Podcasts about Napoleonic Wars

Our recap episodes, which offer a synthesis of our 1792-1804 coverage one year at a time, have reached 1798 - a year in which Napoleon Bonaparte leads an astonishingly bold expedition to capture Egypt for France, which is going astonishingly badly by the end of the year. Chris Sloan talks presenter Alex Stevenson through specific key clips he's picked out from our old episodes grouped around four themes which, we argue, help frame the period and shape our understanding of it in a whole new way. We hope this will provide a helpful refresh for longstanding listeners - whilst at the same time offering an 'entry ramp' to the podcast for those who want to get up to speed relatively easily before we crash full-speed into the intensity of the Napoleonic Wars.This episode covers a 12-month period simply dominated by the Egyptian gambit. Dreams of becoming another Alexander the Great seem to be turning into a mirage as elusive as that seen in the dust of the Egyotian desert, with Horatio Nelson destroying the French fleet at the Battle of the Nile and unrest and disquiet in Cairo to deal with in the Upper Nile. This year also sees more developments across all our ongoing storylines. France continues to bully Italian politics; the Revolution continues to sort-of grind on with the Coup of Floreal; there is a major intervention against the Swiss; and, above all, the Irish attempt to secure indepedence from the British is dealt with in a grimly decisive fashion. This is a year in which Napoleon grabs all the headlines - but let's not forget just how important 1798 was for Ireland, too.Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

You can send a text, include contact info to get a response. Consider the British Empire in 1792, the year of Macartney's expedition to China and the year young Emperor Francis began to look askance at the French Revolution and all the ruling factions within it started to wish for a war.  Well at that time the empire was rather modest, a few spice islands, Canada, Gibraltar, New South Wales had started, there was a logging settlement in Honduras, and in India, Bombay Madras and Bengal, with Bengal the largest British territory in India.  Trade with China is substantial, around 25% of all, generating 16% of total government revenue.  But except for Penang, a stop on the way, no territory to support it.By 1803 the value of British trade increased 81%.  From the French revolutionary wars to 1803, the empire grew to include Trinidad, Ceylon and Malta, even after returning most captured possessions at the Peace of Amiens.  Then by 1814....The British position in India was massively increased, with the Mughal empire , Hyderabad, Mysore, and most of the South under various forms of British control.  Furthermore, the main waystations to get there, including the Cape colony of South Africa, and the Indian ocean islands were now under British control.The number of sugar islands increased and British Guiana became real and there were more gold Coast trading posts in Africa, and Tasmania was added to New South Wales. And before the decade was over the third Maratha war would cement control over much of the rest of India and see the establishment of the first post in Singapore.  With many supporting bases like St Helena where Napoleon was stashed along with the newly established Ascension Island to help support St Helena.I'm describing a different world now, different to 1792.  One where rivals to British sea power just do not exist. 

Your morning briefing. All the news you need to start your day.On today's podcast:(1) President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered differing accounts of a call about the fighting in Lebanon, as the US struggled to get efforts toward an Iran peace deal back on track.(2) The European Commission is weighing plans to grant member states additional fiscal flexibility to cope with the impact of high energy costs due to the Iran War, according to people familiar with the discussions.(3) Senior government officials have warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that spending on the war in Ukraine is on an unaffordable path, the most serious sign of internal division in Moscow since the full-scale invasion began.(4) Google parent Alphabet is raising $80 billion through a package of equity offerings, including an investment deal with Berkshire Hathaway, as the company races to fund its ambitious artificial intelligence spending plans.(5) Britain was still grappling with the explosion of government debt accumulated during the Napoleonic Wars and the industrial revolution was beginning to transform the world. In 1834, the UK had 90 taxes in place with duties on everything from servants to stage coaches.(6) UK Sotheby’s International Realty has been the talk of London’s luxury property market over the past three years. But alongside the firm’s rapid expansion sit allegations of harassment and bullying from current and former employees, revealed by Bloomberg for the first time.Podcast Conversation: McDonald’s Growth Plan Calls for Fancier Chicken, Airier StoresSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SummaryClayton Cuteri joins Bruce Colero on the Be Great podcast for a wide-open, nearly two-hour conversation about the knowledge the elite have always guarded and why good people staying broke and powerless is no accident. It opens with how the Rothschilds quietly funded both sides of the Napoleonic Wars, walked away owning the bond market, and went on to shape the Federal Reserve and the IMF. From there, it moves into the two real levers of change on this planet: money and political power.The second half goes deep on the spiritual layer. The Bhagavad Gita and the divine versus demonic path. The Gospel of Thomas, found in 1945, is older than the Bible. How the text was changed over 1,600 years, and why Clayton believes a spiritual awakening is already underway. Clayton also shares his own arc from a software engineer, $10,000 in debt, to a millionaire in 22 months.Video of The PodcastWatch HereCampaign Websitehttps://writeincuteri.comClayton's NewsletterJoin HereClayton's BookPurchase HereClayton's Social Media LinkTree | Instagram | X (Twitter) | YouTube | FaceBook | RumbleTimecodes00:00 - Intro: How Rothschilds Funded Both Sides 01:15 - Defining Success and Your Why 05:09 - The Elites and Indigo Education 09:33 - Why Fear Comes From Not Knowing 16:49 - Knowledge Is Power: Money, Politics 22:17 - $10K Debt to Millionaire 33:58 - The Candle and the Blue Rug 42:10 - A Spiritual War, Not Political 01:05:02 - Books Are Speed Limit Signs01:22:34 - Who Really Wrote Your History01:36:20 - Is a Spiritual Awakening Coming?Intro/Outro Music Producer: Don Kin Instagram | Spotify Super grateful for this guy ^Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/traveling-to-consciousness-with-clayton-cuteri--6765271/support.Listen to the Podcast AD-FREE HERE for $4.95/monSign Up for my Newsletter HEREALL Indigo Education Podcasts HEREMy Book: The Secret Teachings of Jesus HEREOfficial Traveling to Consciousness Website HERE

Our recap episodes, which offer a synthesis of our 1792-1804 coverage one year at a time, have reached 1797 - a year in which Napoleon Bonaparte continues to confound western Europe amidst the continuing churning turmoil of French revolutionary politics. Chris Sloan talks presenter Alex Stevenson through specific key clips he's picked out from our old episodes grouped around four themes which, we argue, help frame the period and shape our understanding of it in a whole new way. We hope this will provide a helpful refresh for longstanding listeners - whilst at the same time offering an 'entry ramp' to the podcast for those who want to get up to speed relatively easily before we crash full-speed into the intensity of the Napoleonic Wars.This episode covers an extraordinary 12 months, in which the young Bonaparte helps wrap up victory against the Austrians before continuing his victories on the green felt battlefields of the negotiating table. He's getting a taste for power - but what will the Directory back home make of this? The politics of Paris have moved on to a mounting crisis in which a swing to the right prompts a coup by those in power, crucially backed by the army. Meanwhile there are seismic changes in north Italy, with the end of the 1,000-year republic of Venice and a humiliation for the Pope. And there are two massive victories for the British at sea, against the Spanish at Cape St Vincent and the Dutch at Camperdown... Another staggering year. Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

You can send a text, include contact info to get a response. More focus on Mexico and California than is ideal, but there is a general overview of Spanish America.Spanish America, more than  anywhere else, shows us the global ramifications of the Napoleonic Wars.  “The crisis and collapse of Spain's empire was the direct result of political turmoil in Europe.  During the Napoleonic wars this vast empire got fragmented, was henceforth relegated to the sidelines of world politics.”  It's a big deal.  Spanish America was important to the world and world politics.  The disparate countries of Latin America stopped mattering after independence when they are separate things rather than a huge mass.  This is sort of a harsh, brutal truth,   This was partly because of the Monroe doctrine, Thou Shalt Not Interfere in the Western Hemisphere lest thou tempt the wrath of God, and British policy also was to keep other Europeans out, more practically by means of controlling the seas, and giving a firm no to plans from the Spanish and Russians for interference from non Spanish forces. 

