Napoleon’s ambitions in the East. Learn about the bold tactics, intense ship-to-ship combat, and the lasting impact this victory had on the Napoleonic Wars and British naval supremacy.X/Twitter: @jkuehn50, @andnapoleon

In December 1796, the French Republic launched a bold attempt to invade Ireland and spark a rebellion against British rule. Special guest Ciaran McDonnell discusses the French expedition, the reasons for its failure, and its ramifications. Led by General Lazare Hoche and supported by Wolfe Tone and the United Irishmen, this massive expedition of 15,000 troops was meant to ignite a nationwide uprising. But fierce storms, miscommunication, and bad luck would doom the campaign before a shot was fired. Bluesky: @andnapoleon.bsky.social, @drciaranmcdonnell.bsky.social

General Louis Friant was not flashy—but he was one of Napoleon’s most reliable and effective commanders. Known for his discipline, speed, and precision on the battlefield, Friant played a critical role in many of the French Empire’s greatest victories, often commanding veterans of the Imperial Guard with iron resolve. Special guest Charles Mackay joins the show once again and tells us all about the famous "Immortal" who also commanded the Imperial Guard in their final assault at Waterloo.In this episode, we uncover the career of a general who quietly shaped the success of the Grande Armée:✅ His rise through the ranks during the Revolutionary Wars✅ His brilliant forced march to Austerlitz ✅ His leadership at Auerstädt and Borodino✅ His key role in commanding the Old Guard in Napoleon’s later campaignsGeneral Friant may not be as well-known as Ney or Davout, but his record speaks volumes—and Napoleon trusted him with the best soldiers in the army.⚔️ Discover the story of one of the Empire’s toughest and most trusted generals.📌 Like, comment, and subscribe for more profiles of the unsung heroes of the Napoleonic Wars!Bluesky: @andnapoleon.bsky.social, @bubblesvampire.bsky.social

⚔️ General LallemandSpecial guest & author Jonathan North joins us for an exclusive double episode of Napoleon's generals. General Lallemand lived a life of bold ambition, shifting loyalties, and transatlantic adventure. A skilled cavalry commander in Napoleon’s army, Lallemand fought in some of the Empire’s fiercest campaigns—yet his story didn’t end at Waterloo.✅ His cavalry service under the Empire and role in the Hundred Days✅ Loyalty to Napoleon even after the fall—and his attempted escape to the New World✅ His involvement in the French colonization of Texas✅ How Lallemand's life reflects the restless spirit of post-Napoleonic officersFrom the battlefields of Europe to the wild frontiers of America, Charles Lallemand’s story is a gripping tale of honor, loyalty, and reinvention.🐎 General Lefebvre-Desnouettes: Napoleon’s Dashing Cavalry Leader ⚔️General Charles Lefebvre-Desnouettes was one of the most fearless and flamboyant cavalry commanders in Napoleon’s army. Known for his speed, daring raids, and unshakable loyalty to the Emperor, he left his mark on nearly every major campaign of the Empire.✅ His rise through the ranks during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars✅ Cavalry exploits across Germany, Spain, and Russia✅ His close relationship with Napoleon—serving in the Imperial Guard✅ His role in the Hundred Days and loyalty after Waterloo✅ The mysterious final chapter: his death at sea and lasting legacyWhether leading a charge or crossing the ocean in exile, Lefebvre-Desnouettes embodied the daring spirit of the Napoleonic cavalry.X/Twitter: @andnapoleon

Until this 1809 battle, Napoleon hadn't lost an engagement in over a decade. Special guest Nick Kramer joins the show to discuss this important setback in Napoleon's career and how the Emperor and his opponents reacted to it.X/Twitter: @nkramer5812, @andnapoleon

In its simplest form, the Congress of Vienna was a series of diplomatic meetings to iron out the new political landscape after the fall of Napoleon. Special guest Evan Wilson tells us why the Congress was so much more and how it effects us to this very day.X/Twitter: @wilsonevan, @andnapoleon

Dorsenne was a senior commander of Napoleon's famed Imperial Guard. Special guest and podcaster Patrick du Bois discusses the career of his ancestor, the legendary Dorsenne, and the general's unfortunate death.X/Twiiter: @andnapoleon

General Suvorov is widely considered to be the single greatest and most brilliant military commander in Russian history. Special guest & author John Kuehn walks us through his legendary career and his unfortunate death right before the Napoleonic Wars. X/Twitter: @jkuehn50, @andnapoleon

📨 You asked, we answered! In this Napoleonic Wars Mailbag Q&A, we take on your best questions about Napoleon, the generals, epic battles, tactics, and more. From the myths of Waterloo to underrated generals, we’re digging into history and setting the record straight. One of the best things about hosting this podcast - the amount of great questions we receive from our listeners and Patreon members. Special guest & Waterloo battlefield tour guide Marcus Cribb joins the show to help answer these burning questions! 💬 Want your question featured in the next Q&A? Leave it in the comments! 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into Napoleonic history, military strategy, and untold stories from the Age of Empire.X/Twitter: @mcribbHistory, @andnapoleon

Take a stroll through Paris and visit important locales of the Napoleonic legend in this episode. Special guest and author David Buttery discusses Napoleon's contribution to the City of Lights and sites to see for all tourists such as the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Les Invalides, Malmaison, the Louvre museum, and more!X/Twitter: @andnapoleon

Conscription (compulsory military service) was around for ages before the Napoleonic Era, but it was the Emperor who truly honed this recruitment tool to enhance his empire. Special guest & author Graeme Callister joins the show to discuss Napoleon's conscript soldiers and those of his adversaries.X/Twitter: @graemecallister, @andnapoleon

Comparisons are often made on the careers of Napoleon and Hitler, but Napoleon also had a strong influence on Winston Churchill. Special guest & author Warren Dockter joins the show to discuss the similarities and contrasts between these 3 historical figures. X/Twitter: @WarrenDockter, @andnapoleon