Generals and Napoleon

Episode 151 - Prussian King Frederick William III, Napoleon's quiet nemesis, with special guest Ethan Soefje

🇩🇪 King Frederick William III of Prussia Discover the dramatic life and legacy of King Frederick William III (1770–1840), the Prussian monarch who ruled during one of Europe’s most turbulent eras. This video explores how a shy and reluctant king transformed Prussia after devastating defeats by Napoleon—leading to sweeping military, social, and governmental reforms that helped shape modern Germany.Special guest Ethan Soefje joins the show to cover:Frederick William III’s early life and accession to the thronePrussia’s catastrophic losses at Jena–Auerstedt (1806)His complex relationship with Napoleon BonaparteThe influence of Queen Louise, one of Prussia’s most beloved figuresThe Prussian Reform Movement (Scharnhorst, Stein, Hardenberg)His leadership during the Wars of Liberation (1813–1815)The Congress of Vienna and the rise of Prussia as a European powerHis later reign and long-term legacy on German unificationThis biography is perfect for fans of Napoleonic history, German history, and anyone interested in leadership under pressure.👍 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more deep-dive history episodes.#FrederickWilliamIII #PrussianHistory #NapoleonicWars #KingsofPrussia #GermanHistory #HistoryDocumentary #GeneralsandNapoleon

Episode 150 - Wellington's Hidden War: Logistics in the Peninsula Campaign

While Napoleon’s armies fought brilliant battles across Spain and Portugal, their greatest enemy wasn’t always the British or the guerrillas — it was logistics.Supplying tens of thousands of soldiers across rugged mountains, scorched plains, and hostile territory tested the limits of Napoleonic warfare. Food shortages, broken supply lines, and guerrilla ambushes made every march a struggle for survival.In this video, special guest & author Gareth Glover will tell us🚚 How Wellington & Napoleon tried to feed, arm, and move their armies across the Iberian Peninsula⚙️ The challenges faced by French and British quartermasters🔥 Why logistics, not tactics, decided the outcome of the war🇪🇸 How Spain’s geography and resistance crippled Napoleon’s ambitionsDiscover the untold story of the Peninsular War — a campaign where supply wagons, not just muskets, determined victory.#Napoleon #PeninsularWar #NapoleonicWars #History #Wellington #Spain #Logistics

Episode 149 - Battle of Dresden, Napoleon's last great victory, with special guest Winston Valentine

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.🔴 Key Topics Covered:Background of the 1813 German CampaignNapoleon’s defensive strategy at DresdenKey commandersThe turning point of the fightAftermath and its impact on the War of the Sixth Coalition🎖️ Why it Matters:The Battle of Dresden was Napoleon’s final victory at the height of his powers — a flash of brilliance before the storm that led to Leipzig and the fall of his empire.📅 Watch more Napoleonic History videos every week!👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the battles, generals, and strategies of the Napoleonic Era.#Napoleon #BattleOfDresden #NapoleonicWars #MilitaryHistory #GeneralsAndNapoleonX/Twitter: @Napoleon_1796, @andnapoleon

Episode 148 - General Rapp, Napoleon's fearless aide-de-camp, with special guest Jonas de Neef

Few men stood closer to Napoleon Bonaparte than General Jean Rapp — a fearless soldier, loyal aide-de-camp, and hero of some of the Empire’s fiercest battles. From Austerlitz to Borodino, Rapp’s bravery and devotion made him one of the most respected figures of the Grande Armée.Special guest Jonas de Neef shares how this Alsatian officer rose from humble beginnings to become a Count of the Empire, Governor of Danzig, and one of the Emperor’s most trusted commanders. Discover his daring cavalry charges, his near-death encounters, and his loyalty even in defeat.🎖️ Highlights include:Rapp’s early service in the Revolutionary WarsHis legendary charge at AusterlitzSaving Napoleon from assassination attemptsDefense of Danzig against overwhelming oddsLife after the fall of the Empire⚔️ Why it Matters:General Rapp embodied the courage, loyalty, and honor of Napoleon’s finest officers — a man who never flinched under fire.👉 Subscribe for more stories of Napoleon’s Marshals, Generals, and epic battles of the Napoleonic Era!#Napoleon #GeneralRapp #NapoleonicWars #GeneralsAndNapoleon #MilitaryHistory

Episode 147 - Part II of the Top 15 BATTLES of the Napoleonic Era, with a panel of experts

🎖️ We return for Part II of the Top 15 Battles of the Napoleonic EraStep into the age of empires and ambition — this video counts down the Top 15 Battles of the Napoleonic Era, where strategy, courage, and destiny shaped the course of Europe. From the stunning triumph at Austerlitz to the final reckoning at Waterloo, discover how Napoleon Bonaparte’s genius — and his opponents’ resilience — changed warfare forever.Join our fantastic panel of guests - Marcus Cribb, Graeme Callister, Josh Provan, and Charles Mackay - who discuss everything from Kellerman's stalwart victory at Valmy to Wellington’s defensive genius at Waterloo. We break down the tactics, triumphs, and legacies of battles involving from France, Britain, Russia, Austria, Prussia, and beyond.🔍 Whether you're a history buff, military strategist, or Napoleon enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights, surprises, and debates on what made these battles legendary.💬 Tell us in the comments: Which ones would make YOUR Top 15 list?🎧 Subscribe for more on the Napoleonic Era, epic battles, leadership lessons, and the fascinating lives of history’s greatest military eraX/Twitter: @graemecallister, @mcribbhistory, @LandOfHistoryBluesky: @bubblesvampire.bsky.social