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.
The Age of Napoleon Podcast is an exceptional podcast that delves into the fascinating story of Napoleon Bonaparte and the historical period in which he lived. With a clear overview of the broader historical context, this podcast does a great job of walking the line between giving too much and too little information. The storytelling is top-notch, making it one of the few podcasts that has compelled me to write a review. As an avid history reader who had never delved into the story of Napoleon before, I have been captivated by each episode. The pacing and overall storytelling ability are off the charts, making it one of the most addicting podcasts I've listened to in a long time.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is its meticulous research and attention to detail. Each episode is thoroughly researched and provides both the grand sweep of events and small details that make it appealing to a wide range of listeners. Whether you have a passing interest in history or are a student or enthusiast of the period, there is something for everyone in this podcast. The host strikes the perfect balance between politics, military strategy, and cultural considerations, making it approachable yet informative.
However, one minor critique would be the constant use of "quote, unquote" for even short quotes. While these can disrupt the flow of the narrative at times, it is only a minor distraction from an otherwise superb podcast. Additionally, some listeners may find themselves frustrated with having to wait for new episodes as they catch up with previously released ones. Nevertheless, this only speaks to how captivating and addictive this podcast truly is.
In conclusion, The Age of Napoleon Podcast is an absolute gem for history enthusiasts. It has made me a fan and avid listener despite my initial lack of interest in Napoleonic history. This well-researched and well-told podcast brings the era to life with clarity and depth. Its ability to provide context while maintaining engaging storytelling makes it an essential addition to any history lover's listening list. I cannot recommend this podcast enough, and I eagerly await each new episode.
Late 1809: Napoleon negotiated a punitive peace treaty with Austria and survived a strange assassination attempt. Meanwhile, the British launched a surprise invasion of the continent and dealt with political controversies at home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After his victory at Wagram, Napoleon pursued the Austrians. Peace was in the air, but the war would end on an almost unbelievably dramatic note in the middle of a Bohemian thunderstorm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the summer of 1809, Napoleon crossed the Danube again to confront Archduke Charles and the Habsburg field army and avenge his defeat at Aspern-Essling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the War of the Fifth Coalition raged on, anti-French rebels rose up in the Alps and a remarkable Royal Navy captain fought one of the era's strangest battles on the Atlantic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Austria, 1809: Napoleon was stunned after the first defeat of his career at Aspern-Essling and the death of his best friend and closest confidant, Marshal Lannes. But all across the continent, the war raged on... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On May 21st, 1809, the Austrians attacked Grande Armée at the towns of Aspern and Essling. The ensuing two days were the hardest test of Napoleon's career to date. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In April, 1809, the Austrians finally launched their long-awaited invasion of the Napoleonic Empire. The French were taken by surprise, but Napoleon had a plan to turn the tables. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
French and British forces continue fighting in Spain. In Paris, Napoleon's frustrations with Talleyrand finally boil over as he prepares to face off against a renewed and reformed Habsburg army. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After taking Madrid, Napoleon chased a British army into northwestern Spain. Meanwhile, behind the lines, Spanish guerrillas waged a brutal war against the occupiers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Spanish Patriots prepared to hold off Bonaparte in a rocky mountain pass, but they didn't count on the heroism of the Polish cavalry of Napoleon's Imperial Guard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I sat down with two fellow French history podcasters for a Paris Games-themed discussion of some of our favorite characters of 18th and 19th century French history. You can find Will's show, Grey History, at: https://greyhistory.com, and David's show, The Siècle, here: http://thesiecle.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In early November 1808, French troops crossed the Ebro River in their second invasion of Spain, led by the Emperor himself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The summer of 1808 saw desperate fighting across Iberia as Spanish and Portuguese patriots rose up against Napoleon. France's most powerful enemy, Great Britain, sought to take advantage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Spanish uprising was a disaster for France. Napoleon tried to shore up his diplomatic situation but found himself undermined by a surprising new enemy. Cameo appearances by José de San MartÃn and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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
I recently recorded a collaboration with Will Clark of Grey Histories: the French Revolution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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
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
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
In 1808, France would find itself in a new war on the Iberian Peninsula. How did Napoleon find himself engaged in a new war less than a year after the Treaty of Tilsit? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
By 1808, the Napoleonic empire stretched from Poland to the Pyrenees, and from the North Sea to the southern tip of Italy. How was Europe adjusting to Napoleon's new order? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
By 1809, Napoleon had ruled France for a decade. How did the Napoleonic regime actually function? How could one person effectively exercise his will over half a continent? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In Europe at the dawn of the nineteenth century, art and politics were deeply intertwined, sometimes in surprising ways. No one understood this better than Napoleon Bonaparte. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