⚓ Naval Tactics of the Napoleonic Era Explained ⚓Step into the age of sail and discover how naval warfare shaped the fate of empires during the Napoleonic Wars. In this episode, special guest and author Joshua Meeks will break down the key tactics, strategies, and innovations used by legendary commanders like Admiral Nelson.From the devastating effectiveness of the “line of battle” to bold maneuvers like breaking the enemy line at the Battle of Trafalgar, you'll learn how discipline, signaling, and seamanship determined victory on the high seas.

In this episode of The Mariner's Mirror Podcast, we continue our naval fiction series with Chris Durbin, author of the excellent Carlisle & Holbrooke Naval Adventures. Set during the global conflict of the Seven Years' War, the series follows two Royal Navy captains—one a colonial Virginian, the other from Hampshire—as they navigate war, politics, and shifting loyalties in a world on the brink of revolution. Drawing on a 24-year career as a Royal Navy warfare officer, Durbin brings an authentic edge to his storytelling, capturing the realities of life at sea—from fleet actions and convoy duty to the personal pressures of command. In this conversation, we explore how he blends history with fiction, the challenges of writing naval warfare, and the wider historical forces shaping his characters' lives. With seventeen novels in the series and the story moving toward the American Revolution, Durbin's work offers a vivid and immersive take on a defining period of maritime history. If you're new to the series, you can catch up on previous conversations with authors spanning the centuries—from the 17th century with David Davies, to the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars with Julian Stockwin, Katie Daysh, and Philip K. Allen. We've even delved into the life behind Patrick O'Brian's work with his biographer for a broader perspective. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our recap episodes, which offer a synthesis of our 1792-1804 coverage one year at a time, has reached 1796 - a year in which the rockstar general Napoleon Bonaparte writes his own script. Chris Sloan talks presenter Alex Stevenson through specific key clips he's picked out from our old episodes grouped around four themes which, we argue, help frame the period and shape our understanding of it in a whole new way. We hope this will provide a helpful refresh for longstanding listeners - whilst at the same time offering an 'entry ramp' to the podcast for those who want to get up to speed relatively easily before we crash full-speed into the intensity of the Napoleonic Wars.This episode covers 12 months in which the course of the French Revolutionary Wars is altered by the achievements of a 20-something. Bonaparte somehow manages to turn a secondary theatre into the main event through an astonishingly dynamic approach to campaigning. The consequences are momentous for the weak, dependent Directory government in Paris; for the Papal States' political control of central Italy, not to mention the end of the Republic of Venice. And at the same time we see movement in Ireland where the French have one or two ideas, more revolt in the Vendee and the end of Catherine the Great, leaving us asking the question - what next for Russia...

We kick off the Pencil Primer — a new series for anyone who wants to start at the beginning of pencildom. This installment traces graphite from the legendary Borrowdale lightning strike of 1564 to Nicolas-Jacques Conté's clay-and-graphite breakthrough during the Napoleonic Wars, plus the Thoreau family's role in standardizing the American pencil grade scale and a tour through HB-to-9B. Plus, Tim's into a Bill Frisell biography, Johnny's writing with a sparkly Narwhal "raspberry cheesecake" pen that looks like, uh, something else, and Andy debuts booklet.lol — a vibe-coded book tracker. Patreon subscribers can watch the video version.For this episode, we recorded video, available to Patreon subscribers! If you're a patron, head over to see our faces and visual examples of many of the things we discuss. And if you're not a patron, join us at any level and you can see this and other supplemental content at any time!Show Notes & LinksErasableRead a transcript of this episode at Erasable ScribeErasable PatreonErasable Facebook groupErasable Discord inviteEpisode referencesEpisode 57: “The F Bomb”Podcasts / mediaDrug Storyr/pencilsLetterkennyBooksBill Frisell, Beautiful DreamerExcellent Advice for Living by Kevin KellyAutomatic Noodle by Annalee NewitzA Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky ChambersPencil / stationery / book artsCumberland Pencil MuseumNicolas-Jacques Conté (Britannica)Henry David Thoreau (Britannica)Guild of Book WorkersGeneral's Layout PencilSTAEDTLER WOPEXDerwentPhotography / camera stuffMicro Four NerdsPetaPixelApps / sites / companiesbooklet.lolPeople / artists / companiesWillie NelsonCharlie CrockettBill FrisellJHS PedalsYour HostsJohnny GamberPencil Revolution@pencilutionAndy WelfleWoodclinched@awelfleTim Wasem@TimWasem

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into naval fiction with the prolific and insightful Philip K. Allan. Since 2018, Philip has built an impressive body of work, most notably his Alexander Clay series set during the Age of Sail. Following a Royal Navy officer through the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, the series brings to life a global naval career—from home waters to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, and South America. Along the way, readers experience everything from commerce raiding and blockades to dramatic ship-to-ship combat and fleet battles, all while gaining a vivid sense of life at sea and the shifting alliances of the era. More recently, Philip has turned his attention to the Second World War with his Wolves series, exploring the deadly struggle between Allied convoys and German U-boats. If you enjoy this conversation, be sure to check out our other episodes in the naval fiction series, featuring contemporary authors writing naval fiction across the centuries and a fascinating look into the life behind Patrick O'Brian's iconic work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Step into the pages of history and explore 30 things we love about the Napoleonic Era—one of the most dramatic, influential, and larger-than-life periods in world history. From Napoleon's genius to legendary marshals, epic battles, iconic uniforms, and earth-shaking political change, this era reshaped Europe forever.In this episode, author Joshua Provan and I will break down why the Napoleonic Era still captivates historians, gamers, readers, and military strategists today—from revolutionary tactics to unforgettable personalities like Ney, Davout, Wellington, and Murat. Whether it's the thunder of artillery, the elegance of the uniforms, or the rise and fall of an emperor, there's something here for every history fan.

