Joseph Fouché was the most dangerous man in Napoleonic France. Revolutionary extremist, master spy, and Napoleon’s feared Minister of Police, Fouché built a vast intelligence network that allowed him to outlast kings, revolutionaries, and even the Emperor himself.

In this episode, special guest Michael Broers recounts Fouché’s astonishing rise from Jacobin radical and architect of the brutal repression at Lyon to the shadowy power behind Napoleon’s regime. We examine how Fouché used informants, censorship, and psychological warfare to control Paris, crush conspiracies, and keep Napoleon informed—while secretly preparing for every possible political outcome.

The story follows Fouché through the Directory, the Consulate, and the Empire, revealing how he betrayed allies, negotiated with enemies, and even plotted against Napoleon while serving him. From royalist conspiracies to the Bourbon Restoration, Fouché always seemed to land on his feet.

Was Fouché a loyal servant of France, a necessary evil, or history’s greatest political survivor? This episode unpacks the man who mastered power from the shadows and explains why Napoleon both relied on—and feared—him.

If you’re fascinated by Napoleonic intrigue, secret police, and the dark arts of political survival, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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Napoleon’s library reveals a side of the Emperor rarely shown on the battlefield. In this episode, we explore the books Napoleon read, collected, annotated, and carried with him on campaign—uncovering how literature, history, philosophy, and science shaped the mind behind Europe’s greatest military empire.

Special guest & author Louis Sarkozy discusses Napoleon maintained multiple personal libraries, including a traveling campaign library designed to fit into military wagons. From Plutarch, Caesar, and Polybius to Enlightenment thinkers, novels, poetry, and even works on geography and mathematics, Napoleon read relentlessly—often late into the night, even during active campaigns.

This video examines what Napoleon read most, how he used books as tools of command, and which authors influenced his views on leadership, law, war, and empire. We also look at his opinions on fiction versus history, and how his reading evolved from the Revolution to exile on Saint Helena.

Was Napoleon a true intellectual, a practical reader, or a man obsessed with extracting power from the written word? Napoleon’s library offers rare insight into how knowledge, ambition, and discipline combined to forge one of history’s most complex figures.

If you’re interested in Napoleon beyond the battlefield, Napoleonic culture, and the intellectual foundations of empire, this episode is essential viewing.

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X/Twitter: @napsarkozy, @andnapoleon

Napoleon III, nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, was a ruler whose life was full of ambition, exile, and dramatic returns. From revolutionary conspirator to Emperor of the French, his story is a mix of vision, vanity, and failure that reshaped 19th-century France.

In this episode, special guest Melissa Rossi explores Napoleon III’s rise to power, starting with his time in exile, his daring attempts to reclaim the Bonaparte legacy, and his eventual election as President of the Second Republic. We examine how he staged the coup d’état of 1851, declaring himself Emperor and creating the Second French Empire, a bold move to echo his uncle’s glory.

We also cover his domestic policies, including modernizing Paris, investing in industry, and expanding France’s colonial empire, as well as his foreign adventures. Of course, the story culminates in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, where his capture at Sedan led to the collapse of his empire and the rise of the Third Republic.

Was Napoleon III a visionary modernizer or a reckless opportunist? This episode explores his successes, failures, and the lessons of a ruler trying—to live in the shadow of Napoleon I.

If you’re fascinated by French history, European empires, and the Bonaparte family legacy, this episode is a must-watch.

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X/Twitter: @melissarossi199, @andnapoleon

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Marshal Michel Ney, famously nicknamed “Le Rougeaud” and “the bravest of the brave”, was one of Napoleon’s most loyal and legendary commanders. From the rise of the French Revolution to the fall of the Empire, Ney’s career was marked by courage, skill, and tragic loyalty.

