The Napoleonic Quarterly

This is the first in a series of recap episodes, offering a synthesis of our 1792-1804 coverage one year at a time. Chris Sloan talks presenter Alex Stevenson through specific key clips he's picked out from our old episodes grouped around four themes which, we argue, help frame the period and shape our understanding of it in a whole new way. We hope this will provide a helpful refresh for longstanding listeners - whilst at the same time offering an 'entry ramp' to the podcast for those who want to get up to speed relatively easily before we crash full-speed into the intensity of the Napoleonic Wars.
This episode covers 1792, a year of extraordinary upheaval and transformation across the globe. We take stock of the events, crises, and turning points that defined the period, focusing on four major themes:
The French Revolution: The mounting political pressure in Paris, culminating in the radicalization of the revolution, the arrest and trial of Louis XVI, and the proclamation of the First French Republic.

The War in Europe: France’s chaotic military situation and surprising victories, as the War of the First Coalition begins, defying the odds against a decimated army and foreign invasion.

The Eastern European Dimension: The critical developments in Poland, Russia, Austria, and Prussia, as the fate of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth is decided and imperial rivalries set the stage for future Napoleonic conflicts.

The Wider World: The global ramifications of revolutionary ideals, including the dramatic slave uprising in Saint Domingue (Haiti), highlighting the extraordinary importance and turmoil in the Caribbean and colonial geopolitics.

Here's what you need to know:
- Having reached the end of 1804, the Napoleonic Quarterly is now halfway through its decade-long project.
- That means it's time for a half-time break to reboot and relaunch the project, with the twin goals of offering an alternative 'entry point' for Napoleonic Wars afficionados and allowing the establishment of an end-state production pipleline.
- It's not exactly the Super Bowl's half-time entertainment, but for this relaunch period we'll have two limited miniseries running in parallel.
- The first is a recap series; one episode per year of the chronology. Each episode will look at the four main themes illustrated by clips from the main episodes, and then do a quick month-by-month reminder of the main events.
- The second is season two of our movie project. But instead of looking at Ridley Scott's Napoleonic monstrosity, this time round we'll be working up our own treatment for how we'd fit the life of Napoleon around the traditional Hollywood screenplay structure.
- Meanwhile in the background work is underway on our 1805 episodes.
- The relaunch period hopefully starts with an episode a day for, hopefully, a full week; and then we'll revert to weekly for the duration.
- Vive le podcast!

On a freezing day in December 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte placed the imperial crown of France on his head in Notre-Dame - the first time an Emperor had ruled in Paris for 1,000 years and the time of Charlemagne. What were the ambiguities of the ceremony and what did they mean for the continuing story of French politics? Was this the moment the French Revolution really ended? What effects would this new title have on the new Emperor Napoleon I - and his warring family?

Alex Stevenson is joined by Dr Ambrogio Caiani, Senior Lecturer In History at the University of Kent, to explore the build-up to the coronation, the day itself and its various hidden meanings. With moments of great pomp and circumstance, both profound meaning and perilous farce are never far away.

Thanks to our resident artificial intelligence, NAIpoleon Bot-aparte, here's what you can expect in this episode in a bit more detail:
A deep dive into Napoleon Bonaparte’s coronation, exploring its significance as a turning point in the end of the French Revolution and the rise of imperial France.

Candid discussion about the political motivations behind Napoleon’s self-crowning, including the ongoing instability and the reasoning for establishing a hereditary empire.

Insight into the role of Pope Pius VII, the negotiations for his presence in Paris, and the myths versus reality surrounding his involvement in the ceremony.

Anecdotes and drama from the lead-up to the coronation, including Josephine’s last-minute confession and the family tensions within the Bonaparte clan.

Thoughtful analysis of the symbolism, spectacle, and public response to the event—plus reflections on how this moment fundamentally changed Napoleon’s personality and approach to power.

Help us produce more episodes by joining the Napoleonic Quarterly community on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Clemens Bemmann is joined by Rick Schneid, John Gill and Graeme Callister for the final of our Italian campaign series, this time looking at the Battle of Rivoli - a pivotal moment for Napoleon Bonaparte which provided him with yet another triumph. This episode concludes our pilot series exploring whether we can do more to make battles presentable in audio format.
Here's a good map to visualise the battle... here's an even better one... and here's a summary courtesy of N-AI-poleon Bot-aparte on what to expect in this episode:

A front-row seat at the Battle of Rivoli: Experience the dramatic twists and turns of the battle, including strategic decisions, troop movements, and real-time chaos, bringing the conflict vividly to life.

Insider perspectives: Gain a balanced view of the campaign, with detailed insights from the French and Austrian camps—from Bonaparte’s restless ambition to the Austrian army’s struggles and eventual defeat.

Behind-the-scenes of Napoleonic leadership: Learn how Napoleon and his staff responded to challenges, kept their forces motivated, and managed crises as the momentum shifted back and forth across the battlefield.

Historical anecdotes and colourful commentary: Firsthand accounts, rumors, and memorable moments—such as Napoleon’s legendary “ditch” incident at Lodi, cavalry charges, and officers rallying (or failing to rally) their men.

Consequences beyond Rivoli: Discover the aftermath of the battle and why Rivoli marked a decisive turning point, setting the stage for further French victories and reshaping the fate of the Italian campaign and the War of the First Coalition.

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Chris Sloan is joined by Josh Provan to explore more about the Marathas, untold stories from their second war with the British and the rise of the maverick Maharajah Holkar amidst the end of an Empire and the rise of another. These were turbulent times for India, as we unpick here. This episode covers:

A deep dive into the Second Anglo-Maratha War, including the complex relationships and internal disputes among the Maratha confederacy’s rulers.

Insightful exploration of Yashwantrao Holkar’s role—his background, military strategies, timing, and impact on the course of the conflict.

Detailed discussion of Maratha military traditions, especially their reliance on cavalry, how this shaped their campaigns, and comparisons to other regional forces.

Examination of the broader societal context: the lives of ordinary people under Maratha rule and British expansion, including the economic and social consequences of prolonged warfare.

Critical analysis of historiography and perspectives, challenging the myth of inevitable British victory and illuminating nuances of alliance, resistance, and early hints of Indian nationalism.

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly