Napoleon famously said that if he could control the English Channel for 6 hours, he would control the world. In 1805, the French navy launched an audacious plan to buy the Emperor his 6 hours. But to do so, they would have to best one of the greatest military institutions of all time: the 19th century Royal Navy.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 86: Six Hours

The Age of Napoleon is a history podcast about the life and career of Napoleon Bonaparte as well as the general context of Europe between the early eighteenth and early nineteenth century. It is about big trends and the grand sweep of history, as well as the smaller, individual stories that bring them to life.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

In the spring of 1808, Napoleon said he considered Spain conquered. That summer, Spanish forces dealt France its first major battlefield defeat in nearly a decade. How did Spain manage this stunning reversal? 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 113: Victory or Death

I recently recorded a collaboration with Will Clark of Grey History: the French Revolution.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grey History Collaboration

In the Spring of 1808, Napoleon installed his brother Joseph on the Spanish throne. However, the people of Madrid had had enough of the French, and took matters into their own hands.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 112: The Way of the Bandit

With Portugal conquered, Napoleon turned his attention to Spain. As French troops began occupying the country, it soon became clear they were sitting on a political powder keg. 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 111: Bad Omens

1807 saw Napoleon and the British jockeying for influence among the remaining neutral states of Europe. Average people paid the price for this competition.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 86: Six Hours

Download our free app to listen on your phone