Claude Victor-Perrin, known simply as Marshal Victor, was one of Napoleon’s most reliable and resilient leaders. Renowned for his calm demeanor, disciplined troops, and ability to execute orders under pressure, Victor earned his place among the 26 Marshals of the Empire through consistent performance rather than flamboyance.

Victor distinguished himself in campaigns across Italy, Germany, and Spain, including battles such as Austerlitz, Jena, and the Peninsular War, often holding the line when others faltered. His strategic caution and loyalty made him a trusted subordinate, and his leadership ensured that Napoleon’s armies remained effective even in challenging circumstances.

In this episode, we explore:

• Victor’s rise from Revolutionary officer to marshal

• His key contributions in Italy, Germany, and Spain

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Marshal Bernadotte aka King Charles XIV of Sweden was an interesting man. He had many talents on the battlefield and in the political arena, but he was never fully trusted by Napoleon - for good reason. Find out more about this opportunistic marshal who still has a dynasty in Europe to this very day. 

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Marshal Jean Lannes: Napoleon’s Greatest Fighting Marshal

Jean Lannes was widely regarded as Napoleon’s finest battlefield commander and the marshal he trusted most in moments of crisis. Rising from humble origins, Lannes combined ferocious courage, tactical brilliance, and absolute loyalty—often leading from the front alongside his soldiers.

Lannes played decisive roles at Arcole, Montebello, Austerlitz, Jena, and Friedland, repeatedly smashing enemy armies at critical moments. His blunt honesty and willingness to challenge Napoleon set him apart from the other marshals, making their relationship one of mutual respect rather than fear. Mortally wounded at Aspern-Essling in 1809, Lannes’ death marked a turning point in the Napoleonic Wars.

In this episode, we explore:

• Lannes’ rise from common soldier to marshal

• His reputation as Napoleon’s most aggressive and dependable commander

• His unique relationship with Napoleon

• Why his death at Aspern-Essling mattered so deeply

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Marshal Auguste Marmont: Awful Traitor or Tragic Loyalist?

Marshal Auguste de Marmont, Duke of Ragusa, was one of Napoleon’s earliest companions—and later one of his most disputed figures. Brilliant, educated, and deeply ambitious, Marmont rose rapidly through the ranks but became forever associated with betrayal after his actions in 1814.

Marmont served with distinction in Italy, Dalmatia, and the Peninsular War, playing key roles at Salamanca and other campaigns. Yet his decision to surrender his corps during the defense of Paris led to the infamous term “raguser” making his name synonymous with treachery in French memory—even as historians continue to debate his motives.

In this episode, we explore:

• Marmont’s early friendship with Napoleon

• His military career and command in Spain

• The events of 1814 and the fall of Paris

• Whether Marmont truly betrayed Napoleon—or acted to save France

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Marshal Jean-Baptiste Bessières: Napoleon’s Loyal Cavalry Marshal

Jean-Baptiste Bessières was one of Napoleon’s most trusted and personally loyal commanders. A former commander of the Imperial Guard cavalry, Bessières was known for discipline, reliability, and calm execution rather than flashy heroics—qualities Napoleon valued deeply.

Bessières distinguished himself in major battles including Marengo, Austerlitz, and during the Peninsular War, often leading elite Guard units at decisive moments. Though sometimes criticized for caution in independent command, his steadfast loyalty and professionalism made him a member of Napoleon’s inner circle. His sudden death in 1813, killed by a cannonball shortly before the Battle of Lützen, was a severe blow to Napoleon.

In this episode, we explore:

• Bessières’ rise to marshal

• His command of the Imperial Guard cavalry

• His battlefield performance and reputation for loyalty

• Why his death in 1813 mattered so much to Napoleon

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Marshal Emmanuel de Grouchy: Napoleon’s Most Controversial Marshal

Emmanuel de Grouchy is forever linked to one question: Could he have saved Napoleon at Waterloo? Appointed marshal only weeks before the Hundred Days, Grouchy was a capable cavalry commander thrust into an impossible situation at the worst possible moment.

Tasked with pursuing the Prussians after Ligny, Grouchy followed Napoleon’s orders literally—only to be blamed when his absence at Waterloo allowed Blücher to arrive and decide the battle. Long criticized as incompetent, modern historians increasingly question whether Grouchy was made a convenient scapegoat for Napoleon’s final defeat.

In this episode, we explore:

• Grouchy’s career before becoming a marshal

• His actions after Ligny and the march toward Wavre

• The orders, delays, and misunderstandings of June 1815

• Whether Grouchy truly failed—or was set up to fail

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His life and career could be described as unlucky and inconsistent. Marshal Macdonald certainly had his highs and lows while serving Napoleon, but he always served France faithfully. Learn more about Napoleon's star-crossed Marshal in this episode.

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Marshal Édouard Mortier: Napoleon’s Steady Hand and Tragic Marshal

Marshal Mortier was one of Napoleon’s most reliable — and often overlooked — Marshals of the Empire. In this episode, we examine the life and career of Marshal Mortier, a disciplined commander trusted with some of the most difficult assignments of the Napoleonic Wars.

From his early rise during the Revolutionary Wars to commanding corps at Austerlitz and Friedland, Mortier earned Napoleon’s confidence through calm leadership and organizational skill. He later played a key role in the brutal Peninsular War and the invasion of Russia, where he served as governor of Moscow during its occupation.

After Napoleon’s exile, Mortier’s story took a tragic turn. In 1835, he was killed by an assassination attempt targeting King Louis-Philippe — becoming the only Marshal to die in a peacetime political attack.

This episode explores:
• Mortier’s rise from Revolutionary general to Marshal of France
• His service under Napoleon across Europe
• The Peninsular War and the Russian Campaign
• The shocking assassination that ended his life

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Prince Józef Poniatowski: Napoleon’s Polish Marshal Who Died Fighting

Prince Poniatowski was one of Napoleon’s most loyal allies — and the only foreigner ever named a Marshal of the French Empire. In this episode, we explore the dramatic life and legendary death of Marshal Poniatowski, the Polish prince who fought tirelessly for his nation’s independence during the Napoleonic Wars.

From his leadership in the Duchy of Warsaw to his bravery in the 1813 German Campaign, Poniatowski earned Napoleon’s respect through courage, honor, and unwavering loyalty. Newly promoted on the battlefield during the Battle of Leipzig, Poniatowski famously died in combat — drowning in the Elster River while leading a rearguard action against overwhelming Allied forces.

This episode covers:
• Prince Poniatowski’s rise as Poland’s national hero
• His role in Napoleon’s eastern and German campaigns
• The Battle of Leipzig and his final stand
• Why Poniatowski remains a symbol of Polish patriotism

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Marshal Nicolas-Jean de Dieu Soult was one of Napoleon’s most talented and versatile commanders. Rising from humble beginnings during the French Revolutionary Wars, Soult became a Marshal of the Empire in 1804 and earned a reputation for exceptional strategic skill, decisive leadership, and remarkable organizational talent.

Soult played a central role in many of the Napoleonic Wars’ major campaigns, including Austerlitz, Jena-Auerstedt, and the Peninsular War, where he served as Napoleon’s chief lieutenant in Spain. Known as both a brilliant tactician and an efficient administrator, Soult could win battles and manage armies with unmatched precision.

Unlike some of Napoleon’s more flamboyant Marshals, Soult combined discipline with adaptability, earning both the admiration of his soldiers and the envy of his rivals. After Napoleon’s fall, Soult remained a significant figure in French politics and the military, demonstrating remarkable resilience and longevity. 

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