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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X/Twitter: @mcribbhistory, @andnapoleon

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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X/Twitter: @mcribbhistory, @andnapoleon

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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The Battle of Salamanca (22 July 1812) was one of the most decisive victories of the Peninsular War, where the Duke of Wellington’s Anglo-Portuguese army delivered a stunning defeat to Marshal Marmont’s French forces in Spain.

In this episode, special guest Marcus Cribb breaks down Wellington’s brilliant use of terrain, timing, and maneuver, including the famous counterattack that turned French overconfidence into disaster. We examine how Marmont’s risky decisions, combined with Wellington’s disciplined infantry and effective artillery, led to a crushing rout of the French army.

We also explore the battle’s aftermath: the liberation of Madrid, the strategic boost for Allied forces, and the growing legend of Wellington as a master of coalition warfare. Salamanca demonstrated the importance of initiative, observation, and decisive leadership in the Napoleonic battlefield.

If you’re fascinated by Napoleonic battles, Wellington’s campaigns, and Spanish warfare, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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X/Twitter: @mcribbhistory, @andnapoleon

Queen Hortense de Beauharnais was a key figure in Napoleon’s family and political network. Daughter of Empress Josephine, stepdaughter to Napoleon, and later Queen of Holland, Hortense’s life was a mix of royal duty, personal ambition, and turbulent romance. She was also the mother of Napoleon III, shaping the future of France long after her own reign ended.

In this episode, special guest Beatrice Knight will explore Hortense’s life from her early years in the French aristocracy, to her arranged marriage to Louis Bonaparte, and her challenges as Queen of Holland. We examine her complex relationship with Napoleon, her efforts to assert independence, and the political intrigues surrounding her family during the Napoleonic Empire.

We also delve into Hortense’s later life in exile and her influence on the upbringing of Napoleon III, highlighting how her legacy extended far beyond Holland’s throne. Hortense’s story reveals the human side of the Napoleonic dynasty, where loyalty, love, and ambition intersected with politics and war.

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X/Twitter: @JBeatriceKnight, @andnapoleon

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General Lazare Hoche Foy was one of Napoleon Bonaparte’s most capable and underrated generals. Known for his courage, tactical skill, and disciplined leadership, Foy played a critical role in campaigns across France, Spain, and the Napoleonic battlefields of Europe.

In this episode, we explore Foy’s rise through the ranks of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic armies, his command in the Peninsular War, and his contributions to France’s military efforts in some of the era’s most challenging campaigns. We examine his leadership style, his successes in both offensive and defensive battles, and why he was respected by allies and feared by enemies.

Despite his talents, Foy often found himself overshadowed by the fame of Napoleon’s marshals. Yet his influence on battlefield tactics and the French army’s effectiveness was significant, demonstrating how skillful commanders could shape outcomes even without glory.

Was General Foy a hidden genius of Napoleon’s army, or simply unlucky to serve under the shadow of more famous leaders? This episode explores his career, battles, and enduring legacy as one of the Napoleonic Era’s most remarkable yet underappreciated generals.

If you’re fascinated by Napoleonic generals, the Peninsular War, and French military history, this episode is a must-watch.

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X/Twitter: @napoleonic_imp, @andnapoleon

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