In our final episode on Persuasion, we talk about how much more satisfactory this is than the original ending, the purpose of the discussion between Mrs Croft and Mrs Musgrove, the conversation between Anne and Captain Harville, Wentworth's letter, his feeling that he had a moral obligation to marry Louisa and the wrap-up of the story.The character we discuss is Anne Elliot. In the historical section, Michael talks about the British Navy at the end of, and after, the Napoleonic Wars, and for popular culture Harriet discusses various modernised versions of Persuasion.Things we mention:General discussion:Janet Todd and Antje Blank [Editors], The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Persuasion (2006)Character discussion:YouTube video: Karolina Żebrowska, Why Does Hollywood Hate Gentle Characters? ‖ Netflix “Persuasion” Review (2022)Popular culture discussion:Melissa Nathan, Persuading Annie (2000)Sara Marks, Modern Persuasion (2017)Sonali Dev, Recipe for Persuasion (2020)Sarah Dass, Where the Rhythm Takes You (2021)Uzma Jalaluddin, Much Ado About Nada (2023)Melodie Edwards, Once Persuaded Twice Shy (2024)Rhombus Media, Slings and Arrows (2003-2006) [mentioned but not a Persuasion adaptation]Diana Peterfreund, For Darkness Shows the Stars (2012)John Wyndham, The Chrysalids (1955) [mentioned but not a Persuasion adaptation]Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games (2008) [mentioned but not a Persuasion adaptation]Creative commons music used:Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. Adagio.Extract from Joseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006. File originally from IMSLP.Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto Grazioso. File originally from Musopen.Extract from George Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. Allegro. File originally from Musopen.Extract from Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major. File originally from Musopen.

This is the fourth in our series of recap episodes, offering a synthesis of our 1792-1804 coverage one year at a time. Chris Sloan talks presenter Alex Stevenson through specific key clips he's picked out from our old episodes grouped around four themes which, we argue, help frame the period and shape our understanding of it in a whole new way. We hope this will provide a helpful refresh for longstanding listeners - whilst at the same time offering an 'entry ramp' to the podcast for those who want to get up to speed relatively easily before we crash full-speed into the intensity of the Napoleonic Wars.This episode covers 1795, a year in which French politics is just as full of turmoil as ever before - but that isn't stopping French military success across the continent. It's quite the contrast: purges, insurrections and uprisings in Paris, at the same time as French forces cross the Rhine, taking war deeper into Austrian-controlled territory, and the Prussians, Spanish and others drop out of the fight altogether. British efforts around the edges feel just that, marginal; an ill-fated expedition to stir up revolt in Brittany, the seizure of Cape Town and on Sri Lanka of Trincomalee. And empire-building continues in eastern Europe too, with the final partition of Poland. What a 12 months - and it's all laying the groundwork for an even more remarkable year next time round...

General Wittgenstein: Russia's “Savior of St. Petersburg” General Peter Wittgenstein was one of Imperial Russia's most important commanders during the Napoleonic Wars, earning the nickname “The Savior of St. Petersburg” for stopping Napoleon's advance in 1812. In this special guest, Jimmy Chen will explore Wittgenstein's rise through the Russian army, his crucial victories at Kliastitsy and Polotsk, and his role in halting French momentum during the invasion of Russia.Often overshadowed by generals like Kutuzov and Bagration, Wittgenstein proved to be one of Russia's most aggressive and effective field commanders. His actions on Napoleon's northern flank protected Russia's capital and helped turn the tide against the Grande Armée.Whether you're a fan of Napoleon, Russian military history, or the decisive campaigns of 1812, this deep dive into General Wittgenstein reveals why he deserves far more recognition.

We step into O'Brian's re-telling of the Battle of Grand Port, the only major French naval victory of the Napoleonic Wars, and one of the most devastating, catastrophic reversals in the entire Aubrey-Maturin canon. For one of our characters in particular, it's going to be a life-changing event.

General Louis Charles Antoine Desaix was one of Napoleon's most brilliant and underrated commanders. Known as “the Just Sultan” for his integrity and calm leadership, Desaix played a crucial role in the French Revolutionary Wars and Napoleon's early rise to power. From his campaigns in Germany to his legendary service in Egypt, Desaix earned a reputation for discipline, humanity, and battlefield brilliance.Special guest Charles Mackay explores Desaix's military career, his close relationship with Napoleon, and his decisive actions at the Battle of Marengo (1800)—where his timely arrival helped secure victory for France, but cost him his life. Often compared to Marshal Davout for his reliability and tactical skill, Desaix was widely expected to become one of Napoleon's greatest marshals had he lived longer.Learn why Napoleon mourned Desaix deeply, how his death shaped the Napoleonic Wars, and why many historians consider him one of the great “what-ifs” of Napoleonic history.

This is the third in our series of recap episodes, offering a synthesis of our 1792-1804 coverage one year at a time. Chris Sloan talks presenter Alex Stevenson through specific key clips he's picked out from our old episodes grouped around four themes which, we argue, help frame the period and shape our understanding of it in a whole new way. We hope this will provide a helpful refresh for longstanding listeners - whilst at the same time offering an 'entry ramp' to the podcast for those who want to get up to speed relatively easily before we crash full-speed into the intensity of the Napoleonic Wars. This episode covers 1794, a year of revolution, turmoil, and transformative conflict across Europe and beyond. Once again we're recapping an extraordinary year featuring pivotal moments in the French Revolution, including Robespierre's dramatic fall; the surprising tos and fros of the war in Europe; some grimly familiar shocking events in Eastern Europe; all whilst continuing to explore the global repercussions of revolutionary ideals. Or, in other words:The height and collapse of the Terror in Revolutionary France, culminating in the Thermidorian ReactionKey military innovations and battles, including the strategic leadership of Carnot and the Battle of FleurusThe dramatic final chapter of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth and the failed Kociuszko UprisingThe abolition of slavery in French colonies and the far-reaching impact on Haiti and the CaribbeanCrucial global developments, from the Glorious First of June naval battle to transformative events in the United States and beyondExplore the interconnected stories of 1794 and discover how this pivotal year shaped the course of the Napoleonic era and world history.

This is the second in a series of recap episodes, offering a synthesis of our 1792-1804 coverage one year at a time. Chris Sloan talks presenter Alex Stevenson through specific key clips he's picked out from our old episodes grouped around four themes which, we argue, help frame the period and shape our understanding of it in a whole new way. We hope this will provide a helpful refresh for longstanding listeners - whilst at the same time offering an 'entry ramp' to the podcast for those who want to get up to speed relatively easily before we crash full-speed into the intensity of the Napoleonic Wars.This episode covers 1793, a year of revolutionary turmoil, dramatic political shifts, and international warfare as the French Revolution accelerates, reshaping France and reverberating across Europe and the wider world. Including: - The trial and execution of King Louis XVI and the radicalization of the National Convention- The rise of Robespierre and the establishment of the Reign of Terror- The outbreak of civil war in the Vendée and mass conscription across France- Key battles and the involvement of Britain, Spain, and other Coalition powers in the Revolutionary Wars- Global impact with the Haitian Revolution, the abolition of slavery in Saint Domingue, and the emergence of Napoleon Bonaparte

Battle of Wavre & Plancenoit (1815) | Napoleon's Last Campaign & Grouchy's Controversial StandThe Battle of Wavre, fought on 18–19 June 1815, was the final major engagement of Napoleon's Hundred Days and one of the most controversial battles of the Napoleonic Wars. While Napoleon faced Wellington at Waterloo, Marshal Grouchy fought the Prussian III Corps under General Thielmann near the town of Wavre in Belgium.Special guest & author Graeme Callister will explore how Grouchy, obeying Napoleon's orders to pursue the Prussians after Ligny, became locked in a fierce battle just miles away from Waterloo—unable to influence the decisive struggle that ended the Napoleonic Era. We break down the strategy, key moments, and fighting along the River Dyle, and explain why Wavre remains central to the debate over Grouchy's responsibility for Napoleon's final defeat.Was the Battle of Wavre a missed opportunity, or did Grouchy do exactly what he was ordered to do? And could events at Wavre have changed the outcome at Waterloo?Battle of Plancenoit (1815) | The Fight That Decided Waterloo's Right FlankThe Battle of Plancenoit, fought on 18 June 1815, was one of the most brutal and decisive struggles of the Battle of Waterloo. As Napoleon battled Wellington to the west, the fate of the French army hinged on this small Belgian village, where Prussian forces under General Bülow collided with Napoleon's right flank.This episode explores how Plancenoit became the last major French defensive stand of the Napoleonic Wars. We break down the savage house-to-house fighting, the repeated Prussian assaults, and Napoleon's dramatic decision to commit the Young Guard and Old Guard to hold the village. Despite moments of French success, the fall of Plancenoit opened the road to Napoleon's final defeat.Was Plancenoit the true turning point of Waterloo? And could holding the village longer have changed the outcome of the battle?X/Twitter: @graemecallister, @andnapoleon

