The end of the Napoleonic Wars left the great powers of Europe shaken. Judging from the destruction that had been wrought across the continent, it seemed to the powers that be that the Enlightenment had liberated the people, and led to...

After the French Revolution erupted in 1789, Europe was thrown into chaos. Neighboring countries' monarchs feared they would share the fate of Louis XVI and attacked the new Republic, while at home, extremism and mistrust between...

We try not to get into too much great man history here at Crash Course, but we have to admit: Napoleon Bonaparte is a pretty big deal. Join us as we track the rise, further rise, fall, rise, fall, mortal fall, and posthumous rise of...

In 1789, the French Monarchy's habit of supporting democratic popular revolutions in North America backfired. Today, we're talking about the French Revolution. Across the world, people were rising up to throw off monarchies, and Louis...

In 1798, Admiral Horatio Nelson led the British fleet to a decisive victory over the French at the Battle of the Nile. By destroying the French fleet anchored at Abukir Bay, Nelson stranded Napoleon’s army in Egypt and secured British...

In October 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte returned to France after his campaign in Egypt and Syria, greeted as a hero by the public despite the nation's dire state. Amid political corruption and crisis, Napoleon formed alliances with key...

In 1796, during the French Revolutionary Wars, Napoleon Bonaparte took command of a struggling French army in northern Italy. Despite initial doubts, he led a brilliant campaign that transformed the war in Europe, securing victory...

Napoleon's victory at Rivoli sealed the fate of the Austrian army in Italy. Despite being outnumbered and nearly encircled, Napoleon's bold tactics and well-timed counterattacks shattered Alvinczi's forces, leading to a massive...

Napoleon faces a critical moment at Rivoli. Despite being heavily outnumbered, with only 10,000 men to hold off 24,000 Austrians, his tactical brilliance allows him to identify and exploit the terrain to his advantage. As...

In 1796, during the height of the French Revolutionary Wars, a young General Napoleon Bonaparte took command of a demoralized army in Northern Italy. Despite low expectations, in just one month, he led his army to a series of...

In November 1796, Napoleon's attempt to surprise the Austrians at Arcole failed to break through their defenses. Both sides faced heavy casualties in a bloody, see-saw battle over three days. Despite setbacks, Napoleon’s forces...

In November 1796, with Austrian forces converging on Verona, Napoleon risked everything on a surprise attack. His plan to cross the Adige River and cut off the Austrian supply lines led to intense fighting at the village of...

Napoleon failed to prevent Wurmser from reaching Mantua but aimed to bottle him up within the city to strain its limited supplies. Wurmser, however, tried to keep his army outside the walls to forage for provisions. Napoleon launched...

Since crossing the Mincio River, Napoleon has reorganized his forces to cover multiple fronts. However, despite his strategic efforts, the Austrian garrison at Mantua puts up fierce resistance, delaying the siege. As Field Marshal...

In 1796, during the French Revolutionary Wars, 26-year-old General Napoleon Bonaparte took command of a struggling French army in northern Italy. Against all odds, he transformed the army's fortunes with a series of decisive...

Napoleon’s 1796 campaign in Italy marked his first major military success. With bold strategies and relentless energy, he led the French army to a series of victories, including the Battle of Lodi, which solidified his reputation as a...

In 1796, at the height of the French Revolutionary Wars, a young Napoleon Bonaparte took command of the French Army in Northern Italy. Despite its ragged condition and low morale, Napoleon's leadership quickly turned the army's...

Napoleon has faced a grueling campaign, suffering a defeat and a costly victory at Arcole, but ultimately pushing back the Austrians. Despite losing many men, his heroic actions at the bridge of Arcole are turned into a legendary tale...

Napoleon's position grows precarious as Austrian forces, led by Alvinczi and Davidovich, coordinate their next moves. After a few days of cautious maneuvering, the Austrians advance, but their efforts are bungled. Napoleon seizes the...

In 1796, during the height of the French Revolutionary Wars, a young General Napoleon Bonaparte led a ragged and demoralized French army in northern Italy. Despite initial doubts, Napoleon’s brilliant military strategies resulted in...

In September 1796, Field Marshal Wurmser's Austrian forces were retreating after a disastrous defeat at Caliano. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Wurmser pushed on toward Mantua, hoping to link up with its garrison and avoid complete...

In 1796, during the French Revolutionary Wars, a young Napoleon Bonaparte took command of a demoralized French army in Northern Italy. Despite low expectations, he swiftly turned the tide, leading his forces to multiple victories and...

On 5th August, Napoleon's forces faced the Austrian army near Castiglione, with both sides anticipating reinforcements. Napoleon ordered a feigned retreat, luring the Austrians into advancing off high ground, before launching a...

Napoleon’s early campaign in Northern Italy demonstrates his tactical brilliance and ability to exploit enemy weaknesses. With his army of 38,000 troops, Napoleon decisively outmaneuvers and defeats both the Piedmontese and Austrian...