During his 15 years in power, Napoleon put an indelible mark on his adopted city: Paris. The First Empire was a formative period in the history of the city, but what did it mean for average people? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Napoleon's new treaty with Russia had totally transformed European geopolitics. What did it mean for the future of the continent? For France? For Napoleon himself? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the summer of 1807, the emperors of France and Russia, and the King and Queen of Prussia met at the Baltic town of Tilsit for a remarkable diplomatic summit aimed at forging a new geopolitical status quo for Europe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the summer of 1807, Napoleon was on the verge of seizing a prize that had eluded him for 6 months: Königsberg. The end of the war was in sight, but before he could take the city, he would have to deal with a bold surprise attack on his rear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As Napoleon struggled to rebuild his army after Eylau, French forces lay siege to the port city of Danzig. In late Spring, the Grande Armée went back out on campaign, to square off against General Bennigsen once again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Battle of Eylau was the greatest challenge of Napoleon's career so far. For two days, the French and Russian armies fought with unbelievable tenacity in the worst conditions imaginable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A recording of a recent talk I gave on the life of Toussaint Louverture You can find out more about the Symposium at: https://www.historysymposium.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In January of 1807, Napoleon ordered his men to make winter quarters and turned his attention to an exciting, but dangerous new mistress with a hidden agenda. But before the month was over, fate would draw the Grande Armée back out on campaign. Also, I am writing Dr. Alexander Mikaberidze's name here in the notes, in case some of you are wondering how to spell it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
France and the Grande Armée were growing tired of war, but in the winter of 1806, Napoleon led his forces east, into a harsh, new environment that would test the limits of his soldiers' endurance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As Napoleon and the Grande Armée enjoyed a pleasant interlude in occupied Berlin, the war was escalating in unprecedented ways. Sailors, smugglers, and corsairs all over the world were engaged in a new style of total economic warfare. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
After their defeats at Jena and Auerstedt, the vaunted Prussian army collapsed in the face of Napoleon's onslaught. As the French pushed into the heart of Central Europe, their presence began to awaken complicated nationalist feelings on both sides. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Germany, 1806: while Napoleon was winning another triumph at the Battle of Jena, the Third Corps of his army was forced to fight alone in a desperate battle against a superior force. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In early October, 1806, Napoleon led the Grande Armée to war once again, this time against the Prussians. The events of the next week would change the course of history, and have a surprisingly profound impact on western philosophy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In 1806, France and Prussia went to war. The Grande Armée was at the height of its powers, but the French did not want this fight. The Prussian army had huge problems, but was eager to prove itself against Napoleon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Introducing a new feature to the show. Visit: www.patreon.com/ageofnapoleon and sign up if you'd like to join us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1806 saw Europe reeling from the aftermath of Austerlitz. Napoleon organized his new empire and continued to remake the map of the continent, but he would soon be faced with a powerful backlash. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
An overview of the most colorful and romanticized branch of a Napoleonic military: the cavalry. Depending on your perspective, they were either the bravest, most vital part of any army, or preening, arrogant prima donnas. Napoleonic cavalry regiments saw some of the most desperate and exciting combat of the era, and their unique subculture continues to fascinate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
After his stunning victories of late 1805, Napoleon sought to impose a new international order on central Europe. This would mean an all-out diplomatic assault on one of the world's oldest and most venerable institutions: the Holy Roman Empire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Horatio Nelson's last battle was a stunning British victory, but his fleet's troubles were just beginning. We examine the stunning aftermath of Trafalgar and the legacy of the greatest admiral of the age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
I interviewed Real Time History's Jesse Alexander about his latest project: tracing Napoleon's downfall from the invasion of Russia in 1812. You can find them on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/c/realtimehistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In October 1805, a Franco-Spanish fleet sailed out of Cadiz to seek a confrontation with a British fleet under Horatio Nelson. What ensued was one of the greatest naval battles of all time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Battle of Austerlitz changed Europe forever. As news of his triumph reverberated across Europe, Napoleon began to redraw the map of the continent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On the first anniversary of his coronation, Napoleon faced off against a powerful Coalition army. With France's strategic situation deteriorating by the hour, he formed an audacious plan to win the war in a single stroke. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Napoleon pursues a Coalition army through Austria. Masséna fights in Italy. Prussian neutrality finally ends. https://www.patreon.com/ageofnapoleon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A new coalition forms against France. Napoleon leads his new army into Germany in a stunning, lightning campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Napoleon brings his army to the Channel Coast and builds it into one of the most formidable war machines in military history. Meanwhile, talk of another anti-French Coalition begins to swirl in the old regime capitals of Europe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On December 2nd, 1804, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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