The Napoleonic Wars Podcast

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

The Baker Rifle is perhaps the most famous firearm of the Napoleonic era, propelled to a legendary status by the exploits of a certain Richard Sharpe in the novels by Bernard Cornwell.
But how practical a weapon system was it? Was it really that revolutionary? And how did the British come to adopt this firearm in the midst of the Napoleonic Wars?
We were privileged to be invited to the Royal Armours in Leeds to interview Peter Smithurst, and gain exclusive access to handle the real, antique weapons that we have all heard so much about.
Was this weapon key to defeating Napoleon? Why didn't Napoleon Bonaparte adopt them? What did the soldiers themselves make of this new gun? We explore all these questions and many more.
With huge thanks to the Royal Armouries, Leeds, UK.
Peter's books: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Peter-G-Smithurst/a/5933
Royal Armouries: https://royalarmouries.org/leeds

Josh Provan returns for the newest instalment of our blow by blow exploration of the Peninsular War, as we look at the Autumn of 1809. The Talavera campaign might have been over, but the suffering of the British Army was far from at an end. We open by looking at what one history described as 'the misery of the Guardiana', before turning once again to the Spanish perspective. One thrust on Madrid might have been over, but the Spanish were far from inclined to give up on independence. We explore the Battles of and Ocana, alongside political developments in the UK and Spain to understand why, by Christmas 1809, you might have been forgiven for thinking that the Peninsular War was all but over.
Josh's books: https://www.helion.co.uk/people/joshua-provan.php
Support the show at: www.patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspod

Explore the intricate details of Napoleon's 1799 coup d'état, its strategic planning, execution, and the international reactions that shaped European history. Dr. Graeme Callister provides expert insights into this pivotal moment, in which Napoleon reached for power, and very nearly let it slip from his grasp. This is the story of the Brumaire Coup, the second instalment of our two parter on Napoleon's bid for power.
Graeme's Books: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Dr-Graeme-Callister/a/4546
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
01:43 The Plan for the Coup of 1799
04:16 Isolation and Support Strategies
09:19 When the Directory Realizes the Threat
12:33 Napoleon's Near-Miss and Panic Moment
17:27 The Chamber Clearance and Final Overthrow
22:50 The Role of Lucien Bonaparte and Military Force
27:54 The Aftermath and Consolidation of Power
36:44 The New Constitution and Legitimacy
42:45 Napoleon's Decision-Making and Political Skill
50:01 International Reactions and European Perspective
55:54 Closing Remarks and Episode Sign-off
keywords
Napoleon, Coup of 1799, French Revolution, European History, Military Strategy, Political Manipulation

Explore the detailed strategic and tactical nuances of the Battle of Marengo, Napoleon's pivotal engagement in Italy, with Dr. Graeme Callister. Understand the battlefield geography, command decisions, and propaganda impact that shaped this crucial victory.

Waterloo: The Attack of I Corps: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Waterloo-The-Attack-of-I-Corps-Paperback/p/58479
Battle: Understanding Conflict from Hastings to Hellmand: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Battle-Hardback/p/21663

Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspod

Keywords
Napoleon, Battle of Marengo, Italian Campaign, Military Strategy, 1800s Warfare, Austrians, French Army, Historical Battles, Military Tactics, Napoleon's Rise

Chapters
00:00 Setting the Scene for Marengo
09:39 Napoleon's Leadership and Strategy
15:29 Morale and Conditions of the Armies
18:02 Battlefield Geography and Tactical Considerations
23:07 Plans and Expectations of Both Sides
27:51 Tactical Doctrine and Decision Making
30:45 The Battle Begins: Austrian Offensive
36:49 French Forces in Distress
47:14 The Turning Point: Arrival of Reinforcements
55:41 From Defeat to Victory: The Counterattack
01:00:56 The Aftermath: A Propaganda Victory