In this episode, special guest Brian Williams will explore Ney’s remarkable journey: his early service in the Revolutionary armies, his rapid rise through the ranks due to gallantry, and his critical role in the Prussian campaign. Ney distinguished himself in the Peninsular War, earning a reputation as a daring and fearless battlefield commander, and later played a pivotal role at Borodino, Eylau, and the Russian campaign of 1812.

We follow Ney through the Battle of Leipzig, the 1814 campaign in France, and his fateful loyalty during the Hundred Days, culminating in his last stand at Waterloo, where his courage became legendary—and ultimately led to his downfall. Captured by the restored Bourbon monarchy, Ney was tried and executed in 1815, a tragic end for a man who lived—and died—for Napoleon.

Was Ney a reckless hero, the embodiment of Napoleonic valor, or a victim of his unwavering loyalty? This episode examines the life, battles, and legacy of one of history’s most iconic marshals.

If you’re fascinated by Napoleonic battles, military leadership, and heroic figures, this episode is essential viewing.

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X/Twitter: @BriW74, @andnapoleon

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Louis Bonaparte, Napoleon’s younger brother, is often remembered as the King of Holland who dared to put his people above his brother’s ambitions. Unlike many of Napoleon’s family members, Louis prioritized justice and the welfare of his subjects—a stance that earned him respect at home but friction with the Emperor.

In this episode, special guest & author Graeme Callister explores Louis’s life from his early years in Corsica, through the French Revolutionary Wars, to his appointment as King of Holland in 1806. We examine how he struggled to balance loyalty to Napoleon with his desire to govern fairly, his efforts to protect Dutch interests, and the reforms he implemented to modernize the kingdom.

Despite his devotion to his people, Louis’s independent streak frustrated Napoleon, leading to his eventual abdication in 1810 and the absorption of Holland into the French Empire. We also touch on his later life in exile, his role as a father to Napoleon III, and how history remembers a Bonaparte who put conscience above ambition.

Was Louis Bonaparte a failed king, a principled ruler, or a quiet hero of the Napoleonic Era? This episode sheds light on a member of the Bonaparte family whose story is often overshadowed by his famous siblings.

If you’re fascinated by Napoleonic family politics, European monarchies, and the human side of empire, this episode is a must-watch.

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X/Twitter: @GraemeCallister, @andnapoleon

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General William Carr Beresford was one of the most capable and trusted commanders in the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars, earning a reputation as a brilliant organizer, strategist, and battlefield leader. Often overshadowed by the Duke of Wellington, Beresford’s contributions were vital in defeating Napoleon’s forces in the Peninsular War.

In this episode, special guest Joshua Provan and I explore Beresford’s early military career, his service in the Portuguese army, and his appointment as Marshal of Portugal, where he transformed the Portuguese forces into a disciplined and effective army capable of standing alongside the British. We examine his leadership at key battles, including Albuera, where his tactical skill and courage helped turn the tide against the French.

Beresford’s partnership with Wellington was marked by mutual respect, combining British discipline with Portuguese manpower to create a formidable coalition. Beyond the battlefield, Beresford’s reforms in training, logistics, and organization left a lasting legacy on the Portuguese military.

Was Beresford merely Wellington’s right-hand man, or one of the unsung heroes of the Napoleonic Wars? This episode highlights a general whose talent, dedication, and strategic vision helped shape the outcome of the Peninsular campaigns.

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X/Twitter: @landofhistory, @andnapoleon

Josh's new book: Every Hazard and Fatigue: The Siege of Pensacola, now available on Amazon

General Thomas Picton was a fearless and fiery officer of the British Army, renowned for his bravery and ruthlessness on and off the battlefield. Serving under the Duke of Wellington, Picton played a pivotal role in the Peninsular War and became one of the heroes of the Battle of Waterloo, where his leadership and tenacity left a lasting mark on history.

