The Napoleonic Wars Podcast

This year, Matthew Taylor worked in partnership with Apsley House to create a 'Waterloo Weekend' commemoration, featuring talks by top historians hosted in the Waterloo banquet room in the Duke of Wellington's London Residence, Apsley House - also known as 'Number One, London.
Featuring Graeme Callister, Michael Rayner, Luke Reynolds, Matthew Taylor, and some reprobate called Zack White, the Napoleonic Wars Podcast was privileged to be given exclusive access to the event to record the talks, which we now present for your viewing pleasure. So be prepared to shout 'Vive L'Empereur', 'God Save the King', and declare that 'Now is your time' as we recount the Battle of Waterloo, revisit the Waterloo Banquet, remind ourselves of Wellington's crime and punishment nightmares, and consider the experiences of black soldiers in the Napoleonic era in a two hour extravaganza.
Visit Apsley House: https://www.wellingtoncollection.co.uk
Support our work at patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspod

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/2446
https://www.helion.co.uk/people/mark-s-thompson.php
Keywords
Royal Engineers, Napoleonic Wars, military engineering, John Fox Burgoyne, Wellington, siegecraft, military history, engineering legacy

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Royal Engineers
02:29 The Origins of the Royal Engineers
05:05 Engineering Duties in the Napoleonic Era
10:04 Reputation and Perception of the Royal Engineers
14:01 Promotion and Structure within the Royal Engineers
19:51 Characteristics of Royal Engineers
22:51 Behaviour and Discipline of Royal Engineers
31:29 John Fox Burgoyne and His Legacy
31:39 The Legacy of John Fox Burgoyne
35:30 Burgoyne's Role in the Royal Engineers
38:17 The Napoleonic Wars: Engineers in Action
46:08 Challenges Faced by Military Engineers
52:03 The Controversy of the Waterloo Map
01:01:27 Memoirs and Historical Accounts of Engineers
01:05:09 The Evolving Reputation of the Royal Engineers

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.php
Support the show at: www.patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspod
Keywords:
British Army, Napoleonic Wars, foreign soldiers, Swiss Regiment, German Legion, military recruitment, desertion, prisoners of war, foreign regiments, military history
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Foreign Troops in the British Army
02:49 Perceptions and Stigmas Surrounding Foreign Soldiers
05:59 Stereotypes and Positive Accounts of Foreign Soldiers
09:08 Diverse Sources of Foreign Soldiers
12:00 The Multinational Nature of the British Army
15:03 Reasons for Recruitment of Foreign Soldiers
17:47 The Longevity and Future of Foreign Regiments
29:10 The Evolution of Foreign Regiments in the British Army
31:24 The Risks of Joining the British Army
34:53 Desertion and Recruitment of Foreign Soldiers
40:35 French Emigres and Their Role in the British Army
43:34 The Stories of French Soldiers in British Service
54:35 Life After Service for Foreign Soldiers

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=AfmBOoomYEkfA0l83B2WxSnkmV7WFm30bUTqFFdkdxD7UlFQs7ltCPIf
https://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571360581-the-last-emperor-of-mexico/

Support us at: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspod⁠

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Napoleon III and his historical context
01:54 The family background and early life of Napoleon III
07:06 Myth vs. reality: Napoleon III's perception and legacy
14:52 The political landscape of 19th century France and Bonapartism
25:01 Napoleon III's early attempts at power and exile
39:56 The farcical coups and escape attempts of Napoleon III
54:59 The political ideas and ambitions of Napoleon III in prison
01:04:49 Conclusion: The legacy and myth of Napoleon III

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=7885444af42e
https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9781625347336/Horrible-Peace-British-Veterans-End-1625347332/plp

Keyword
Napoleonic Wars, John Jervis, Earl of St. Vincent, naval history, Evan Wilson, biography, British Navy, maritime strategy

Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Napoleonic Navy and John Jarvis
03:11 The Early Life of John Jarvis
05:56 The Myths and Realities of Jarvis's Early Career
08:47 The Role of Patronage in Jarvis's Naval Career
12:03 Jarvis's Path to Becoming a Lieutenant
15:14 The Influence of Key Figures in Jarvis's Career
18:11 Jarvis's Experiences in the West Indies
20:55 The Transition to Lieutenant and Early Naval Actions
23:58 The Quebec Expedition and Emerging Myths
26:46 Personality Traits and Early Reputation of Jarvis
35:17 The Complexity of Historical Figures
37:12 The Quebec Campaign: A Naval Perspective
43:37 Myths and Realities of Jarvis's Role
45:12 Jarvis's Command Style and Leadership
53:10 The American War of Independence: Jarvis's Contributions
01:05:05 Jarvis's Rise to Prominence