The Napoleonic Wars Podcast

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=7885444af42e
https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9781625347336/Horrible-Peace-British-Veterans-End-1625347332/plp

Keyword
Napoleonic Wars, John Jervis, Earl of St. Vincent, naval history, Evan Wilson, biography, British Navy, maritime strategy

Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Napoleonic Navy and John Jarvis
03:11 The Early Life of John Jarvis
05:56 The Myths and Realities of Jarvis's Early Career
08:47 The Role of Patronage in Jarvis's Naval Career
12:03 Jarvis's Path to Becoming a Lieutenant
15:14 The Influence of Key Figures in Jarvis's Career
18:11 Jarvis's Experiences in the West Indies
20:55 The Transition to Lieutenant and Early Naval Actions
23:58 The Quebec Expedition and Emerging Myths
26:46 Personality Traits and Early Reputation of Jarvis
35:17 The Complexity of Historical Figures
37:12 The Quebec Campaign: A Naval Perspective
43:37 Myths and Realities of Jarvis's Role
45:12 Jarvis's Command Style and Leadership
53:10 The American War of Independence: Jarvis's Contributions
01:05:05 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/id1558691645
Timestamps:
00:00 The Nature of Government in the Napoleonic Era
03:01 Understanding Authoritarianism and Its Evolution
06:08 The Republican Autocracy Debate
09:12 Gender Dynamics in Authoritarian Leadership
12:13 Democracy: A Dangerous Experiment?
14:56 The American Democratic Experiment: Plutocracy or Democracy?
17:51 Framing Tyranny: Jefferson's Narrative
24:14 Scapegoating the Monarchy: King George as the Villain
29:28 The Burden of Kingship: George III's Struggles
30:31 Napoleon: The Authoritarian Innovator
34:50 Countering Authoritarianism: Humor and Propaganda
37:02 Censorship vs. Freedom of Expression
39:40 The Evolution of Censorship and Control
44:59 Repression and Its Varied Experiences
54:01 Political Visions: Continuity and Change

Keywords:
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.

Chapters
00:00 The State of the Peninsula War
06:12 Wellington's Strategy and Morale
12:09 The French Invasion and Political Shifts
27:07 The Rise of the Cortes and Spanish Politics
33:27 Formation of a Government Under Siege
40:00 The Political Landscape of Occupied Spain
43:56 Colonial Responses to the Napoleonic Wars
51:14 Napoleon's Distractions and Strategic Decisions
57:11 The Siege of Theodor Rodrigo: A Case Study
keywords
Peninsular War, Wellington, Napoleon, Spanish Resistance, Sieges, 1810, Spain, Portugal, Military Strategy, Spanish Politics

The Generals by Ian Dale - https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-generals-by-iain-dale-coming-september-2024
Josh Provan's books: https://www.helion.co.uk/people/joshua-provan.php
Zack's books: https://www.helion.co.uk/people/zack-white.php

The Baker Rifle is perhaps the most famous firearm of the Napoleonic era, propelled to a legendary status by the exploits of a certain Richard Sharpe in the novels by Bernard Cornwell.
But how practical a weapon system was it? Was it really that revolutionary? And how did the British come to adopt this firearm in the midst of the Napoleonic Wars?
We were privileged to be invited to the Royal Armours in Leeds to interview Peter Smithurst, and gain exclusive access to handle the real, antique weapons that we have all heard so much about.
Was this weapon key to defeating Napoleon? Why didn't Napoleon Bonaparte adopt them? What did the soldiers themselves make of this new gun? We explore all these questions and many more.
With huge thanks to the Royal Armouries, Leeds, UK.
Peter's books: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Peter-G-Smithurst/a/5933
Royal Armouries: https://royalarmouries.org/leeds

Josh Provan returns for the newest instalment of our blow by blow exploration of the Peninsular War, as we look at the Autumn of 1809. The Talavera campaign might have been over, but the suffering of the British Army was far from at an end. We open by looking at what one history described as 'the misery of the Guardiana', before turning once again to the Spanish perspective. One thrust on Madrid might have been over, but the Spanish were far from inclined to give up on independence. We explore the Battles of and Ocana, alongside political developments in the UK and Spain to understand why, by Christmas 1809, you might have been forgiven for thinking that the Peninsular War was all but over.
Josh's books: https://www.helion.co.uk/people/joshua-provan.php
Support the show at: www.patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspod