Podcast Episodes

The Legend of Lodi

The First Italian Campaign continues. Napoleon outfoxes the Austrians and takes Milan. The Army of Italy fights a famous battle at Lodi, which probably does not deserve its legendary reputation. We a…

Published on 7 years, 6 months ago

The Promised Land

We meet some of the leaders of the Army of Italy. The First Italian Campaign begins in dramatic fashion, with two weeks of lightning battles at Montenotte, Millesimo, Dego, Ceva, and Mondovì. Napoleo…

Published on 7 years, 7 months ago

Naked and Underfed

We meet the Army of Italy, which Napoleon finds in a "state of destitution." Paris provides little support, but Bonaparte attempts to get his command into shape for the offensive. We discuss more of …

Published on 7 years, 8 months ago

To Destiny

For better and for worse, a new government takes over in Paris: the Directory. Napoleon and Josephine are married, and we examine her unhappy early life. Napoleon leaves Paris to meet his destiny.

Le…

Published on 7 years, 8 months ago

Momentum

Episode 23

An update from the armies at the front: French success continues in the Netherlands, and the long-suffering Dutch radicals finally have their day. In the South, the republicans push into Catalonia, k…

Published on 7 years, 9 months ago

The Man of Bronze

With the defeat of the French left, the right begins a violent resurgence, culminating in a rebellion that nearly conquers Paris. Napoleon saves the Convention (and his career with it). We meet two m…

Published on 7 years, 9 months ago

Down and Out in Paris

With so many of his political patrons dead, Napoleon's career stalls. He spends some aimless months in the capital trying to improve his situation. He finds high society transformed along with politi…

Published on 7 years, 10 months ago

Thermidor

An eclectic episode. Napoleon gets out of jail, fights another battle in northern Italy, and comes tantalizingly close to a triumphant return to Corsica. Other topics include: the fall of Robespierre…

Published on 7 years, 11 months ago

Episode Nineteen: The Principles of Mountain Warfare

Napoleon reports for duty with the Army of Italy, which is fighting a tough campaign in the rugged Alps. André Masséna is introduced. Napoleon's plan and Masséna's daring win a victory at Saorgio. Na…

Published on 7 years, 11 months ago

Vindication

Napoleon takes charge as head of artillery for the Army of the Alps, clashes with his incompetent commanders, and finally wins recognition on the battlefield during the Siege of Toulon.

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Published on 7 years, 11 months ago