Generals and Napoleon

The Battle of Bailén (July 16–19, 1808) was a shocking defeat for Napoleon’s forces during the Peninsular War—and the first time a French field army surrendered in open battle. Special guest and author Josh Provan discusses how Spanish General Castaños surrounded and crushed General Dupont’s troops, forcing over 17,000 French soldiers to lay down their arms.

This stunning Spanish victory electrified Europe, shattered the myth of French invincibility, and inspired resistance against Napoleon across the continent.

⚔️ Learn about:

• How Spanish forces outmaneuvered Napoleon’s troops

• The leadership of General Castaños

• The surrender of General Dupont

• Why Bailén changed the course of the Peninsular War

General Horace Sébastiani was more than just a cavalry officer—he was a battlefield commander, imperial diplomat, and political survivor in one of the most turbulent eras in French history. From the thunder of hooves in Spain and Russia to the quiet halls of diplomacy, Sébastiani’s career spanned empires, revolutions, and restorations.

Special guest and author Jonathan North joins the show to explore the remarkable journey of a man who wore many hats:
✅ His cavalry commands in the Peninsular War and Russian Campaign
✅ Service under Murat and participation in key engagements like Talavera and Borodino
✅ His diplomatic missions to Constantinople and role in shaping French-Ottoman policy
✅ How he navigated the fall of Napoleon, the Bourbon Restoration, and the July 1830 Revolution
✅ Why Sébastiani remains one of the most adaptable figures of the era

Whether on horseback or in the halls of power, Sébastiani was always at the center of history.

📌 Like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the overlooked generals of the Napoleonic Wars!

X/Twitter: @andnapoleon

Part II of our Ultimate ranking of the Top 15 Generals of the Napoleonic Era!

Step into the boots of the greatest military minds of the Napoleonic Wars. In this episode of Generals and Napoleon, we count down the Top 15 generals of the Napoleonic Era—the brilliant, bold, and often controversial commanders who shaped European history between 1796 and 1815.

Join our brilliant panel of guests - Rachael Stark, Graeme Callister, Nick Kramer, Michael Hamel, and Jonas de Neef - who discuss everything from Marshal Davout’s iron discipline to Wellington’s defensive genius. We break down the tactics, triumphs, and legacies of iconic leaders 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 men legendary.

👉 We Include:

• Forgotten geniuses and battlefield legends

• Key campaigns that defined each general

• How Napoleon influenced—and was influenced by—his marshals and enemies

  
  

💬 Tell us in the comments: Who would make YOUR Top 15 list?

🎧 Subscribe for more on the Napoleonic Wars, epic battles, leadership lessons, and the fascinating lives of history’s greatest generals.

*Note: "The opinions expressed herein are those of the individuals and do reflect the official policy or position of the US Army, the United States Military Academy, the Department of Defense, or the US Government.”

X/Twitter: @bookish_rachael, @nkramer5812, @graemecallister, @andnapoleon

#Napoleon #NapoleonicWars #MilitaryHistory #Wellington #Davout #NapoleonicGenerals #HistoryPodcast #GeneralsAndNapoleon

🎖️ Who Were the Top 15 Generals of the Napoleonic Era?

Step into the greatest military minds of the Napoleonic Wars. In this episode of Generals and Napoleon, we count down the Top 15 generals of the Napoleonic Era—the brilliant, bold, and often controversial commanders who shaped European history between 1796 and 1815.

Join our brilliant panel of guests - Rachael Stark, Graeme Callister, Nick Kramer, Michael Hamel, and Jonas de Neef - who discuss everything from Marshal Davout’s iron discipline to Wellington’s defensive genius. We break down the tactics, triumphs, and legacies of iconic leaders 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 men legendary.

👉 We Include:

• Forgotten geniuses and battlefield legends

• Key campaigns that defined each general

• How Napoleon influenced—and was influenced by—his marshals and enemies

  
  

💬 Tell us in the comments: Who would make YOUR Top 15 list?

🎧 Subscribe for more on the Napoleonic Wars, epic battles, leadership lessons, and the fascinating lives of history’s greatest generals.

*Note: "The opinions expressed herein are those of the individuals and do reflect the official policy or position of the US Army, the United States Military Academy, the Department of Defense, or the US Government.”

X/Twitter: @bookish_rachael, @nkramer5812, @graemecallister, @andnapoleon

#Napoleon #NapoleonicWars #MilitaryHistory #Wellington #Davout #NapoleonicGenerals #HistoryPodcast #GeneralsAndNapoleon

Discover the untold story of Napoleon Bonaparte’s parents — Carlo Buonaparte and Letizia Ramolino — and how their influence shaped the future Emperor of France. 🏛️

Special guest John Kuehn joins the show to help us dive into the lives of this Corsican couple:

• Carlo Buonaparte, a lawyer and political opportunist, who navigated the turbulent politics of 18th-century Corsica.

• Letizia Ramolino, Napoleon’s strong-willed mother, known for her resilience and discipline, who raised one of history’s most iconic military leaders.

From their noble Corsican roots to their roles during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Empire, learn how their ambitions, struggles, and values molded young Napoleon’s character, drive, and identity.

💡 Perfect for fans of history, Napoleonics, and those curious about the family behind the legend.

X/Twitter: @jkuehn50, @andnapoleon