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Generals and Napoleon

Generals and Napoleon

Written by: John W. Viscardo
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Generals and Napoleon, presented by John Viscardo, a history podcast exploring the Napoleonic Wars, iconic commanders, battlefield strategy, and leadership lessons. Instagram: @andnapoleon X/Twitter: @andnapoleon YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@generalsandnapoleon Patreon: patreon.com/generalsandnapoleon TikTok: tiktok.com/@andnapoleonJohn W. Viscardo World
Episodes
  • Episode 159 - 🤍 30 things to love about the Napoleonic Era, with special guest Joshua Provan
    May 4 2026

    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 still captivates historians, gamers, readers, and military strategists today—from revolutionary tactics to unforgettable personalities like Ney, Davout, Wellington, and Murat. Whether it’s the thunder of artillery, the elegance of the uniforms, or the rise and fall of an emperor, there’s something here for every history fan.


    📌 Perfect for fans of:
    Napoleonic history
    Military history
    Great commanders & generals
    Epic battles like Austerlitz, Waterloo, Borodino
    Strategy, leadership, and warfare


    👍 If you love history explained, Napoleon, or deep dives into the Napoleonic Wars, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite moment from the era in the comments!


    X/Twitter: @andnapoleon, @LandOfHistory

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Episode 158 - General Wittgenstein, the Savior of St. Petersburg, with special guest Jimmy Chen
    Apr 26 2026

    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 Polotsk, and his role in halting French momentum during the invasion of Russia.


    Often overshadowed by generals like Kutuzov and Bagration, Wittgenstein proved to be one of Russia’s most aggressive and effective field commanders. His actions on Napoleon’s northern flank protected Russia’s capital and helped turn the tide against the Grande Armée.

    Whether you’re a fan of Napoleon, Russian military history, or the decisive campaigns of 1812, this deep dive into General Wittgenstein reveals why he deserves far more recognition.


    🔔 Subscribe for more Napoleonic history, battle breakdowns, and military biographies.

    Topics covered:

    • Who was General Peter Wittgenstein?

    • The 1812 invasion of Russia

    • Battle of Kliastitsy

    • First and Second Battles of Polotsk

    • Russian generals vs Napoleon


    #NapoleonicWars #RussianArmy #GeneralWittgenstein #Napoleon1812 #BattleOfPolotsk #MilitaryHistory #HistoryExplained


    X/Twitter: @napoleonic_imp, @andnapoleon

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    34 mins
  • Episode 157 - General Desaix, the "Just Sultan" of Napoleon's army, with special guest Charles Mackay
    Apr 18 2026

    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 brilliance.


    Special guest Charles Mackay explores Desaix’s military career, his close relationship with Napoleon, and his decisive actions at the Battle of Marengo (1800)—where his timely arrival helped secure victory for France, but cost him his life. Often compared to Marshal Davout for his reliability and tactical skill, Desaix was widely expected to become one of Napoleon’s greatest marshals had he lived longer.

    Learn why Napoleon mourned Desaix deeply, how his death shaped the Napoleonic Wars, and why many historians consider him one of the great “what-ifs” of Napoleonic history.

    📌 Topics Covered:
    • General Desaix biography
    • French Revolutionary Wars
    • Napoleon and Desaix
    • Egyptian Campaign
    • Battle of Marengo explained
    • Napoleonic generals and marshals
    • The death of General Desaix

    🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into Napoleonic history, great generals, and decisive battles.


    Bluesky: @bubblesvampire.bsky.social, @andnapoleon.bsky.social

    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
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