The Napoleonic Wars Podcast

The Baker Rifle - A Royal Armouries Exclusive

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/5933Royal Armouries: https://royalarmouries.org/leeds

The Peninsular War - Spain Falls - Autumn 1809

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.phpSupport the show at: www.patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspod

Napoleon seizes power - The Brumaire Coup, 1799

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/4546Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:43 The Plan for the Coup of 179904:16 Isolation and Support Strategies09:19 When the Directory Realizes the Threat12:33 Napoleon's Near-Miss and Panic Moment17:27 The Chamber Clearance and Final Overthrow22:50 The Role of Lucien Bonaparte and Military Force27:54 The Aftermath and Consolidation of Power36:44 The New Constitution and Legitimacy42:45 Napoleon's Decision-Making and Political Skill50:01 International Reactions and European Perspective55:54 Closing Remarks and Episode Sign-offkeywordsNapoleon, Coup of 1799, French Revolution, European History, Military Strategy, Political Manipulation

Battle of Marengo

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/58479Battle: Understanding Conflict from Hastings to Hellmand: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Battle-Hardback/p/21663Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspodKeywordsNapoleon, Battle of Marengo, Italian Campaign, Military Strategy, 1800s Warfare, Austrians, French Army, Historical Battles, Military Tactics, Napoleon's RiseChapters00:00 Setting the Scene for Marengo09:39 Napoleon's Leadership and Strategy15:29 Morale and Conditions of the Armies18:02 Battlefield Geography and Tactical Considerations23:07 Plans and Expectations of Both Sides27:51 Tactical Doctrine and Decision Making30:45 The Battle Begins: Austrian Offensive36:49 French Forces in Distress47:14 The Turning Point: Arrival of Reinforcements55:41 From Defeat to Victory: The Counterattack01:00:56 The Aftermath: A Propaganda Victory

The Napoleonic Great Escape

Captured by the French, stripped of his freedom, and confined hundreds of miles from home, Royal Navy officer Charles Hare faced a challenge that thousands of British prisoners dreamed of overcoming but few ever achieved, escape.In this episode, we sit down with Dr Katherine Gazzard of Royal Museums Greenwich to uncover the remarkable story behind one of the most extraordinary survival tales of the Napoleonic Wars. Drawing on Hare’s rediscovered journal, personal belongings, and the famous uniform that accompanied him on his journey, we follow the young naval officer from his early career at sea through his capture by the French and into the dangerous world of Napoleonic prisoner-of-war camps.How did British prisoners live in captivity? What risks did they face if they attempted to escape? And how did Hare manage to travel across enemy territory, evade capture, and make his way back to Britain?Along the way, we explore the wider experience of naval prisoners during the wars against Napoleon, the detective work that brought Hare’s story back into the spotlight, and the extraordinary legacy of a man whose determination turned a desperate gamble into one of the great escape stories of the age.Join us for an unforgettable journey of endurance, ingenuity, and adventure in the age of Napoleon.For more on Dr Gazzard's research please visit Spotlight Series: Charles Hare's Great Escape – Royal Museums Greenwich Shop and also her work Buy The Art of Naval Portraiture by Katherine Gazzard – Royal Museums Greenwich Shop