Episode 39. Napoleon Bonaparte's Greatest Blunder Fire Part 2

The Day's Dumpster Fire

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If you're seeing this episode in your pod catcher and you haven't listened to Episode 38. Napoleon Bonaparte's Greatest Blunder Fire Part 1, be sure to do that before listening to this. While this episode is where we get to fully embrace the legendary poo show that was Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812, part 1 looked at his meteoric rise from a minor officer in the French Revolution, to becoming the Emperor of France and many other lands including Austria, Prussia, Warsaw, Russia, and Italy. Listening to that episode will make you appreciate this episode that much more.
In this episode we dive into the surprisingly well thought out invasion of Russia. Many falsely assume that Napoleon threw a temper tantrum at finding out that Russia was secretly trading with Britain (Napoleon wanted all of Europe to really stick it to Britain and not trade with them with his "Continental System," but Russia was in dire straights and they figured... who cares). Many think Napoleon was petulant and tyrannical, but in reality he was fairly methodical and calculated. However, it will be tough to maintain those opinions after listening to this episode.
After spending two years planning, recruiting, organizing, and negotiating, Napoleon set out with on of the largest armies in all of human history called the Grande Armee, with a staggering 650,000 men involving France, Austria, Prussia and a few other small countries. However, after six months, only about 100,000 made it back with only 20,000 of that were able to fight. This is considered one of the worst military campaigns in history, the likes of which would not be seen until World War I and World War II. Take a listen and see just what in the world caused such a brilliant military mind of the 19th century look like a military academy drop out in what would become Napoleon's Greatest Blunder.
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