The Napoleonic Wars Podcast

What if the British army wasn't actually that British? Alistair Nichols joins us to look at the Foreign troops who took the 'King's Shilling' and served under the British flag. We look at their motivations, their contributions and whether they have been saddled with an unjustified reputation for desertion.
Buy Alistair's books: https://www.helion.co.uk/people/alistair-nichols.php
Support the show at: www.patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspod
Keywords:
British Army, Napoleonic Wars, foreign soldiers, Swiss Regiment, German Legion, military recruitment, desertion, prisoners of war, foreign regiments, military history
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Foreign Troops in the British Army
02:49 Perceptions and Stigmas Surrounding Foreign Soldiers
05:59 Stereotypes and Positive Accounts of Foreign Soldiers
09:08 Diverse Sources of Foreign Soldiers
12:00 The Multinational Nature of the British Army
15:03 Reasons for Recruitment of Foreign Soldiers
17:47 The Longevity and Future of Foreign Regiments
29:10 The Evolution of Foreign Regiments in the British Army
31:24 The Risks of Joining the British Army
34:53 Desertion and Recruitment of Foreign Soldiers
40:35 French Emigres and Their Role in the British Army
43:34 The Stories of French Soldiers in British Service
54:35 Life After Service for Foreign Soldiers

France's experiment with Bonapartism did not end in 1815. Edward Shawcross joins us to explore the baffling and improbably life of Napoleon III - the nephew of the Emperor who seemed to have all of the ambition, and none of the talent, of the original Napoleon.
Get Edward's books: https://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571361304-the-peoples-emperor/?srsltid=AfmBOoomYEkfA0l83B2WxSnkmV7WFm30bUTqFFdkdxD7UlFQs7ltCPIf
https://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571360581-the-last-emperor-of-mexico/

Support us at: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspod⁠

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Napoleon III and his historical context
01:54 The family background and early life of Napoleon III
07:06 Myth vs. reality: Napoleon III's perception and legacy
14:52 The political landscape of 19th century France and Bonapartism
25:01 Napoleon III's early attempts at power and exile
39:56 The farcical coups and escape attempts of Napoleon III
54:59 The political ideas and ambitions of Napoleon III in prison
01:04:49 Conclusion: The legacy and myth of Napoleon III

In a world where Nelson dominates discussion of the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic era, arguably more significant figues have been pushed to the sidelines. In this episode, we explore the fascinating career of John Jervis, Earl of St. Vincent, and his role in the Napoleonic Wars. Join us as we delve into his early life, naval career, personality, and the myths surrounding his legacy, with insights from historian Evan Wilson.
Evan's books: https://boydellandbrewer.com/book/a-social-history-of-british-naval-officers-1775-1815-9781783271740/?v=7885444af42e
https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9781625347336/Horrible-Peace-British-Veterans-End-1625347332/plp

Keyword
Napoleonic Wars, John Jervis, Earl of St. Vincent, naval history, Evan Wilson, biography, British Navy, maritime strategy

Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Napoleonic Navy and John Jarvis
03:11 The Early Life of John Jarvis
05:56 The Myths and Realities of Jarvis's Early Career
08:47 The Role of Patronage in Jarvis's Naval Career
12:03 Jarvis's Path to Becoming a Lieutenant
15:14 The Influence of Key Figures in Jarvis's Career
18:11 Jarvis's Experiences in the West Indies
20:55 The Transition to Lieutenant and Early Naval Actions
23:58 The Quebec Expedition and Emerging Myths
26:46 Personality Traits and Early Reputation of Jarvis
35:17 The Complexity of Historical Figures
37:12 The Quebec Campaign: A Naval Perspective
43:37 Myths and Realities of Jarvis's Role
45:12 Jarvis's Command Style and Leadership
53:10 The American War of Independence: Jarvis's Contributions
01:05:05 Jarvis's Rise to Prominence

Exploring the nature of authoritarianism from the late 18th century to the 19th century, focusing on figures like Napoleon, George III, and the American founders, Jackson van Uden joins us to talk about tyranny in the Napoleonic age. The discussion delves into definitions, historical examples, gender and race influences, and the evolution of political power and repression.
Listen to the History with Jackson Podcast at: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/history-with-jackson/id1558691645
Timestamps:
00:00 The Nature of Government in the Napoleonic Era
03:01 Understanding Authoritarianism and Its Evolution
06:08 The Republican Autocracy Debate
09:12 Gender Dynamics in Authoritarian Leadership
12:13 Democracy: A Dangerous Experiment?
14:56 The American Democratic Experiment: Plutocracy or Democracy?
17:51 Framing Tyranny: Jefferson's Narrative
24:14 Scapegoating the Monarchy: King George as the Villain
29:28 The Burden of Kingship: George III's Struggles
30:31 Napoleon: The Authoritarian Innovator
34:50 Countering Authoritarianism: Humor and Propaganda
37:02 Censorship vs. Freedom of Expression
39:40 The Evolution of Censorship and Control
44:59 Repression and Its Varied Experiences
54:01 Political Visions: Continuity and Change

Keywords:
authoritarianism, Napoleon, George III, American Revolution, democracy, tyranny, political power, history, 18th century, 19th century

This episode explores the early 1810 phase of the Peninsular War, focusing on the strategic movements of Wellington, Napoleon, and the Spanish resistance. It highlights the sieges, political upheavals, and military decisions shaping Spain and Portugal's fight for independence. From the formation of the Cortes, to the fractious situation in Spain's colonies, from Napoleon's vision for the future of Portugal, to the devastating French invasion of Andalusia, this episode lays the foundation for the rest of the Peninsular War.

Chapters
00:00 The State of the Peninsula War
06:12 Wellington's Strategy and Morale
12:09 The French Invasion and Political Shifts
27:07 The Rise of the Cortes and Spanish Politics
33:27 Formation of a Government Under Siege
40:00 The Political Landscape of Occupied Spain
43:56 Colonial Responses to the Napoleonic Wars
51:14 Napoleon's Distractions and Strategic Decisions
57:11 The Siege of Theodor Rodrigo: A Case Study
keywords
Peninsular War, Wellington, Napoleon, Spanish Resistance, Sieges, 1810, Spain, Portugal, Military Strategy, Spanish Politics

The Generals by Ian Dale - https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-generals-by-iain-dale-coming-september-2024
Josh Provan's books: https://www.helion.co.uk/people/joshua-provan.php
Zack's books: https://www.helion.co.uk/people/zack-white.php