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How Tall Was Napoleon Really? The Truth Behind the “Short” Legend | Smartest Year Ever (July 5, 2025)
Was Napoleon actually short… or is that just one of history’s most effective smear campaigns?In this episode, Gordy investigates the real height of Napoleon Bonaparte, uncovers the origins of the “Napoleon Complex”, and explores how British propaganda shaped centuries of perception—all thanks to a little misunderstanding about inches.
From unit conversions to military mythmaking, this episode reveals how historical reputation can be shaped by something as small as a ruler. And how even the most dominant figures in history can be reduced to punchlines by clever cartoons.
Perfect for fans of historical myths, pop psychology, and funny facts you can drop at a party. This one packs a full-sized dose of truth.
Sources:
Connelly, O. (2006). Blundering to Glory: Napoleon's Military Campaigns. Rowman & Littlefield.
Ellis, G. (1997). Napoleon: Profiles in Power. Longman.
British Museum. (n.d.). Political Caricatures of Napoleon Collection.
University of Central Lancashire. (2007). Short Man Syndrome: Myth or Reality?
Glover, M. (2001). The Napoleonic Wars: An Illustrated History. Hippocrene Books.
#NapoleonFacts #HistoryMyths #HistoricalTruths #hiddenhistory #historyfacts #politicalcomics #MilitaryHistory #DidYouKnow #SmartestYearEver Music thanks to Zapsplat.
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By GordyWas Napoleon actually short… or is that just one of history’s most effective smear campaigns?In this episode, Gordy investigates the real height of Napoleon Bonaparte, uncovers the origins of the “Napoleon Complex”, and explores how British propaganda shaped centuries of perception—all thanks to a little misunderstanding about inches.
From unit conversions to military mythmaking, this episode reveals how historical reputation can be shaped by something as small as a ruler. And how even the most dominant figures in history can be reduced to punchlines by clever cartoons.
Perfect for fans of historical myths, pop psychology, and funny facts you can drop at a party. This one packs a full-sized dose of truth.
Sources:
Connelly, O. (2006). Blundering to Glory: Napoleon's Military Campaigns. Rowman & Littlefield.
Ellis, G. (1997). Napoleon: Profiles in Power. Longman.
British Museum. (n.d.). Political Caricatures of Napoleon Collection.
University of Central Lancashire. (2007). Short Man Syndrome: Myth or Reality?
Glover, M. (2001). The Napoleonic Wars: An Illustrated History. Hippocrene Books.
#NapoleonFacts #HistoryMyths #HistoricalTruths #hiddenhistory #historyfacts #politicalcomics #MilitaryHistory #DidYouKnow #SmartestYearEver Music thanks to Zapsplat.