In this episode, special guest Graeme Callister will explore Picton’s remarkable military career—from his early service in the Caribbean, including his controversial governorship of Trinidad, to his rise as one of Wellington’s most trusted and aggressive commanders in Spain and Portugal. We examine his leadership at battles such as Badajoz, Ciudad Rodrigo, and of course Waterloo, where his experience and courage helped shape the outcome of the war.

Picton was known for his uncompromising discipline, fierce loyalty, and a personality as bold as his tactics. While celebrated for his battlefield achievements, his career was also marked by controversy, making him one of the most complex figures in British military history.

Was Picton a hero of the Empire, a ruthless disciplinarian, or both? This episode examines the life, battles, and legacy of one of Wellington’s most legendary—and feared—subordinates.

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X/Twitter: @graemecallister, @andnapoleon

⚓️🔥Admiral Horatio Nelson is celebrated as Britain’s greatest naval hero, whose daring tactics and bold leadership changed the course of European history. From the Mediterranean campaigns to his legendary victory at Trafalgar, Nelson became the symbol of naval brilliance and patriotic sacrifice.

In this episode, special guest Evan Wilson explores Nelson’s extraordinary career, starting with his early service in the Royal Navy, his rapid rise through the ranks, and his innovations in naval tactics that allowed smaller fleets to defeat larger opponents. We examine key victories at Cape St. Vincent, the Nile, Copenhagen, and of course, Trafalgar, where Nelson famously led from the front and paid the ultimate price for his country.

Nelson was not only a brilliant commander but also a charismatic and controversial figure, whose leadership, courage, and personal relationships influenced both his men and British society. This episode also touches on his partnership with Emma Hamilton, his unique approach to command, and the enduring legacy of a man who became a national icon.

Was Nelson a tactical genius, a patriotic hero, or a man defined by personal ambition as well as duty? This episode examines the life, battles, and enduring legend of Britain’s most celebrated admiral.

If you’re fascinated by Napoleonic naval warfare, heroic leadership, and history’s greatest admirals, this episode is a must-watch.

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*Note: the views and opinions of Evan Wilson do not reflect those of the US Government.

X/Twitter: @wilsonevan, @andnapoleon

Did you know Jean Jacques Régis de Cambacérès, one of Napoleon’s key consuls, was the legal mind behind much of the French Empire—but rarely made headlines? Special guest Charles Mackay joins the show to tell us about this important figure in Napoleon's government.

Cambacérès was a master of law and administration, helping draft the Napoleonic Code, which reshaped civil law across Europe. While others chased battles and glory, he focused on the rules that held an empire together.

Known for his calm intellect and careful diplomacy, he often acted as a bridge between Napoleon’s fiery ambition and the realities of government. Despite his enormous influence, he was understated—preferring legal brilliance over personal fame.

Without Cambacérès, Napoleon’s empire might have had victories on the battlefield, but chaos at home.

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

The Battle of Fuentes de Onoro (May 1811) was a key engagement in the Peninsular War, pitting Wellington’s Anglo-Portuguese army against the French forces under Marshal Masséna. This battle highlights the strategic brilliance of Wellington and the resilience of his troops as they defended Portugal from Napoleon’s attempts to reclaim the territory.

In this episode, special guest Marcus Cribb will break down the planning, execution, and aftermath of Fuentes de Onoro. We explore how Wellington anticipated French movements, and coordinated his infantry, cavalry, and artillery to repel Masséna’s attacks. The battle saw intense fighting over key positions with heavy casualties on both sides.

We also examine the heroic roles of British and Portuguese units, the tactical errors of both sides, and how Wellington’s ability to hold the line preserved Portugal and maintained Allied momentum in the Peninsular War. This battle further cemented Wellington’s reputation as a master strategist and showcased the effectiveness of coalition forces against French armies.

Was Fuentes de Onoro a decisive victory or a bloody stalemate? This episode unpacks the tactics, terrain, and leadership that defined one of the Peninsular War’s most important confrontations.

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X/Twitter: @mcribbHistory, @andnapoleon

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