Episode 25: Naked and Underfed

We meet some of the leaders of the Army of Italy. 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. Learn ...  Show more

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. Learn more about your ad choice ...  Show more

Napoleon Bonaparte is a household name; a rare example of someone who is as well remembered by his supporters as by his enemies. His life is rich with dramatic irony. He was a key figure in the creation of the First French Republic, yet became a self-appointed Emperor. Surroun ...

Born in Corsica, Napoleon Bonaparte rose from obscurity during the French Revolution, crowning himself Emperor of France in 1804. This brilliant, ruthless tactician changed the course of French history. Despite his meteoric rise and bloodied fall, Bonaparte still needed to grab l ...  Show more

In early 1942 the new Vichy French government would bring charges against 6 men in the effort to determine the reasons for France's defeat in 1942. The resulting trial would not go as planned. Come check out my keynote speech on the topic of Deception in February 2025: https:// ...  Show more

He entered the Age of Enlightenment as a young, well-educated student who saw the French nobility and clergy as corrupt — and society as ripe for an overhaul. As France plunged into crisis after crisis, Robespierre transformed from idealistic lawyer… to agitator for revolution. L ...  Show more