The Age of Napoleon Podcast
The Age of Napoleon is a history podcast about the life and career of Napoleon Bonaparte as well as the general context of Europe between the early eighteenth and early nineteenth century. It is about big trends and the grand sweep of history, as well as the smaller, individual stories that bring them to life.
76
Episode 41: To the Land of the Gods
The Army of the Orient sets sail. They make a brief stop in Malta before landing in Egypt and marching on Alexandria.
50 min
77
Episode 40: Davison Pasha
A conversation with Derek Davison about the state of the Middle East in 1798
64 min
78
Episode 39: East and West
Napoleon cajoles the Austrians into signing a peace treaty and plans to invade Egypt.
48 min
79
Episode 38: The Kansas Campaign
A special interview with military historians Dr. Mark Gerges, Dr. Jonathan Abel, and Dr. John Kuehn
57 min
80
Episode 37: Breaking the Pendulum
While Napoleon fought in Italy, French politics oscillated dangerously between left and right. Finally, a fraught election and divisions within the Directory tore the system apart.
46 min
81
Episode 36: Questions and Answers
We answer listener questions on topics ranging from the organization of the revolutionary armies to pop culture to alternate history hypotheticals.
52 min
82
Episode 35: King of Italy
Bonaparte returns to Italy after Leoben, and is already coming into his own as a political figure.
42 min
83
Episode 34: The Road to Leoben
The First Italian Campaign reaches its less-than-dramatic conclusion with Napoleon's invasion of Austria.
41 min
84
Episode 33: The Final Effort
With the Mantua garrison on the brink of starvation, the Austrians under Alvinczy launch one last relief attempt.
34 min
85
Episode 32: The Fate of Italy
Napoleon faces a new opponent, who gives the Army of Italy their toughest fight of the campaign so far.
47 min
86
Episode 31: The Walls of Mantua
The Army of Italy pushes north to support a French offensive in Germany, but finds Wurmser already back on the march, leading to a major battle at Bassano and a frantic race down from the Alps
42 min
87
Episode 30: Risk and Reward
The Army of Italy faces off against Field Marshal Wurmser, and finds itself in its toughest fight of the campaign so far. Bonaparte takes some calculated risks to even the odds.
46 min
88
Episode 29: To the Victor Go the Spoils
The Army of Italy beats Beaulieu one last time, then takes a lucrative detour south and confronts the Pope. Napoleon and Josephine are finally reunited...
48 min
89
Episode 28: The Liberation of Lombardy
Napoleon finally enters Milan. The French conquest has divided Lombardy-- radicals are eager to follow the example of the revolution
44 min
90
Episode 27: 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 also take a look at Napoleon's propaganda machine.
53 min
91
Episode 26: The Promised Land
The First Italian Campaign begins in dramatic fashion, with two weeks of lightning battles at Montenotte, Millesimo, Dego, Ceva, and Mondovì. Napoleon negotiates with Piedmont, and worries about looting, and about his wife.
56 min
92
Episode 25: 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.
45 min
93
Episode 24: 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.
38 min
94
Epiode 23: Momentum
An update from the front lines, and Napoleon enjoys his success.
42 min
95
Episode 22: 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 memorable characters: Paul Barras and Joachim Murat
44 min
96
Episode 21: 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 politics. Also discussed: Napoleon's love life, republican...
38 min
97
Episode 20: 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, the Kościuszko Uprising, Thermidorian...
39 min
98
Episode Nineteen: The Principles of Mountain Wa...
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. Napoleon undertakes an ill-timed mission...
39 min
99
Episode Eighteen: 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.
41 min
100
Episode Seventeen: A Nation in Arms
Napoleon finally reports to the regular army, just as France sinks deeper into chaos. The Jacobins come to power and launch The Reign of Terror. The army continues to transform. Napoleon finally achieves some success writing, and wins some powerful...
46 min