🎖️ Who Were the Top 15 Generals of the Napoleonic Era?
Step into the greatest military minds of the Napoleonic Wars. In this episode of Generals and Napoleon, we count down the Top 15 generals of the Napoleonic Era—the brilliant, bold, and often controversial commanders who shaped European history between 1796 and 1815.
Join our brilliant panel of guests - Rachael Stark, Graeme Callister, Nick Kramer, Michael Hamel, and Jonas de Neef - who discuss everything from Marshal Davout’s iron discipline to Wellington’s defensive genius. We break down the tactics, triumphs, and legacies of iconic leaders from France, Britain, Russia, Austria, Prussia, and beyond.
🔍 Whether you're a history buff, military strategist, or Napoleon enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights, surprises, and debates on what made these men legendary.
👉 We Include:
Forgotten geniuses and battlefield legends
Key campaigns that defined each general
How Napoleon influenced—and was influenced by—his marshals and enemies
💬 Tell us in the comments: Who would make YOUR Top 15 list?
🎧 Subscribe for more on the Napoleonic Wars, epic battles, leadership lessons, and the fascinating lives of history’s greatest generals.
*Note: "The opinions expressed herein are those of the individuals and do reflect the official policy or position of the US Army, the United States Military Academy, the Department of Defense, or the US Government.”
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Discover the untold story of Napoleon Bonaparte’s parents — Carlo Buonaparte and Letizia Ramolino — and how their influence shaped the future Emperor of France. 🏛️
Special guest John Kuehn joins the show to help us dive into the lives of this Corsican couple:
Carlo Buonaparte, a lawyer and political opportunist, who navigated the turbulent politics of 18th-century Corsica.
Letizia Ramolino, Napoleon’s strong-willed mother, known for her resilience and discipline, who raised one of history’s most iconic military leaders.
From their noble Corsican roots to their roles during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Empire, learn how their ambitions, struggles, and values molded young Napoleon’s character, drive, and identity.
💡 Perfect for fans of history, Napoleonics, and those curious about the family behind the legend.
X/Twitter: @jkuehn50, @andnapoleon
The Battle of Trafalgar, fought on October 21, 1805, was one of the most decisive naval battles in history. Admiral Horatio Nelson led the British Royal Navy against the combined fleets of France and Spain, forever changing the balance of power during the Napoleonic Wars. In this video, special guest Joshua Meeks will break down the strategies, key moments, and lasting impact of this legendary clash at sea.
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In this episode, we explore the life and legacy of General Jan Henryk Dombrowski, the Polish patriot who fought to restore his nation’s independence—on and off the battlefield.
From the formation of the Polish Legions in Italy to his leadership under Napoleon Bonaparte, Dombrowski became a symbol of national resilience and pride. Special guest Jonathan North joins the show to examine his key military campaigns, his relationship with the French Empire, and how he inspired Poland's national anthem.
Was he a freedom fighter, a pragmatist, or a pawn in Napoleon’s larger ambitions? Join us as we uncover the story of a general who fought not just for victory—but for the very soul of Poland.
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The tactical brilliance of Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington, was on full display at Talavera. Special guest Josh Provan discusses his strategic decisions, his partnership with the Spanish army, and his troop movements during the Battle of Talavera, a pivotal victory over French forces.
X/Twitter: @LandOfHistory, @andnapoleon
Napoleon revolutionized tactics and operational strategy during his legendary career. Special guest & podcaster Jonathan Abel tells us how Napoleon strategically approached his campaigns. We also discuss how Napoleon's system has influenced future generations of military planners.
X/Twitter: @HistorianAbel, @andnapoleon
In this episode, we compare and contract 2 minds of war: Clausewitz vs. Jomini. Special guest Joshua Meeks join the show to give us an overview on their respective biographies and their military theories. We will discuss all of the following:
🔍 1. Philosophy of War
🎯 Theory vs. Application
🧠 View of the Commander
⚔️ Tactical and Strategic Emphasis
🌍 Legacy and Influence
Thanks for watching/listening!
