Wellington and 'the Scum of the Earth'

Wellington famously dismissed his rank and file as a band of criminals, rogues and reprobates who were hammered into a fine fighting force by the British military establishment. His infamous 'scum of the earth' comment has cast a long shadow over the reputation of the British soldiers who fought during the Napoleonic Wars. In this wide-ranging discussion, Liam Telfer and Dr Luke Reynolds dissect the reputation of soldiers during this period, separating myth and reality.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/cw/thenapoleonicwarspod

We all love to hate the Napoleon Movie - high hopes left dashed by a lacklustre storytelling, sloppy editing and a disdain for the historical. Now meet the man who wants to right that wrong! Connor O'Brien is a producer who wants to create a short film about a soldier in the Battle of Lundy's Lane, fought in Canada in 1814. His vision is for this project to be a stepping stone to a much larger production about set at the Battle of Waterloo.I sat down with him to talk about his vision behind 'The Coward' (the short film he's creating), why he is putting historical accuracy front and centre of his film making, and how, in his words, he's bringing a 'Saving Private Ryan' approach to the Napoleonic Wars.This is a fantastic project which we're very keen to support. If you would like to chip in to the fundraiser, check out the link below - you will not be charged unless the project reaches its funding goal.Support 'The Coward': https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/exorbito/the-coward-short-war-film-2026Find out more about the project: https://thecoward1812.com

Napoleon III was in equal parts implausible, hapless and ambitious. But in 1848 he finally succeeded in achieving his long-held ambition of taking power in France. In the second instalment of our exploration of Napoleon III's life, we explore how he bounced back from his second failed coup, seized the initiative in the course of the 1848 revolution, and honed his populist style of politics to appeal to all sides of the political divides. How did he reverse his fortunes as an escaped political prisoner to become President of France, and why as President did he decide to carry out yet another coup? Edward Shawcross returns to take us through this rollercoaster of French politics and intrigue.Get Edward's books: https://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571361304-the-peoples-emperor/?srsltid=AfmBOoomYEkfA0l83B2WxSnkmV7WFm30bUTqFFdkdxD7UlFQs7ltCPIfhttps://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571360581-the-last-emperor-of-mexico/Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspodChapters00:00 Introduction to Louis Napoleon and his coups02:12 Exile in London and social life in the demi-monde03:49 Louis Napoleon's political ambitions and 1848 revolution07:08 The rise of the Second Republic and the new electoral landscape11:52 Louis Napoleon's electoral strategy and populist appeal15:49 The 1848 presidential election and his surprising victory21:05 The use of plebiscites and propaganda to legitimize power25:02 The 1851 coup d'etat and the path to empire29:57 Challenges faced by Louis Napoleon as president35:00 The expedition to Rome and foreign policy missteps40:05 Consolidation of power and the 1852 referendum44:49 The legacy of Louis Napoleon and lessons on populismkeywordsLouis Napoleon, Napoleon III, French history, populism, coup d'etat, 19th-century France, political strategy, democracy, revolution, empire

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.ukSupport 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/2446https://www.helion.co.uk/people/mark-s-thompson.phpKeywordsRoyal Engineers, Napoleonic Wars, military engineering, John Fox Burgoyne, Wellington, siegecraft, military history, engineering legacyChapters00:00 Introduction to the Royal Engineers02:29 The Origins of the Royal Engineers05:05 Engineering Duties in the Napoleonic Era10:04 Reputation and Perception of the Royal Engineers14:01 Promotion and Structure within the Royal Engineers19:51 Characteristics of Royal Engineers22:51 Behaviour and Discipline of Royal Engineers31:29 John Fox Burgoyne and His Legacy31:39 The Legacy of John Fox Burgoyne35:30 Burgoyne's Role in the Royal Engineers38:17 The Napoleonic Wars: Engineers in Action46:08 Challenges Faced by Military Engineers52:03 The Controversy of the Waterloo Map01:01:27 Memoirs and Historical Accounts of Engineers01:05:09 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.phpSupport the show at: www.patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspodKeywords: British Army, Napoleonic Wars, foreign soldiers, Swiss Regiment, German Legion, military recruitment, desertion, prisoners of war, foreign regiments, military historyTimestamps00:00 Introduction to Foreign Troops in the British Army02:49 Perceptions and Stigmas Surrounding Foreign Soldiers05:59 Stereotypes and Positive Accounts of Foreign Soldiers09:08 Diverse Sources of Foreign Soldiers12:00 The Multinational Nature of the British Army15:03 Reasons for Recruitment of Foreign Soldiers17:47 The Longevity and Future of Foreign Regiments29:10 The Evolution of Foreign Regiments in the British Army31:24 The Risks of Joining the British Army34:53 Desertion and Recruitment of Foreign Soldiers40:35 French Emigres and Their Role in the British Army43:34 The Stories of French Soldiers in British Service54:35 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=AfmBOoomYEkfA0l83B2WxSnkmV7WFm30bUTqFFdkdxD7UlFQs7ltCPIfhttps://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571360581-the-last-emperor-of-mexico/Support us at: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspod⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction to Napoleon III and his historical context01:54 The family background and early life of Napoleon III07:06 Myth vs. reality: Napoleon III's perception and legacy14:52 The political landscape of 19th century France and Bonapartism25:01 Napoleon III's early attempts at power and exile39:56 The farcical coups and escape attempts of Napoleon III54:59 The political ideas and ambitions of Napoleon III in prison01:04:49 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=7885444af42ehttps://www.abebooks.co.uk/9781625347336/Horrible-Peace-British-Veterans-End-1625347332/plpKeywordNapoleonic Wars, John Jervis, Earl of St. Vincent, naval history, Evan Wilson, biography, British Navy, maritime strategyTime Stamps:00:00 Introduction to the Napoleonic Navy and John Jarvis03:11 The Early Life of John Jarvis05:56 The Myths and Realities of Jarvis's Early Career08:47 The Role of Patronage in Jarvis's Naval Career12:03 Jarvis's Path to Becoming a Lieutenant15:14 The Influence of Key Figures in Jarvis's Career18:11 Jarvis's Experiences in the West Indies20:55 The Transition to Lieutenant and Early Naval Actions23:58 The Quebec Expedition and Emerging Myths26:46 Personality Traits and Early Reputation of Jarvis35:17 The Complexity of Historical Figures37:12 The Quebec Campaign: A Naval Perspective43:37 Myths and Realities of Jarvis's Role45:12 Jarvis's Command Style and Leadership53:10 The American War of Independence: Jarvis's Contributions01:05:05 Jarvis's Rise to Prominence

Exploring the nature of authoritarianism from the late 18th century to the 19th century, focusing on figures like Napoleon, George III, and the American founders, Jackson van Uden joins us to talk about tyranny in the Napoleonic age. The discussion delves into definitions, historical examples, gender and race influences, and the evolution of political power and repression.Listen to the History with Jackson Podcast at: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/history-with-jackson/id1558691645Timestamps:00:00 The Nature of Government in the Napoleonic Era03:01 Understanding Authoritarianism and Its Evolution06:08 The Republican Autocracy Debate09:12 Gender Dynamics in Authoritarian Leadership12:13 Democracy: A Dangerous Experiment?14:56 The American Democratic Experiment: Plutocracy or Democracy?17:51 Framing Tyranny: Jefferson's Narrative24:14 Scapegoating the Monarchy: King George as the Villain29:28 The Burden of Kingship: George III's Struggles30:31 Napoleon: The Authoritarian Innovator34:50 Countering Authoritarianism: Humor and Propaganda37:02 Censorship vs. Freedom of Expression39:40 The Evolution of Censorship and Control44:59 Repression and Its Varied Experiences54:01 Political Visions: Continuity and ChangeKeywords:authoritarianism, Napoleon, George III, American Revolution, democracy, tyranny, political power, history, 18th century, 19th century

This episode explores the early 1810 phase of the Peninsular War, focusing on the strategic movements of Wellington, Napoleon, and the Spanish resistance. It highlights the sieges, political upheavals, and military decisions shaping Spain and Portugal's fight for independence. From the formation of the Cortes, to the fractious situation in Spain's colonies, from Napoleon's vision for the future of Portugal, to the devastating French invasion of Andalusia, this episode lays the foundation for the rest of the Peninsular War.Chapters00:00 The State of the Peninsula War06:12 Wellington's Strategy and Morale12:09 The French Invasion and Political Shifts27:07 The Rise of the Cortes and Spanish Politics33:27 Formation of a Government Under Siege40:00 The Political Landscape of Occupied Spain43:56 Colonial Responses to the Napoleonic Wars51:14 Napoleon's Distractions and Strategic Decisions57:11 The Siege of Theodor Rodrigo: A Case StudykeywordsPeninsular War, Wellington, Napoleon, Spanish Resistance, Sieges, 1810, Spain, Portugal, Military Strategy, Spanish PoliticsThe Generals by Ian Dale - https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-generals-by-iain-dale-coming-september-2024Josh Provan's books: https://www.helion.co.uk/people/joshua-provan.phpZack's books: https://www.helion.co.uk/people/zack-white.php