Home Podcasts Generals and Napoleon
Generals and Napoleon

Generals and Napoleon

John W. Viscardo 164 Episodes Jun 30, 2026

Generals and Napoleon is a history podcast presented by John Viscardo that explores the Napoleonic Wars, iconic commanders, battlefield strategy, and leadership lessons. The show delves into the military campaigns and tactics of the era, offering insights into the decisions and personalities that shaped history. It is available on various platforms including Instagram, X/Twitter, YouTube, Patreon, and TikTok.

Episodes

Episode 165 - The Louisiana Purchase, Napoleon's great real estate deal, with special guest Alexander Mikaberidze Jun 30, 2026 00:53:08 The Louisiana Purchase: Greatest Real Estate Deal Ever? In 1803, the United States increased in size with the Louisiana Purchase, acquiring more than 800,000 square miles of territory from France for just $15 million. But why did Napoleon sell such a vast empire in North America? In this episode, special guest & author Alexander Mikaberidze will explore the political, military, and economic fa
Episode 164 - The Malet Conspiracy, an elaborate lie that almost toppled Napoleon's Empire, with special guest Graeme Callister Jun 19, 2026 00:45:49 During Napoleon’s catastrophic retreat from Russia, another crisis nearly brought down his empire from within. In October 1812, while Napoleon was deep inside Russia, General Malet launched one of the boldest coup attempts in French history—the Malet Conspiracy. Armed with forged documents announcing Napoleon’s death, Malet deceived Paris officials, freed imprisoned generals, arrested senior gover
Episode 163 - Napoleon's turbulent relationship with the Catholic Church, with special guest Ambrogio Caiani Jun 10, 2026 00:42:51 Discover the complex and often volatile relationship between Napoleon Bonaparte and the Catholic Church—a story filled with ambition, compromise, and conflict. In this episode, special guest & author Ambrogio Caiani breaks down how Napoleon went from restoring Catholicism in France to ultimately clashing with the Pope himself.After the chaos of the French Revolution, religion in France was in
Episode 162 - Napoleon’s 1813 Attack on Berlin, the Gamble that Failed, with special guest Michael Leggiere May 31, 2026 00:59:06 In 1813, after the disastrous retreat from Russia, Napoleon faced a growing coalition determined to destroy his empire. In this episode, author Michael Leggiere will explore Napoleon’s attempt to capture Berlin in 1813 and the reasons behind it.Determined to regain the initiative, Napoleon ordered a bold offensive toward Berlin—the capital of Prussia. Napoleon entrusted the operation to 2 of his m
Episode 161 - Naval Tactics of the Napoleonic Era, with special guest Joshua Meeks May 22, 2026 00:41:48 ⚓ Naval Tactics of the Napoleonic Era Explained ⚓Step into the age of sail and discover how naval warfare shaped the fate of empires during the Napoleonic Wars. In this episode, special guest and author Joshua Meeks will break down the key tactics, strategies, and innovations used by legendary commanders like Admiral Nelson.From the devastating effectiveness of the “line of battle” to bold maneuve
Episode 160 - Double episode! Generals La Bédoyère and Cambronne, with special guest Jonathan North May 13, 2026 00:47:27 In this episode, special guest & author Jonathan North explores the dramatic story of 2 of the most devoted French officers of the Napoleonic Wars: La Bedoyere and CambronneLa Bédoyère - From his early service in the Grande Armée to his pivotal role in the Emperor’s return during the Hundred Days, La Bédoyère risked everything for Napoleon. When France stood divided after the fall of the Empir
Episode 159 - 🤍 30 things to love about the Napoleonic Era, with special guest Joshua Provan May 4, 2026 01:13:51 Step into the pages of history and explore 30 things we love about the Napoleonic Era—one of the most dramatic, influential, and larger-than-life periods in world history. From Napoleon’s genius to legendary marshals, epic battles, iconic uniforms, and earth-shaking political change, this era reshaped Europe forever.In this episode, author Joshua Provan and I will break down why the Napoleonic Era
Episode 158 - General Wittgenstein, the Savior of St. Petersburg, with special guest Jimmy Chen Apr 26, 2026 00:33:46 General Wittgenstein: Russia’s “Savior of St. Petersburg” General Peter Wittgenstein was one of Imperial Russia’s most important commanders during the Napoleonic Wars, earning the nickname “The Savior of St. Petersburg” for stopping Napoleon’s advance in 1812. In this special guest, Jimmy Chen will explore Wittgenstein’s rise through the Russian army, his crucial victories at Kliastitsy and Polots
Episode 157 - General Desaix, the "Just Sultan" of Napoleon's army, with special guest Charles Mackay Apr 18, 2026 00:31:07 General Louis Charles Antoine Desaix was one of Napoleon’s most brilliant and underrated commanders. Known as “the Just Sultan” for his integrity and calm leadership, Desaix played a crucial role in the French Revolutionary Wars and Napoleon’s early rise to power. From his campaigns in Germany to his legendary service in Egypt, Desaix earned a reputation for discipline, humanity, and battlefield b
Episode 156 - the Battles of Wavre & Plancenoit, the sideshows of Waterloo, with special guest Graeme Callister Apr 9, 2026 00:38:24 Battle of Wavre & Plancenoit (1815) | Napoleon’s Last Campaign & Grouchy’s Controversial StandThe Battle of Wavre, fought on 18–19 June 1815, was the final major engagement of Napoleon’s Hundred Days and one of the most controversial battles of the Napoleonic Wars. While Napoleon faced Wellington at Waterloo, Marshal Grouchy fought the Prussian III Corps under General Thielmann near the to
Episode 155 - General Scharnhorst, the brain of the Prussian army, with special guest Ethan Soefje Mar 31, 2026 00:35:50 General Gerhard von Scharnhorst was the intellectual architect of Prussia’s military revival after its crushing 1806 defeat by Napoleon. In this video, special guest Ethan Soefje explores Scharnhorst’s revolutionary reforms, his role in transforming the Prussian Army, and how his ideas laid the foundations for modern warfare.Discover how Scharnhorst ended aristocratic privilege, introduced merit-b
Episode 154 - Top 15 Surprise/Oh Merde moments of the Napoleonic Era, with a panel of experts Mar 21, 2026 02:11:50 Discover the Top 15 most surprising moments of the Napoleonic Era—from unexpected battlefield reversals to political shocks that reshaped Europe forever. ⚔️🌍In this video, we explore the events, decisions, and outcomes that defied expectations during the age of Napoleon Bonaparte, including shocking victories, disastrous miscalculations, underestimated people, and turning points that historians st

Recommended