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In 1813, the Allies thought Napoleon and his army was a spent-force following the disastrous Russian invasion a year earlier. The Allied army found out the hard way that Napoleon could bounce back quickly. Special guest Jonas de Neef joins the show to discuss the brutal Battle of Lutzen.
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Despised for his cruelty, looting, and terror against the Portuguese, French General Loison was nonetheless a brave officer who served throughout the Peninsula War under Napoleon's marshals. Special guest Charles Mackay joins the show to discuss this infamous scourge of Portugal, nicknamed "Maneta" or "One-Hand".
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In 1811, General William Beresford's Allied army collided with Marshal Soult's French army in the Spanish town of Albuera. Special guest Marcus Beresford joins the show to discuss the single bloodiest day of warfare in the Peninsula War.
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One of more striking figures in Napoleon's cavalry squadrons was the imposing General Montbrun. Special guest and blogger Jonas de Neef joins the show to discuss this intrepid commander of the Grande Armee who died on the battlefield of Borodino.
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The 1807 Battle of Eylau was a bloody stalemate that inflicted horrendous casualties on both sides. It may have also provided a blueprint on how to defeat Napoleon. Special guest & author Alexander Mikaberidze discusses the monumental clash between Napoleon's Grande Armee and the Russian army.
X/Twitter: @AMikaberidze, @andnapoleon
General Morand was a commander for Marshal Davout and one of his "Three Immortals" along with Gudin and Friant. Special guest Charles Mackay joins the show to discuss this stalwart general of the Grande Armee.
Bluesky: @bubblesvampire.bsky.social, @andnapoleon.bsky.social
One of Nelson's masterpieces was also one of the most lopsided defeats suffered by the French Navy and Napoleon's military. Special guest & author John Kuehn discusses the background, strategy, outcome, and legacy of the battle.
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In 1796, the French made an abortive attempt to invade Ireland and incite rebellion against Britain. Special guest Ciaran McDonnell discusses the French expedition, the reasons for its failure, and its ramifications.
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🛡️ General Friant: Napoleon’s Iron General of the Old Guard 🇫🇷
General Louis Friant was not flashy—but he was one of Napoleon’s most reliable and effective commanders. Known for his discipline, speed, and precision on the battlefield, Friant played a critical role in many of the French Empire’s greatest victories, often commanding veterans of the Imperial Guard with iron resolve. Special guest Charles Mackay joins the show once again and tells us all about the famous "Immortal" who also commanded the Imperial Guard in their final assault at Waterloo.
In this episode, we uncover the career of a general who quietly shaped the success of the Grande Armée:
✅ His rise through the ranks during the Revolutionary Wars
✅ His brilliant forced march to Austerlitz
✅ His leadership at Auerstädt and Borodino
✅ His key role in commanding the Old Guard in Napoleon’s later campaigns
✅ His resilience during the 1814 campaign and Waterloo
General Friant may not be as well-known as Ney or Davout, but his record speaks volumes—and Napoleon trusted him with the best soldiers in the army.
⚔️ Discover the story of one of the Empire’s toughest and most trusted generals.
📌 Like, comment, and subscribe for more profiles of the unsung heroes of the Napoleonic Wars!
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Charles Lallemand and Charles Lefebvre-Desnouettes were 2 of Napoleon's most loyal followers. Special guest & author Jonathan North joins us for this big double-episode featuring these 2 prominent generals who served throughout Napoleon's empire.
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Until this 1809 battle, Napoleon hadn't lost an engagement in over a decade. Special guest Nick Kramer joins the show to discuss this important setback in Napoleon's career and how the Emperor and his opponents reacted to it.
X/Twitter: @nkramer5812, @andnapoleon
In its simplest form, the Congress of Vienna was a series of diplomatic meetings to iron out the new political landscape after the fall of Napoleon. Special guest Evan Wilson tells us why the Congress was so much more and how it effects us to this very day.
X/Twitter: @wilsonevan, @andnapoleon
Dorsenne was a senior commander of Napoleon's famed Imperial Guard. Special guest and podcaster Patrick du Bois discusses the career of his ancestor, the legendary Dorsenne, and the general's unfortunate death.
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