The Napoleonic Wars Podcast

The Royal Engineers

Who were the Royal Engineers? How were they formed? What did they do? And why do they matter in the context of the Napoleonic Wars? The world's leading expert on the Royal Engineers during the Napoleonic Wars, Dr Mark Thompson, returns to the show to discuss this unit, their impact, and their controversies during the Napoleonic era. We discuss everything from crime to animosity with 'Black Bob' Craufurd and notable figures such as John Fox Burgoyne.Mark's Books:https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Dr-Mark-S-Thompson/a/2446https://www.helion.co.uk/people/mark-s-thompson.phpKeywordsRoyal Engineers, Napoleonic Wars, military engineering, John Fox Burgoyne, Wellington, siegecraft, military history, engineering legacyChapters00:00 Introduction to the Royal Engineers02:29 The Origins of the Royal Engineers05:05 Engineering Duties in the Napoleonic Era10:04 Reputation and Perception of the Royal Engineers14:01 Promotion and Structure within the Royal Engineers19:51 Characteristics of Royal Engineers22:51 Behaviour and Discipline of Royal Engineers31:29 John Fox Burgoyne and His Legacy31:39 The Legacy of John Fox Burgoyne35:30 Burgoyne's Role in the Royal Engineers38:17 The Napoleonic Wars: Engineers in Action46:08 Challenges Faced by Military Engineers52:03 The Controversy of the Waterloo Map01:01:27 Memoirs and Historical Accounts of Engineers01:05:09 The Evolving Reputation of the Royal Engineers

The King's Foreigners: The Men who fought for Britain

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.phpSupport the show at: www.patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspodKeywords: British Army, Napoleonic Wars, foreign soldiers, Swiss Regiment, German Legion, military recruitment, desertion, prisoners of war, foreign regiments, military historyTimestamps00:00 Introduction to Foreign Troops in the British Army02:49 Perceptions and Stigmas Surrounding Foreign Soldiers05:59 Stereotypes and Positive Accounts of Foreign Soldiers09:08 Diverse Sources of Foreign Soldiers12:00 The Multinational Nature of the British Army15:03 Reasons for Recruitment of Foreign Soldiers17:47 The Longevity and Future of Foreign Regiments29:10 The Evolution of Foreign Regiments in the British Army31:24 The Risks of Joining the British Army34:53 Desertion and Recruitment of Foreign Soldiers40:35 French Emigres and Their Role in the British Army43:34 The Stories of French Soldiers in British Service54:35 Life After Service for Foreign Soldiers

The 'Other' Napoleon: Napoleon III's early life and haphazard career

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=AfmBOoomYEkfA0l83B2WxSnkmV7WFm30bUTqFFdkdxD7UlFQs7ltCPIfhttps://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571360581-the-last-emperor-of-mexico/Support us at: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspod⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction to Napoleon III and his historical context01:54 The family background and early life of Napoleon III07:06 Myth vs. reality: Napoleon III's perception and legacy14:52 The political landscape of 19th century France and Bonapartism25:01 Napoleon III's early attempts at power and exile39:56 The farcical coups and escape attempts of Napoleon III54:59 The political ideas and ambitions of Napoleon III in prison01:04:49 Conclusion: The legacy and myth of Napoleon III

The Father of Nelson's Navy: John Jervis, Earl St Vincent's Early Life

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=7885444af42ehttps://www.abebooks.co.uk/9781625347336/Horrible-Peace-British-Veterans-End-1625347332/plpKeywordNapoleonic Wars, John Jervis, Earl of St. Vincent, naval history, Evan Wilson, biography, British Navy, maritime strategyTime Stamps:00:00 Introduction to the Napoleonic Navy and John Jarvis03:11 The Early Life of John Jarvis05:56 The Myths and Realities of Jarvis's Early Career08:47 The Role of Patronage in Jarvis's Naval Career12:03 Jarvis's Path to Becoming a Lieutenant15:14 The Influence of Key Figures in Jarvis's Career18:11 Jarvis's Experiences in the West Indies20:55 The Transition to Lieutenant and Early Naval Actions23:58 The Quebec Expedition and Emerging Myths26:46 Personality Traits and Early Reputation of Jarvis35:17 The Complexity of Historical Figures37:12 The Quebec Campaign: A Naval Perspective43:37 Myths and Realities of Jarvis's Role45:12 Jarvis's Command Style and Leadership53:10 The American War of Independence: Jarvis's Contributions01:05:05 Jarvis's Rise to Prominence

Napoleon, Tyranny & Revolutionary Government

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/id1558691645Timestamps:00:00 The Nature of Government in the Napoleonic Era03:01 Understanding Authoritarianism and Its Evolution06:08 The Republican Autocracy Debate09:12 Gender Dynamics in Authoritarian Leadership12:13 Democracy: A Dangerous Experiment?14:56 The American Democratic Experiment: Plutocracy or Democracy?17:51 Framing Tyranny: Jefferson's Narrative24:14 Scapegoating the Monarchy: King George as the Villain29:28 The Burden of Kingship: George III's Struggles30:31 Napoleon: The Authoritarian Innovator34:50 Countering Authoritarianism: Humor and Propaganda37:02 Censorship vs. Freedom of Expression39:40 The Evolution of Censorship and Control44:59 Repression and Its Varied Experiences54:01 Political Visions: Continuity and ChangeKeywords:authoritarianism, Napoleon, George III, American Revolution, democracy, tyranny, political power, history, 18th century, 19th century