The Napoleonic Wars Podcast

Why did Britain break its mould with the Waterloo medal? Were medals really that rare? And why do they matter?Expert auctioneer Robert Wilde-Evans joins Luke and Zack to discuss how you tell the real ones from the fakes, and what a Waterloo medal really represents. We discuss how they highlight a shift in attitudes to how the British soldier is viewed during the time, what the Holy Grail is when it comes to Waterloo medals, and much more, as we discuss possibly the most famous medal of the entire Napoleonic Wars.Support out work on patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod

What did ordinary Britons really think about the American and the French Revolutions as war erupted across the globe? In this lively episode of The Napoleonic Wars Podcast, we’re joined by Professor Emma Macleod of the University of Stirling to dig into the fascinating world of 18th Century Britain through the letters of two remarkable men: Rev. James Wodrow, a Scottish minister in Ayrshire, and Samuel Kenrick, an English merchant and banker from Worcestershire.Drawing on her brilliant work editing The Wodrow-Kenrick Correspondence, 1750–1810, Emma helps us unpack the fierce debates that divided Britain: Tory loyalists versus reformers, pro-war voices versus critics accused of radicalism, and the contrasts between urban and rural opinion. We explore how Britain viewed war with Revolutionary France compared to the American colonies, how politics, religion, and everyday anxieties shaped public opinion, and what these letters reveal about life on the home front during an age of revolution.This is a fresh, human perspective on the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, one that goes beyond Kings, Generals, and battles to show how ordinary people wrestled with extraordinary times.Professor Macleod's puplished works The Wodrow-Kenrick Correspondence, 1750–1810 can be found here The Wodrow-Kenrick Correspondence 1750-1810 - Martin Fitzpatrick, Emma Macleod, Anthony Page - Oxford University PressExclusive 'NapWarsPod' merchandise can be found here Discover Our Exclusive Range at Napoleonic Wars Podcast

Following the disaster of the Corunna campaign, we again turn our attention to Portugal for the next phase of our Peninsular War saga. We talk about Napoleon's unrealistic ambitions for the second French invasion of Portugal, Britain's uncertainty about committing more troops to the defence of Spain and Portugal, and the challenges that both French Marshal Soult, and British General Arthur Wellesley faced in trying to execute a successful campaign.We also discuss the geography of the city, how Wellesley picked his audacious crossing point, and the way in which the macro and micro came into play with the planning of this campaign.Support the show on patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod

How do you celebrate a war hero? Both during and in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars, Britain had to find an answer to this complex question. The answer took many forms, one of which was monuments to the fallen 'heroes'. Abercrombie, Moore, Nelson and many others became the focus of a multi-million pound national project to instal monuments to their memory in St Paul's Cathedral. All of it came under the oversize of the 'Committee of Taste'. Today these beautifully sculpted pieces of marble remind us of the service and sacrifice of some of the key figures of the Napoleonic era. But if you scratch the surface, you find layers of meaning, rivalries, coded messages, and monumental clashes of egos underpinning these relics of history.PhD Researcher Gemma Shearwood helps us unpack what on earth was going on in the 'Committee of Taste', why it matters, and what these memorials were meant to mean to us all........Support our work on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspodSocial media, merch & mailing list: https://linktr.ee/napwarspod

Professor Kevin Linch joins us again for what is Act 2 covering all things rank and file careers, join us as we uncover the truth behind how a British soldiers career prgressed through pay, promotion and punishment.Professor Linch is a Professor of Modern History at the University of Leeds. He specialises in the history of Britain in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, focusing on the history of Britain's armed forces and their relationship to wider political, social, and cultural trends. He is the author of the recently published, Templar Prize winning ⁠Pen and Sword Books: The British Army, 1783–1815 - Hardback⁠ and ⁠Britain and Wellington's Army: Recruitment, Society and Tradition, 1807-15 | SpringerLink⁠.Working with Dr Simon Quinn, he has also recently launched an online database of British Army Officers, available at ⁠georgianarmyofficers.org⁠.We discuss the men behind the thin red line and how they came to be one of the greatest fighting forces that Britain has ever deployed. We'll be covering combat, past times, pay, and of course with Dr Zack White in the house, punishment. For our exclusive merchandise collection please go to Discover Our Exclusive Range at Napoleonic Wars Podcast

EXPLICIT CONTENT WARNING: Fan flirting, dangerous liaisons, 'self-gratification', false modesty and sexual health are all under the microscope as sex historian Eleanor Janega joins us to talk about sex in the Napoleonic era. We also discuss the status of women during the period, why there really isn't a 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' effect, and why philosopher Voltaire really isn't 'all that'.Eleanor's Book: https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393867817Support our work on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspodEXPLICIT CONTENT WARNING. Sex history, gender history, Napoleon, society, relationships, red flags, STIs, contraception, women's history,

In this gripping episode, we’re joined by Dr. Graeme Callister of York St John University to explore one of Napoleon’s most harrowing and least decisive battles—Eylau. As winter tightened its grip on East Prussia in early 1807, Napoleon pursued the Russian army into a frozen hellscape, determined to finish what he started after crushing Prussia. But at the bleak town of Eylau, the French encountered fierce resistance, blizzards, and a battlefield soaked in blood.Dr. Callister guides us through the chaotic fighting—beginning with skirmishes around a snow-covered cemetery and culminating in one of the largest cavalry charges in history, led by the flamboyant Marshal Murat. We unpack Marshal Davout’s flanking assault, the blunder of Augereau’s corps, and the dramatic arrival of Prussian reinforcements under Lestocq.What was it like for the common soldier, knee-deep in snow, under relentless cannon fire? Why was this horrific clash ultimately indecisive despite massive losses? And how did Eylau shake Napoleon’s aura of invincibility?Join us as we relive a battle Ney would call “a massacre, and without result”—a haunting turning point in the War of the Fourth Coalition.Graeme's work on D'Erlon's attack at Waterloo can be found here Pen and Sword Books: Waterloo: The Attack of I Corps - HardbackExclusive Napoleonic Wars Pod merchandise can be found here Discover Our Exclusive Range at Napoleonic Wars Podcast

Who was responsible for the British losing America?George Washington? 'Gentleman Johnny' Burgoyne? Lord Howe? Clinton? Or someone else entirely?We discuss Britain's failures during the American War of Independence, whether Washington counts as British in the context of this debate, why egos matter in war, and whether this was a war that could never have been won by the British.https://linktr.ee/napwarspodBritish history, Military history, American History, War of Independence, American Revolution, George Washington

In this episode, expert John H. Gill unpacks the story of Napoleon’s Confederation of the Rhine armies. Created in 1806 as a new pact of German client states, the Confederation fielded some 90,000 soldiers by 1813. Gill asks if these men were patriotic allies or grumbling conscripts? He reveals how heavy recruitment and French domination stoked national resentment and even tiny principalities like Liechtenstein managed to send dozens of troops.Buckle up for frontline tales: from Württembergers charging at Bautzen to Westphalian infantry collapsing in routs. We also break down the fateful 1813 turn: many German battalions fought on for Napoleon up to Leipzig, while others (notably the Saxon corps) infamously switched sides. How are these underdog battalions remembered, or indeed forgotten today? Tune in to find out.John H. Gill's work Pen and Sword Books: Titles by John H Gill

Who was Napoleon's Greatest Marshal? We move one step closer to settling this question as Ney, Davout, Marmont, Murat, Saint Cyr and Suchet battle it out for public acclaim.Brace yourself for a shock as we delve into these titans of the French Army's greatest moments, their military record, and their wider legacy.Michel Ney, the “Bravest of the Brave,” and his heroic last stand.Louis-Nicolas Davout, the Iron Marshal—Napoleon’s most disciplined and undefeated commander.Joachim Murat, the flamboyant cavalry genius who rose from stable boy to King of Naples.Louis-Gabriel Suchet, the unsung strategist who mastered counterinsurgency in Spain.Saint-Cyr, the intellectual-turned-general with a mind for art as much as arms.Auguste de Marmont, the controversial figure whose betrayal still divides historians.🎧 Perfect for fans of: military history, European wars, biography podcasts, strategic analysis, and anyone captivated by the epic saga of Napoleon Bonaparte and his generals.📅 New episodes every week. Subscribe now and step into the smoke and steel of the Napoleonic era.Only THREE made it to the final vote. Have a listen and then vote for the one you think should make it through to the grand final, by commenting below.Don't complain if you didn't vote, and your favourite doesn't make it though!Follow us on social media/join our mailing list: https://linktr.ee/napwarspodSupport out work at:https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod

To mark the 210th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, we held a livestream of the crisis moment of the battle. We talk about Napoleon Bonaparte's last desperate role of the dice, the French forces involved, the Battle of Quatre Bras and Ligny, and the efforts of Dutch, Belgian, Hanoverian, Brunswick, Prussian and, yes, British troops involved.In all we raised £600 for the Napoleonic & Revolutionary War Graves Charity. You too can support this great cause by going to www.nrwgc.com/donate.Available as a video cast on Spotify.Support the podcast as https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod

1797 was a moment of escalating international tensions and deepening domestic divisions. For eight years prior, Adams had served at the heart of George Washington’s administration, but nothing could fully prepare him for what would await him in his own presidency: the XYZ Affair, the Quasi War with France and the political firestorm unleashed by the Alien and Sedition Acts. As the young republic struggled to define itself, Adams faced enormous challenges in keeping the country out of full-scale war while also navigating the bitter rivalry between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.We explore how the Quasi War shaped American foreign policy and fed into the fiercely partisan atmosphere of the late 1790s. How did Adams’ decisions - including his support for peace over party - alienate allies within his own Federalist camp? Why did the Alien and Sedition Acts, intended as national security measures, backfire so dramatically and fuel accusations of authoritarianism? And what really caused the bruising election of 1800, often dubbed America’s first true test of peaceful political transition?We’ll also reflect on the enduring impact of Adams’ presidency. How did his term shape the future of the American presidency? What can we learn from his failures and quiet victories? And how does his ambivalent performance as president stack up?In this episode, Sara Georgini returns to deep dive into the presidency of John Adams, America’s often-overlooked second president.Find Sara on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sarageorgini.bsky.socialCheck out Sara's book: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/household-gods-9780197647219?cc=gb&lang=en&Explore the Adams Papers Digital Edition: https://www.masshist.org/publications/adams-papers/Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspodAccess our links: https://linktr.ee/napwarspod 

In this episode, we dive into four lesser-known but decisive moments that shaped the outcome of the 1815 Waterloo Campaign — moments that didn’t make headlines like the final charge of the Imperial Guard, but without which Napoleon’s defeat may never have happened.We begin on 15 June, as Prince Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar takes the initiative to defend the crossroads at Quatre Bras, halting the French advance and giving Wellington the breathing room he needs to concentrate his army.Next, we move to the heart of the battlefield itself, where Wellington’s decision to make a stand on the Mont-Saint-Jean ridge — a modest rise just south of Waterloo — gave the Anglo-Allied army a defensible position that would prove critical in weathering repeated French assaults.We also explore the strange fate of D’Erlon’s I Corps on 16 June — a force that marched back and forth between two battles without firing a shot. Its absence from both Quatre Bras and Ligny robbed the French of the decisive blow Napoleon so desperately needed.And finally, we look at Napoleon’s uncharacteristic inaction on 17 June, when the French failed to press their advantage after Ligny. This lull allowed Wellington and Blücher to regroup — and ultimately, to reunite.Each of these moments may seem small in isolation, but together, they tipped the scales. On the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, tune in as we unpack how timing, initiative, and a few fateful decisions changed the course of European history at Waterloo.Support our show and get all episodes early at https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod

In this pivotal episode, we explore the pivotal episode that is the often-overlooked day between the battles of Ligny and Waterloo—17 June 1815—a day of dramatic retreats, strategic decisions, and torrential rain.After their narrow escape from Napoleon’s forces at Quatre Bras, Wellington’s Anglo-Allied army began a calculated retreat north to a defensive ridge near the village of Waterloo. As storms broke over Belgium, Wellington’s rearguard skirmished with French cavalry, buying precious time while soldiers trudged through deepening mud. Despite the chaos, the Duke maintained discipline and prepared for what he hoped would be a decisive stand.Meanwhile, the Prussian army, reeling from defeat at Ligny, faced a critical crossroads. Instead of falling back east toward safety, Blücher and his chief of staff Gneisenau made a bold choice: to retreat north to Wavre, keeping their promise to support Wellington. Despite battered ranks, exhaustion, and worsening weather, the Prussians rallied and moved into position to rejoin the fight.Napoleon, hindered by rain and uncertain about the Prussians' next move, delayed his pursuit. He sent Marshal Grouchy to chase the Prussians—but Grouchy's march would be too slow, and too late (or were they just sent despatched too late to do the task they were assigned?).The stage was now set: two allied armies regrouping under impossible conditions, united by determination and strategy. The storm would pass—but the storm of battle was only a day away.Liam Telfer and Zack White sit down to talk you through the pivotal developments, as we count down to W-Day...

What happened at Waterloo? The story of the battle is well known, so in this episode we are focusing on the when and the how. How did these events overlap? On the 210th anniversary of the Waterloo campaign, we are retelling the story with the vital timestamps front and centre - we look at how these events interlink, and allow you to follow along, so that you can reflect on these events, knows exactly what happened, when 210 years ago.June 15th – Napoleon strikes first. His army crosses into Belgium, catching the Allied forces off guard. His goal? Drive a wedge between the two main Coalition armies: Wellington’s Anglo-allied force and Blücher’s Prussians. The campaign begins with rapid marches and surprise engagements as French forces push north.🗓️ June 16th – Two crucial battles unfold. At Ligny, Napoleon personally leads an attack against the Prussians and secures a tactical victory, forcing Blücher’s forces to retreat—but crucially, they’re not broken. Meanwhile, Marshal Ney clashes with Wellington’s troops at Quatre Bras. Though the French gain ground, Ney fails to prevent Wellington from later falling back to a stronger defensive position.🗓️ June 17th – The Allies regroup. Wellington pulls his army back to the ridge near the village of Waterloo, where he prepares for a stand. Heavy rain lashes the fields. Napoleon, delayed by mud and logistics, follows—but hesitates to attack in poor conditions.🗓️ June 18th – The Battle of Waterloo begins. Napoleon throws wave after wave at Wellington’s lines—infantry columns, cavalry charges, and artillery bombardments. The fighting is fierce: key positions like Hougoumont and La Haye Sainte become scenes of desperate defense. By late afternoon, just as Wellington's lines are wavering, the Prussians arrive on the battlefield. Their assault on Napoleon’s flank breaks the French resolve. Wellington orders a general advance. Napoleon’s army collapses.By the end of the day, the dream of a restored Napoleonic Empire is crushed. These four days sealed Napoleon’s fate—and the future of Europe.Support out work at https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod