Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord was the ultimate political survivor of the Napoleonic Era—a diplomat who served kings, revolutionaries, emperors, and restorations, often betraying each one to stay alive and in power.

In this episode, special guest Michael Broers will trace Talleyrand’s extraordinary career from bishop of the Ancien Régime, to revolutionary power broker, to Napoleon’s foreign minister, and finally architect of the Bourbon Restoration. We examine how Talleyrand helped shape Europe through diplomacy rather than armies, negotiating treaties, manipulating rivals, and quietly preparing for the fall of regimes he publicly served.

The story follows his uneasy relationship with Napoleon, whom he both advised and secretly undermined, his role in reshaping Europe after Waterloo at the Congress of Vienna, and why every ruler who dismissed him later realized they needed him.

Was Talleyrand a cynical traitor, a realist who understood power better than anyone else, or the most effective diplomat in modern history? This episode explores the man who proved that survival—not loyalty—was the highest political skill in an age of revolution and empire.

If you’re fascinated by Napoleonic intrigue, backroom politics, and the hidden forces that shape history, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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Archduke Charles of Austria was Napoleon’s most formidable battlefield opponent—the commander who delivered Napoleon’s first major defeat and came closer than anyone to ending the Napoleonic Wars early.

In this episode, special guest David Hollins explores Archduke Charles’s rise as the reformer of the Austrian Army and the brilliant strategist behind victories at Aspern–Essling and Stockach. We examine how Charles modernized Austria’s forces, challenged French tactical dominance, and forced Napoleon to fight a war of discipline, preparation, and attrition.

The story follows Charles through the War of the Third and Fifth Coalitions, his battles with Napoleon in Germany and along the Danube, and his difficult relationship with the Habsburg court, which often undermined his military successes. Despite defeating Napoleon in battle, political hesitation and strategic caution prevented Charles from fully exploiting his greatest victories.

Was Archduke Charles the general who cracked Napoleon’s aura of invincibility—or the man who stopped just short of changing European history? This episode reassesses his legacy as both a battlefield commander and one of the most important military reformers of the Napoleonic Era.

If you’re interested in Napoleon’s greatest rivals, coalition warfare, and the generals who nearly broke the French Empire, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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X/Twitter: @hollins_mba, @andnapoleon

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The Battle of Bussaco (27 September 1810) was one of the Duke of Wellington’s most masterful defensive victories—where a smaller Anglo-Portuguese army shattered Napoleon’s veterans by turning terrain into a weapon.

In this episode, Marcus Cribb breaks down how Wellington positioned his forces along the Bussaco Ridge in Portugal, luring Marshal Masséna into a costly frontal assault. We examine the French attacks led by Ney and Reynier, the fierce fighting along steep mountain slopes, and how disciplined British and Portuguese troops repelled repeated assaults from elite French formations.

Despite French bravery and tactical skill, the battle exposed the limits of Napoleonic offensive doctrine when faced with strong defensive positions and well-trained allied forces. We also explore why Wellington chose to withdraw after victory, how Bussaco fit into his larger strategy leading to the Lines of Torres Vedras, and what the battle revealed about the changing nature of the Peninsular War.

Was Bussaco a decisive defeat for the French—or a warning that Napoleon’s marshals were facing a new kind of war in Iberia? This episode explains why Bussaco remains one of Wellington’s most important and misunderstood victories.

If you enjoy Napoleonic battles, Wellington vs Napoleon’s marshals, and the campaigns of the Peninsular War, this episode is for you.

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X/Twitter: @mcribbhistory, @andnapoleon

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General Géraud Christophe Michel Duroc was more than a trusted general—he was Napoleon’s close aide, confidant, and Master of Horse, embodying loyalty, competence, and courage in the heart of the French Empire.

In this episode, special guest Irene Kim will explore Duroc’s rise from modest beginnings to becoming Grand Marshal of the Palace, his role in coordinating Napoleon’s campaigns, and his personal bravery on the battlefield. We examine how Duroc earned the Emperor’s deepest trust, overseeing logistics, diplomacy, and even serving as a stabilizing influence during crises.

The story takes a tragic turn in 1813, where Duroc was mortally wounded—costing Napoleon one of his most devoted and capable officers. His death was not only a personal blow to the Emperor but a symbolic moment illustrating the human cost of the Napoleonic Wars.

Was Duroc simply loyal, or a rare combination of friend, advisor, and battlefield hero who shaped the course of Napoleon’s campaigns behind the scenes? This episode examines his life, service, and enduring legacy as one of the Empire’s most remarkable figures.

If you’re fascinated by Napoleon’s inner circle, battlefield heroes, and the human stories behind history’s greatest campaigns, this episode is a must-watch.

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X/Twitter: @2econd_crossing, @andnapoleon

King George III was the king who presided over Britain during its greatest global conflicts—from the American Revolution to the Napoleonic Wars. Often remembered for his bouts of illness, George III was a determined and politically active monarch whose reign shaped British resilience against Napoleon’s ambitions.

In this episode, special guest Mark Ellis explores George III’s life, from his early accession to the throne, his involvement in policy and war strategy, and his role in sustaining Britain’s fight against revolutionary France and the Napoleonic Empire. We examine his influence on military leadership, his relationships with key figures, and how Britain’s constitutional monarchy evolved under his rule.

We also discuss the challenges he faced at home, including political opposition, family intrigue, and periods of madness, which shaped public perception and the monarchy’s future. Despite these struggles, George III’s steadfastness helped Britain endure and ultimately triumph in the Napoleonic era.

Was George III merely a figurehead, or a monarch whose leadership and resilience guided Britain through an era of unprecedented upheaval? This episode highlights his impact on British history and the Napoleonic Wars.

If you’re interested in Napoleonic Britain, European monarchs, and the political side of the Napoleonic Era, this episode is essential viewing.

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Twitter/X: @MarkEllis15, @andnapoleon

General Clauzel's finest moment came during a disastrous defeat. At the 1812 Battle of Salamanca, the Duke of Wellington severed the French army of Marshal Marmont. At the beginning of the battle, Marmont and his second-in-command were wounded and there was no command chain. At this chaotic moment, General Clauzel stepped up to prevent the total annihilation of the French army.

Special guest Charles Mackay joins the program to tell us about this talented general who became a Marshal after Napoleon's reign.

Bluesky: @BubblesVampire.bsky.social, @andnapoleon.bsky.social

The Battle of Vimeiro (21 August 1808) marked the beginning of British success in the Peninsular War, as Arthur Wellesley, later the Duke of Wellington, defeated the French forces under General Junot. This decisive engagement showcased Wellington’s tactical skill and set the stage for Britain’s long campaign in Spain and Portugal.

In this episode, special guest Marcus Cribb will break down the battle’s planning, terrain, and execution, highlighting how Wellington used defensive positions, disciplined infantry, and well-placed artillery to repel French attacks. We also examine the mistakes made by Junot, the role of Portuguese militia, and the battle’s aftermath, including the Convention of Cintra, which allowed the French to evacuate Portugal under surprisingly lenient terms.

The Battle of Vimeiro was more than just a tactical victory—it demonstrated that disciplined Anglo-Portuguese forces could stand against Napoleon’s veteran soldiers, providing a morale boost for the coalition forces and launching Wellington’s legendary career in Iberia.

Was Vimeiro a perfect example of Wellington’s brilliance, or an example of French mismanagement and luck? This episode examines the strategies, personalities, and decisions that shaped one of the Peninsular War’s most important early battles.

If you’re fascinated by Napoleonic battles, Wellington’s campaigns, and the Peninsular War, this episode is a must-watch.

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The Battle of Roliça (17 August 1808) was the first major battle fought by Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington, in the Peninsular War. Facing seasoned French troops under General Delaborde, Wellington’s Anglo-Portuguese forces achieved a crucial early victory that set the tone for the British campaign in Iberia.

In this episode, special guest Marcus Cribb explores how Wellington used clever positioning, artillery, and disciplined infantry to overpower the French on the hills near Roliça. We also examine how this small but significant victory boosted Allied morale ahead of the Battle of Vimeiro.

The Battle of Roliça may not have been large in scale, but it marked the emergence of Wellington as a commander capable of defeating Napoleon’s veterans. It demonstrated the importance of terrain, timing, and combined arms—lessons that would shape every Peninsular campaign to come.

Was Roliça a triumph of Wellington’s planning, French errors, or a combination of both? This episode breaks down the tactics, leadership, and early strategy of the Peninsular War’s opening clashes.

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General Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, was one of Napoleon's most relentless and determined opponents. Famous for his fiery leadership and refusal to give up, Blücher played a decisive role in the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo and the ultimate collapse of the French Empire.

In this episode, special guest Philip Wagenknecht traces Blücher’s military career—from his early service in the Prussian army, through the trials of the Napoleonic Wars, to his pivotal role in the War of the Sixth Coalition. We examine his bold strategies, rapid marches, and unbreakable fighting spirit, which allowed him to coordinate with Wellington and turn the tide at Waterloo.

We also explore Blücher’s personality: stubborn, courageous, and sometimes reckless, earning both admiration and frustration from allies and enemies alike. His resilience became legendary, proving that persistence and timing could triumph even over Napoleon’s tactical brilliance.

Was Blücher simply lucky at Waterloo, or was his determination and leadership the key to Napoleon’s final defeat? This episode dives into his victories, setbacks, and enduring legacy as one of history’s most formidable military leaders.

If you’re fascinated by Napoleonic generals, coalition victories, and the battles that shaped Europe, this episode is a must-watch.

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X/Twitter: @pertinaxS , @andnapoleon

Think about starting your military career at the age of 43. Think about losing your first 4 military campaigns to Napoleon and his armies. Then think about leading one of the major Allied victories over Napoleon's troops in the Peninsula War. Then think about working your way up to become second-in-command to the Duke of Wellington. The best word to describe General Thomas Graham is “perseverance". Special guest Josh Provan from the "Adventures in Historyland" YouTube page walks us through the biography of this dynamic man.

X/Twitter: @LandOfHistory, @andnapoleon

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