This is the first in a series of recap episodes, offering a synthesis of our 1792-1804 coverage one year at a time. Chris Sloan talks presenter Alex Stevenson through specific key clips he's picked out from our old episodes grouped around four themes which, we argue, help frame the period and shape our understanding of it in a whole new way. We hope this will provide a helpful refresh for longstanding listeners - whilst at the same time offering an 'entry ramp' to the podcast for those who want to get up to speed relatively easily before we crash full-speed into the intensity of the Napoleonic Wars. This episode covers 1792, a year of extraordinary upheaval and transformation across the globe. We take stock of the events, crises, and turning points that defined the period, focusing on four major themes:The French Revolution: The mounting political pressure in Paris, culminating in the radicalization of the revolution, the arrest and trial of Louis XVI, and the proclamation of the First French Republic.The War in Europe: France's chaotic military situation and surprising victories, as the War of the First Coalition begins, defying the odds against a decimated army and foreign invasion.The Eastern European Dimension: The critical developments in Poland, Russia, Austria, and Prussia, as the fate of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth is decided and imperial rivalries set the stage for future Napoleonic conflicts.The Wider World: The global ramifications of revolutionary ideals, including the dramatic slave uprising in Saint Domingue (Haiti), highlighting the extraordinary importance and turmoil in the Caribbean and colonial geopolitics.

Here's what you need to know: - Having reached the end of 1804, the Napoleonic Quarterly is now halfway through its decade-long project.- That means it's time for a half-time break to reboot and relaunch the project, with the twin goals of offering an alternative 'entry point' for Napoleonic Wars afficionados and allowing the establishment of an end-state production pipleline.- It's not exactly the Super Bowl's half-time entertainment, but for this relaunch period we'll have two limited miniseries running in parallel.- The first is a recap series; one episode per year of the chronology. Each episode will look at the four main themes illustrated by clips from the main episodes, and then do a quick month-by-month reminder of the main events.- The second is season two of our movie project. But instead of looking at Ridley Scott's Napoleonic monstrosity, this time round we'll be working up our own treatment for how we'd fit the life of Napoleon around the traditional Hollywood screenplay structure.- Meanwhile in the background work is underway on our 1805 episodes.- The relaunch period hopefully starts with an episode a day for, hopefully, a full week; and then we'll revert to weekly for the duration. - Vive le podcast!

32: Chapter 32. Across the Iron Road The opening quote is another one in French. John Ruths has helped me out here. He says the translation is: "Spirit of rivalry and misunderstanding which more than once preserved the English army from defeat." The person quoted is General Jean-Baptiste Jourdan, a French officer in the revolution and Napoleonic Wars. The backhanded compliment towards their historical enemy, the English, is both funny and interesting. Basically implying that an army where there is a little chaos and dissent can have an advantage. During the last chapter, Pipkin excused himself because he found the story of the Black Rabbit too frightening. Because he excused himself he was able to spot the Fox approaching them at the end of the Chapter. This chapter opens with an explanation of how rare encounters between rabbits and foxes are. The only hope a fox has is to sneak up on them downwind. So Pipkins spotting this fox is very lucky. Hazel also realises that Fiver probably used Pipkin's fear as an excuse to act as a sentry. Yet again his instincts preserve the group. Hazel sensibly observes the Fox, while planning what to do next. Suddenly a rabbit pushes past him out into the open. Fiver says it was Bigwig, who they then watch deliberately draw the fox away from the group by pretending to limp away from them. This was completely unnecessary and Hazel feels very angry. As Bigwig and the Fox disappear into undergrowth, they hear the squeal of a rabbit and immediately conclude that Bigwig has been killed by it. Suddenly he reappears and runs towards them fast. He is unharmed. A very angry Hazel begins to round on Bigwig before Fiver points out that the group are very stressed and need to get away. Hazel takes his advice. They cross the road into more open farmland beyond, where they make good progress. As soon as they stop, Hazel has a conversation with Bigwig. Hazel tells Bigwig how angry he is and asks him to explain himself. Bigwig says that he was feeling tense, though the source of his tension is kept from the reader for now, and felt he had to do something such as run a risk. And it worked. He explains the rabbit that cried out by saying that, as he made away from the fox, he bumped into a group of large rabbits, who tried to stop him going any further. As he broke free he heard squealing and concluded that the Fox must have got one of them. This is the death of Mallow, member of the Efrafan Owsla, that we learn about in chapter 37. For Bigwig had bumped into a wide Patrol. How much more luck are the rabbits of Watership Down going to have to rely on? First they narrowly avoid an encounter with a fox, then that same Fox saves them from an Efrafan Wide-Patrol that was tracking them. And that only happens because one of the group does something stupid. Maybe they ARE under the protection of Frith? Silver comes up to Bigwig and Hazel to say that he's realised are closer to Efrafa than he thought. They need to go. Hazel says he wants to skirt around Efrafa and cross the Iron Road. This next part of the journey takes place during a moonlit night, and Adams embellishes it's description with the sounds downland Birds that they Encounter during it. Eventually, as morning approaches, Silver thinks they are near the Iron Road. Here, rather than being at the top of a bank it is in a cutting. They cross it and rest in the field beyond where they are met by Kehaar. They are exhausted but he warns them that another Wide-Patrol is tracking them and they need to go immediately. Again, having aerial reconnaissance proves crucial for the group. They take cover among some trees. Kehaar says that they moved just in time, as the Wide Patrol turned back as it reached the Iron Road. He keeps watch as the rabbits sleep and the day grows hot. 32.3 Next Episode Next time the rabbits reach the River Test, where they have an idea...and Bigwig goes to Efrafa

After the disasters of the Napoleonic Wars, state bankruptcy and losing Norway, Denmark was in bad shape. But even though the future looked bleak, a Golden Age was actually waiting right around the corner. Its writers and thinkers would shape Danish society for generations.

The Duke of Wellington wasn't just the man who defeated Napoleon — he was also one of Britain's most influential political leaders of the era.In this episode, special guest Marcus Cribb examines Arthur Wellesley's political career, including his time as Prime Minister, his role in shaping Britain after the Napoleonic Wars, and his controversial decision to support Catholic Emancipation in 1829. Discover how Wellington transitioned from battlefield command to high politics, faced public unrest, and left a lasting mark on 19th-century British government.We also discuss his later years and his funeral, one of the largest in British history. Perfect for fans of Napoleonic history, British politics, and Waterloo, this video reveals the statesman behind the soldier.X/Twitter: @mcribbhistory, @andnapoleon

You can send a text, include contact info to get a response. You probably know that by the middle of the 19th century, the  British dominated India.  The British introduced railroads and electricity, public health and infrastructure, and a population boom began.  By the end  Victoria became the Empress.  But before the French Revolution the British footprint in India was relatively small.  It was during the revolutionary wars and the Napoleonic wars that British control and domination greatly expanded, from early footholds in Bengal and Madras.The China trade was responsible of one six of British state revenue during this period so it was of vital importance.  Also, tea had an interesting property, the people who drank it did not need to dedicate so much grain to small beer production, allowing tea to change the supply and demand equation for grain, during a critical period.There is also the argument that the Chinese authorities contributed to the opium trade by not allowing any legal trade.  The drain of silver into the immensity of China is a problem that was going to be solved, whenever the right product was found.The Tokugawa were prompted to make serious reforms by embarrassments  caused by young Pellew and the Russian under Rezanhov.The Vietnam story of Gia Long and Bishop Pigneau is probably the most interesting.Oman and Muscat reinforce the idea of the struggle between imperialism and the pursuit of profits for the East India company.  imperialism is expensive.  The company lost money, and doubled its debt during one of the periods we are discussing.  

The Writing Community Chat Show is back! This week, we were joined by the brilliant Linda Wilgus, author of the enchanting debut novel, The Sea Child.Ranked #3 in the UK's top writing podcasts for 2025, we pride ourselves on bringing you the stories behind the stories. Linda's journey is one of incredible persistence, from writing during two-hour nap times to securing a “Big Five” publishing deal and a coveted starred review from Publishers Weekly.Whether you're a fan of atmospheric historical fiction or an aspiring author looking for the “secret sauce” to publishing success, this episode is a goldmine.Watch or Listen to the Full Interview on this article!The Story of The Sea Child.Set against the rugged, windswept cliffs of 1800s Cornwall during the Napoleonic Wars, The Sea Child follows Isabel, a widow who returns to the village where she was found as a child—dripping wet, alone, and unable to speak.The locals believe she is the daughter of a seboka (a Cornish sea spirit), but Isabel's life takes a swashbuckling turn when a wounded smuggling captain named Jack is carried into her cottage. It's a tale of high-stakes adventure, folklore, and a romance that feels as timeless as the ocean itself. BUY IT HERE.The Journey: 21 Years in the Making.One of the most inspiring parts of Linda's story is her path to publication. After putting her writing on hold for 21 years to raise three children and move around the world for her husband's Navy career, she finally reclaimed her creative spark.She didn't start with a masterpiece; she started with persistence. The Sea Child was actually her fourth adult novel. Her “overnight success” was built on a foundation of daily habits and a refusal to throw in the towel after previous rejections.

Napoleonica: Steel and Magic is a new high fantasy miniature wargame that reimagines the Napoleonic War with elements like Napoleon Bonaparte riding a Hippogriff. The miniatures are noted for their stunning, large-than-life resin casts from Signum Games. Mechanically, the game utilizes a system of drawing random Order Tokens and Maneuver Cards to activate units, which injects friction into army control reminiscent of games like *Memoir ’44*. Additionally, a bid for the Leader role determines the round’s intensity via an Escalation Card, which controls the number of Orders and Maneuver Cards drawn. En Garde is a forthcoming fast-paced, one-versus-one duelling game in the 54mm scale, set in a Low Fantasy world of swashbucklers and brigands. Conceived by John Blanche and Tuomas Pirinen, the game will feature hand-sculpted miniatures from artists like Paul Hicks, with an initial release via a crowdfunding campaign called Vanguard. The setting includes a twist with vampires being the “good guys,” and the core design aims to make duels dynamic and engaging beyond simple combat. The sunsetting of the BlackLibrary.com website and the Black Library Audio app will happen on August 31st. They are to be replaced by a single new Black Library app launching on March 18th that will feature an inbuilt eReader and MP3 player. Current account holders are urged to link their accounts and download older, unsupported content before the cutoff date. Community concerns are noted regarding the new app being a closed ecosystem with no integration for external eReaders or content from third-party sellers like Amazon and Audible, which ties into the ongoing DRM and “own versus license” debate among consumers. Asmodee made two major announcements, acquiring the Sheriff of Nottingham IP from CMON and striking a second deal with Netflix for Ticket to Ride. The Sheriff of Nottingham acquisition, following previous deals for CMON IPs like Zombicide, is attributed to CMON’s ongoing financial difficulties. Sheriff of Nottingham will join Asmodee’s Z-man studios. The Ticket to Ride deal with Netflix is similar to the Catan deal, granting a license for multiple shows or films. The first project will be a Ticket to Ride film, with Ben Mekler and Chris Amick attached to write the script. No premiere date has been set. Legitimate Salvage is a new game in the Forbidden Psalm line, a tabletop miniatures game about “corporate space horror” that is inspired by and compatible with the MÖRK BORG TTRPG. In the game, you control a crew of four working for the R&R company, whose business is rescuing people lost in space and who refuse to pay hazard pay unless someone dies, forcing your crew to work off their debt in the great uncaring void. The game features new mechanics, including debt, stress, and rules for zero gravity combat, alongside new monsters and equipment, all compatible with other Forbidden Psalm games like 28 Psalms and Killsampleprocess. #Napoleonica #EnGarde #BlackLibrary #Asmodee #legitimatesalvage Napoleonica: Steel and Magic Rules: https://signumgames.com/napoleonica-steel-and-magic Legitimate Salvage Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/impioussaint/legitimate-salvage-a-forbidden-psalm-sci-fi-game Dragonbane Trudvang: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/dragonbane-trudvang-the-legend-returns Fallout MEGA Bundle: https://humblebundleinc.sjv.io/L0aArV Warmachine on MyMiniFactory: https://mmf.io/upturned Mantic Companion App: https://companion.manticgames.com/ Use our Referral code: MCTXEE Support us by Shopping at Miniature Market (afilliate link): https://miniature-market.sjv.io/K0yj7n Support Us by Shopping on DTRPG (afilliate link): https://www.drivethrurpg.com?affiliate_id=2081746 Matt’s DriveThruRPG Publications: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?author=Matthew%20Robinson https://substack.com/@matthewrobinson3 Chris on social media: https://hyvemynd.itch.io/​​ Jeremy's Links: http://www.abusecartoons.com/​​ http://www.rcharvey.com ​​Support Us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/upturnedtable Give us a tip on our livestream: https://streamlabs.com/upturnedtabletop/tip​ Donate or give us a tip on Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/2754JZFW2QZU4 Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe https://kokoronome.bandcamp.com/

Hear about travel to Northern France (and a day in Flanders) as the Amateur Traveler talks to Craig Anderson about his trip into the historic towns and sites of the Pas-de-Calais region. Why should you go to Northern France? Craig describes an itinerary that includes the Hundred Years' War, the Napoleonic Wars, WWI, and WWII history, historic monasteries, gothic cathedrals, chalk cliffs, and wonderful old walled towns. Craig's Recommended Northern France / Flanders Itinerary Overview: Base yourself in northern France (Craig used Boulogne-sur-Mer) with a rental car, explore outward in loops, and start by pairing the trip with nearby Belgian WWI sites.  Day 1 — Ypres & Flanders Fields (Belgium) ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-northern-france/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During the American Civil War an estimated 194,000 Union soldiers and 214,000 Confederate soldiers became prisoners of war. No prior or subsequent American conflict has seen such numbers. During the Second World War, approximately 124,000 Americans were held captive, but the chance of being captured in that conflict was roughly one in one hundred; during the Civil War it was closer to one in five. Captivity was not a marginal experience. It was central to the war.Indeed, the gigantic scale of prisoner-of-war camps was one of the conflict's most consequential innovations. Every modern war since has produced successors to Andersonville, Point Lookout, Rock Island, and Florence. Yet prisoner-of-war camps remain oddly peripheral in our narratives of the Civil War, overlooked both as institutional innovations and as formative experiences for soldiers and their families. My guest, W. Fitzhugh Brundage, argues in A Fate Worse Than Hell: American Prisoners of the Civil War that captivity reshaped military policy, political rhetoric, racial attitudes, and postwar memory. Prison camps were not aberrations; they were integral to the modernizing logic of total war.For more on the guest, show notes, sources, and related episodes, go to the Historically Thinking Substack at www.historicallythinking.orgChaptersIntroduction - 0:00Historical Treatment of POWs - 2:35Parole System and Napoleonic Wars - 4:47Scale and Logistics of Civil War Prisons - 7:42Lincoln's Dilemma: Sovereignty vs Prisoner Exchange - 10:56Andersonville: Conditions and the Deadline - 31:48Point Lookout and Union Prisons - 47:25Prison Society and Community - 57:45Black Prisoners of War - 65:33Elmira Prison and John W. Jones - 82:11

When you visit a new city, one of your first stops might be a museum. It turns out that public art galleries are largely an 18th-century invention. In London in 1789, publisher John Boydell helped shape that new cultural experience with an ambitious project in Pall Mall: a gallery devoted entirely to scenes from Shakespeare. Boydell commissioned leading British artists to paint pivotal moments from the plays, then sold engraved reproductions for museum-goers to take home with them. The gallery quickly became a sensation and was visited by everyone who was anyone, from Jane Austen to the Prince of Wales. It also played a powerful role in transforming William Shakespeare from a popular playwright into a national icon. The venture ultimately failed due to the economic turmoil of the Napoleonic Wars, and the many life-size paintings were cut into smaller canvases and all sold at auction. Yet its influence endured, shaping exhibition culture, influencing a British school of art, and inspiring the visual mythology of The Joining us to explore the rise and fall of the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery are Rosie Dias, Professor of Art History at the University of Warwick, and Michael Dobson, Director of the Shakespeare Institute at the University of Birmingham. From the Shakespeare Unlimited podcast. Published February 23, 2026. © Folger Shakespeare Library. All rights reserved. This episode was produced by Matt Frassica. Garland Scott is the executive producer. It was edited by Gail Kern Paster. We had technical help from Mike Rucinski of Boutique Recording in Great Malvern, and Voice Trax West in Studio City, California. Our web producer is Paola García Acuña. Leonor Fernandez edits our transcripts. Final mixing services were provided by Clean Cuts at Three Seas, Inc.

The latest episode of Tin Foil Hat features Susan Bradford, who argues that a centuries-old crime syndicate operating from the City of London controls global finance, intelligence networks, and governments. She traces its origins to the Dutch East India Company and its merger of influence with the East India Company, describing a corporate-government model that expanded through wars like the Napoleonic Wars and revolutions worldwide. Citing figures such as Jeffrey Epstein, she claims modern institutions—including Bank for International Settlements and BlackRock—are vehicles for this agenda, and contends that recognizing what she sees as its illegitimacy is key to reclaiming public power. Please check out Susan Bradford's book: BlackRock Bamboozle- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2L1217N Please subscribe to the new Tin Foil Hat youtube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@TinFoilHatYoutube Grab your copy of the 2nd issue of the Chaos Twins now and join the Army Of Chaos: https://bit.ly/415fDfY Check out Sam "DoomScrollin with Sam Tripoli and Midnight Mike" Every Tuesday At 4pm pst on Youtube, X Twitter, Rumble and Rokfin! Join the WolfPack at Wise Wolf Gold and Silver and start hedging your financial position by investing in precious metals now! Go to https://www.samtripoli.gold/ and use the promo code "TinFoil" and we thank Tony for supporting our show. CopyMyCrypto.com: The 'Copy my Crypto' membership site shows you the coins that the youtuber 'James McMahon' personally holds - and allows you to copy him. So if you'd like to join the 1300 members who copy James, then stop what you're doing and head over to: https://copymycrypto.com/tinfoilhat/ You'll not only find proof of everything I've said - but my listeners get full access for just $1 LiveLongerFormula.com: Check out https://www.livelongerformula.com/sam — Christian is a longevity author and functional health expert who helps you fix your gut, detox, boost testosterone, and sleep better so you can thrive, not just survive. Watch his free masterclass on the 7 Deadly Health Fads, and if it clicks, book a free Metabolic Function Assessment to get to the root of your health issues. Grab Tickets To Sam Tripoli's Live Shows At SamTripoli.com: Hollywood, CA: 2/10 Perryville, MD: 2/20 Pottstown, PA: 2/21 Las Vegas, NV: 2/28 Bakersfield, CA: 3/6 Yuma, AZ: 3/7 Hollywood, CA: 3/10 Batavia, IL: 3/26-3/28 Toronto, CA: 4/17-18 Dallas, TX: 4/24 Fort Worth, TX: 4/25 Albuquerque, NM: 6/12-6/13 Austin, TX: The 100th Episode Of Tin Foil Hat 6/18 Lawerence, KS: 9/17-9/19 Tulsa, OK: 10/9-10/10 Austin, TX: 12/11-12/13   Please check out Susan Bradford's internet:  Website: https://www.susanbradfordbooks.com/ BlackRock Bamboozle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2L1217N Royal Blood Lies: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Z3QPN6C Substack: https://sbradford.substack.com/ Buy Me a Coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/susanbradford   Please check out Sam Tripoli's internet: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/samtripoli Sam Tripoli's Stand Up Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@SamTripoliComedy  Sam Tripoli's Comedy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samtripolicomedy/%20P Sam Tripoli's Podcast Clip Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samtripolispodcastclips/   Please support our sponsors: BetterWild: an ancestral blend of wolf probiotics designed to restore your dog's gut to the healthy digestion that its wolf ancestors had called Ancestral Advantage. Betterwild is committed to helping your dogs with science-backed, veterinarian approved solutions that you can feel great about. Right now, Betterwild is offering our listeners up to 40% off your order at betterwild.com slash tinfoil  

You can send a text, include contact info to get a response. A scientific expedition, led by Jean Bruguière and Guillaume Olivier.  Now they truly were scientists, but they were also diplomats secretly working for France.  Jean was an expert on molluscs, snails, shellfish and barnacles. He is credited with the discovery of 34 species of the same including a chiton named after Spinoza.  Olivier, by contrast, was a brilliant spy and diplomat, credited with toppling several middle eastern governments.  No, he was rather an expert on beetles, also a discoverer of new species, and a discoverer of new species of lizards as well.So, of course, you would expect great interest from a warrior from the central Asian steppes, this warrior would be following the progress of invertebrate science very closely.  Well, no, but what did the people of the middle east and the subcontinent and the far east know about Europe and the wider world?  They were not travelers.  They lived in almost impossible to understand (for us) ignorance about the wider world and their place in it.  For this 3 episode arc about the wider world in the Napoleonic Wars, the general fact of illiteracy and innumeracy, and lack of knowledge about the wider world will be an issue we run into again and again.

In August 1813, amid the German Campaign of the Napoleonic Wars, Napoleon faced one of his greatest challenges — the combined might of Austria, Prussia, and Russia. The Battle of Dresden would become his last major battlefield triumph, showcasing his tactical genius even as the empire began to crumble.Special guest Winston Valentine discusses Napoleon's maneuvers, use of terrain, and daring counterattacks that crushed the Coalition forces under Schwarzenberg. Learn about the heroic stand of Marshal Saint-Cyr, the daring charge of the Imperial Guard, and the tragic defeat of General Vandamme at Kulm just days later.

In 1805, an epic confrontation occurred off the southwest coast of Spain, resulting in one of the greatest naval battles in history.  This monumental sea battle saw the British and French fleets facing each other in one of the most important conflicts of the Napoleonic Wars. When the smoke cleared, the results left the British as the masters of the seas for over a century and radically changed the course of European geopolitics. Learn more about the Battle of Trafalgar and how it changed the course of history on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily. Sponsors Quince Go to quince.com/daily for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Mint Mobile Get your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at mintmobile.com/eed Subscribe to the podcast!  https://everything-everywhere.com/everything-everywhere-daily-podcast/ -------------------------------- Executive Producer: Charles Daniel Associate Producers: Austin Oetken & Cameron Kieffer   Become a supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/everythingeverywhere Discord Server: https://discord.gg/UkRUJFh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everythingeverywhere/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/everythingeverywheredaily Twitter: https://twitter.com/everywheretrip Website: https://everything-everywhere.com/  Disce aliquid novi cotidie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liam Gauci of the Malta Maritime Museum is joined by Phillip Cuccia and Konstantine Peradze to discuss the complex history of the Barbary States, their war with the United States and their broader impact on the Napoleonic Wars.In this episode you'll hear:The 'Pirate' vs 'Privateer' debate: The panel dives into whether the Barbary States' seafaring activities should be considered piracy or state-sanctioned privateering, highlighting the political and legal complexities of the time.The US Navy's First Major Combat Encounter: A detailed look at the fierce 1804 close-combat in Tripoli, including Stephen Decatur's daring actions and the dramatic destruction of the USS Philadelphia.Personal Stories from the Mediterranean: Listeners hear about fascinating characters, like a Maltese who switched allegiances multiple times, and the roles played by Georgians and other Mediterranean peoples in these shifting alliances.How the Barbary Wars Shaped American Naval Policy: The episode explains how attacks by the Barbary corsairs prompted the young United States to invest in building a powerful navy, influencing both US politics and military priorities.Behind-the-Scenes Diplomacy and Local Perspectives: There's rich discussion around diplomatic efforts, ransom negotiations, and the constant need for resources in the Barbary States, tying in broader Mediterranean and Napoleonic geopolitics.Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Alex Stevenson is joined by Rick Schneid, John Gill and Graeme Callister for the latest in our 1796 battles series, this time looking at Castiglione when for the first time Napoleon Bonaparte found himself on the strategic defensive.You'll find all the pictures and maps mentioned in this episode here: https://x.com/napoleonic_q/status/2013017694077911143Expect “on the battlefield” atmosphere, expert analysis, maps you can almost see, and a riveting blend of strategy and storytelling:A Walkthrough of the Battlefield and Its GeographyListeners will be expertly guided through the geography of Castiglione and its surrounding landmarks—hills, rivers, villages—painting a vivid operational map crucial to understanding the movements and intentions of both armies.The Austrian and French PerspectivesThe panel adopts the roles of staff officers and commanders in both the Austrian and French camps, offering both granular and big-picture views on morale, strategy, and the unique challenges faced by each side.Command Decisions and Tactics UnpackedExplore why Austrian commander Wurmser and his French counterpart Bonaparte made the decisions they did, how logistical issues, communication breakdowns, and battlefield improvisation altered the course of operations.Dramatic Near-Misses and Shifting MomentumExperience the near-encirclement of the French, the Austrian attempts at pincer movement, and how crucial moments and battlefield heroics (like the timely arrival of French reinforcements) flipped the campaign's momentum.Aftermath, Analysis, and Why Castiglione MatteredThe episode delves into the outcomes of the battle: the relief and renewed siege of Mantua, troop exhaustion, command changes, loss of crucial siege artillery, and how Castiglione marked a turning point in Napoleon's operational approach—and for the wider Napoleonic Wars.Help us produce more episodes by joining the Napoleonic Quarterly community on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

The Congress of Vienna sought to put Europe back together after the Napoleonic Wars. It was not an easy task. But, by and large, the delegates were successful and peace prevailed for 99 years until the outbreak of World War One.Western Civ 2.0

In the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars, it fell to Britain to maintain the balance of power in continental Europe – but how could a small island manage such a task? How could it prevent the rise of another tricorned tyrant? That's the subject of Andrew Lambert's sweeping new book No More Napoleons. Speaking to Kev Lochun, he explains how Britain helped maintain peace in Europe without the need for huge armies, why Belgium was so important to maintaining stability on the continent, and why the idea of ‘Britannia Rules the Waves' continues to be relevant today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we explore the magic behind the Aubrey–Maturin novels—often hailed as the greatest naval fiction series ever written—and uncover what makes Patrick O'Brian's storytelling so enduring, vivid, and beloved.Dr Sam Willis speaks with Dean King, O'Brian's acclaimed biographer and one of the foremost experts on the author's life and work.Together, we delve into the rich themes that define the books: the complex friendship between Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin; the interplay of duty, loyalty, and personal conscience; the transformative nature of life at sea; and the fine balance O'Brian strikes between high adventure and intimate human drama. We look at how he blends naval action with music, science, medicine, espionage, natural philosophy, and the deep emotional landscapes of his characters.Dean also guides us through the thrilling and turbulent world of the Napoleonic Wars—an era of global conflict, revolutionary change, and unprecedented naval innovation. It's a period bursting with dramatic sea battles, political intrigue, scientific discovery, and the human costs of empire, all rendered with O'Brian's unmatched historical precision and wit.Packed with insights into O'Brian's craft, influences, and the real history behind the novels, this episode is a must-listen for long-time fans and newcomers alike. We also speak with Peter Leech, who runs the hugely popular Patrick O'Brian Appreciation Society on Facebook, one of those rare online communities that genuinely reflects the spirit of the books it celebrates. It's warm, knowledgeable, generous, and filled with people who love to share insights, nautical lore, historical tidbits, and favourite passages with genuine enthusiasm. The group balances deep expertise with a hugely welcoming approach, making it a place for newcomers just discovering Aubrey and Maturin while offering a treasure chest of scholarship, humour, and camaraderie for long-time readers...a finer crew of enthusiasts would be hard to find. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Napoleonic Wars strained the Danish-Norwegian union bringing starvation, unrest and a crisis of legitimacy. Even worse, Sweden exploited the fact that Copenhagen had sided with the losing French, and forced king Frederik VI to hand over Norway to Sweden. But the Norwegians didn't want to join a new union with Sweden, and saw an opportunity.

This week's Christmas book guest is Introducing Mrs Collins by Rachel Parris.Sara and Cariad are joined for a special festive episode by the award winning, BAFTA nominated comedian, writer, improvisor, actor and star of Mock the Week and The Mash Report - Rachel Parris herself.In this episode they discuss the Napoleonic Wars, marriage, Janeites, Hunsford and sex with Mr Collins.Thank you for reading with us. We like reading with you!Introducing Mrs Collins by Rachel Parris is available here.Follow Sara & Cariad's Weirdos Book Club on Instagram @saraandcariadsweirdosbookclub and Twitter @weirdosbookclubTickets for Sara's tour show I Am A Strange Gloop are available to buy from sarapascoe.co.ukCariad's children's book Lydia Marmalade and the Christmas Wish is out in paperback here now. Recorded and edited by Naomi Parnell for Plosive.Artwork by Welcome Studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newt talks with Bernard Cornwell about his latest book, “Sharpe’s Storm: Richard Sharpe and the Invasion of Southern France, 1813.” Cornwell shares the serendipitous start of his writing career, which began when he moved to the United States and decided to write a book due to difficulties in obtaining a work permit. His first novel, "Sharpe’s Eagle," set in 1808, marked the beginning of a series that follows the character Richard Sharpe through various historical battles. Cornwell explains his inspiration for writing about the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars, filling a gap he perceived in historical literature. He also discusses the challenges and intricacies of writing two major series, one about Sharpe and the other about The Saxon Stories, which explore the creation of England. Their conversation touches on historical figures like Wellington, whose military strategies and personal characteristics are vividly brought to life in Cornwell's novels. Cornwell also reflects on his characters, expressing a closer connection to Sharpe due to the character's long-standing presence in his work. He hints at the possibility of future Sharpe novels, though he is currently focused on writing another book in The Saxon Series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

General Horace Sébastiani was more than just a cavalry officer—he was a battlefield commander, imperial diplomat, and political survivor in one of the most turbulent eras in French history. From the thunder of hooves in Spain and Russia to the quiet halls of diplomacy, Sébastiani's career spanned empires, revolutions, and restorations. Special guest and author Jonathan North joins the show to explore the remarkable journey of a man who wore many hats:✅ His cavalry commands in the Peninsular War and Russian Campaign✅ Service under Murat and participation in key engagements like Talavera and Borodino✅ His diplomatic missions to Constantinople and role in shaping French-Ottoman policy✅ How he navigated the fall of Napoleon, the Bourbon Restoration, and the July 1830 Revolution✅ Why Sébastiani remains one of the most adaptable figures of the eraWhether on horseback or in the halls of power, Sébastiani was always at the center of history.

What was life really like for the poor and powerless in the wake of the Napoleonic Wars? In this episode of the Explaining History podcast, we're joined by Katharine Quarmby, author of the powerful new historical novel, The Low Road.Set in 1813, The Low Road is a story of hardship, struggle, and love found in the most brutal corners of English life. Based on a true story unearthed from her hometown in Norfolk, Catherine's novel follows an orphaned girl, Hannah, as she navigates the cruel institutions of the time—from the philanthropic but oppressive Refuge for the Destitute in London to the harsh reality of transportation to Australia.We delve deep into the history, discussing:The "age of austerity" and economic slump that crushed the rural poor after the Napoleonic Wars.The brutal system of transportation—the largest forced migration of British people in history—and its dual injustice to those exiled and Indigenous populations.The hidden lives of women in service, the systemic predation they faced, and the stark choices they had to make.The surprising and tender queer relationships that flourished in the all-female spaces of workhouses and convict ships, and how these bonds of love and loyalty became a form of resistance.Join us for a fascinating conversation that uncovers the resilience of the human spirit against a backdrop of state violence and social injustice. The Low Road is a masterful work that brings a forgotten history vividly to life.Purchase Katharine Quarmby's The Low Road from your favourite independent bookseller, in the show notes below.Find the Explaining History Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.▸ Support the Show & Get Exclusive ContentBecome a Patron: patreon.com/explaininghistory▸ Join the Community & Continue the ConversationFacebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcastSubstack: theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com▸ Read Articles & Go DeeperWebsite: explaininghistory.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did the British fleet prepare for war, on the morning of the Battle of Trafalgar? With the flags of both fleets flying and both Nelson and the French admiral Villeneuve glittering in their uniforms, how did the two fleets finally collide? Amidst the rivers of blood, the blast of canons, the flying splinters, and the swirling smoke, how did Nelson's ships and sailors fare? And, cornered by three enemy ships, what would be the fate of Nelson aboard his Victory…? Join Dominic and Tom as they reach the glorious, tragic climax of their epic voyage through the life and battles of Horatio Nelson, at the height of the Napoleonic Wars. _______ Start generating your own greener electricity for less, with £500 off Solar. Visit https://www.hivehome.com/history for more information. T&Cs apply* *Output and savings varies by season, electricity usage and system size. Paid-for surplus requires an eligible SEG tariff. Offer for new customers only. Ends 17th November. Learn more at https://www.uber.com/onourway _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Video Editor: Jack Meek Social Producer: Harry Balden Assistant Producer: Aaliyah Akude Producer: Tabby Syrett Senior Producer: Theo Young-Smith Exec Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1864, the American Civil War reached a critical juncture with Ulysses S. Grant’s Overland Campaign, including the brutal battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania, which claimed over 60,000 casualties, surpassing Gettysburg as the Americas’ deadliest clash. Abraham Lincoln faced a contentious re-election against George B. McClellan, while Confederate General Jubal Early’s troops came within five miles of the White House. Abolitionists pushed for emancipation, and desperate Confederate plots, like the attempt to burn New York City’s hotels, marked the war’s final months, culminating in Lincoln’s assassination by John Wilkes Booth in April 1865. Today’s guest is Scott Ellsworth, author of “Midnight on the Potomac: The Last Year of the Civil War, the Lincoln Assassination, and the Rebirth of America.” We explore how the staggering losses of 1864 shaped Lincoln’s strategy of attrition amid political uncertainty. These include lesser-known moments, like the Washington Arsenal explosion that killed 21 workers and Early’s near-invasion of Washington, D.C., which could have altered the war’s course. We also examines the November 1864 Confederate plot to destabilize New York and the conspiracy behind Lincoln’s assassination, including the unresolved question of Confederate government involvement. Reflecting on the war’s toll—over 620,000 dead and four million African-Americans freed but facing new struggles—Ellsworth illuminates how these events reshaped America’s identity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why is Chatham High-street both futuristic and riddled with the past? Why was it a magnet for historical figures such as King John, Charles II, Nelson and Charles Dickens, and the location for some of the most totemic moments in British history? Is it really a melting pot of every epoch - from the Roman invasion of Britain, to the Napoleonic Wars, and to the Second World War - and therefore the most historically significant high-street in the world?  ______ Try Adobe Express for free now at https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/spotlight/designwithexpress?sdid=HM85WZZV&mv=display&mv2=ctv or by searching in the app store. Learn more at https://uber.com/onourway ______ The Rest Is History Club: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members' chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestishistory.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producers: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude Video Producers: Harry Swan + Jack Meek + Charlie Rodwell Social Producer: Harry Balden Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices