Generals and Napoleon

The 15 Greatest Generals of the Napoleonic Wars, Part 2 | Ep 139

Generals and Napoleon

Show Notes

Part II of our Ultimate ranking of the Top 15 Generals of the Napoleonic Era!

Step into the boots of the greatest military minds of the Napoleonic Wars. In this episode of Generals and Napoleon, we count down the Top 15 generals of the Napoleonic Era—the brilliant, bold, and often controversial commanders who shaped European history between 1796 and 1815.

Join our brilliant panel of guests - Rachael Stark, Graeme Callister, Nick Kramer, Michael Hamel, and Jonas de Neef - who discuss everything from Marshal Davout’s iron discipline to Wellington’s defensive genius. We break down the tactics, triumphs, and legacies of iconic leaders from France, Britain, Russia, Austria, Prussia, and beyond.

🔍 Whether you're a history buff, military strategist, or Napoleon enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights, surprises, and debates on what made these men legendary.

👉 We Include: Forgotten geniuses and battlefield legends

Key campaigns that defined each general

How Napoleon influenced—and was influenced by—his marshals and enemies

💬 Tell us in the comments: Who would make YOUR Top 15 list?

🎧 Subscribe for more on the Napoleonic Wars, epic battles, leadership lessons, and the fascinating lives of history’s greatest generals.

*Note: "The opinions expressed herein are those of the individuals and do reflect the official policy or position of the US Army, the United States Military Academy, the Department of Defense, or the US Government.”

X/Twitter: @bookish_rachael, @nkramer5812, @graemecallister, @andnapoleon

#Napoleon #NapoleonicWars #MilitaryHistory #Wellington #Davout #NapoleonicGenerals #HistoryPodcast #GeneralsAndNapoleon

More from Generals and Napoleon

Oct 21, 2026

Discover how Napoleon Bonaparte rose from an obscure French artillery officer to a rising military star during the Siege of Toulon in 1793.

Oct 11, 2026

In this episode, we examine the doomed Walcheren Campaign of 1809, one of the largest and most controversial British operations of the Napoleonic Wars. Launched as part of the War of the Fifth Coalition, the expedition aimed to seize the Scheldt Estuary, destroy the French fleet at Antwerp, and weaken Napoleon's grip on Europe. Instead, the campaign became a military disaster marked by delays, poor coordination, difficult terrain, and the devastating spread of "Walcheren Fever."

Sep 30, 2026

In April 1809, Napoleon faced one of the greatest challenges of his military career when Austria launched a surprise offensive against the French Empire. With his forces scattered across Bavaria, Napoleon moved with incredible speed to regain the initiative, setting the stage for the dramatic Regensburg (Ratisbon) Campaign.

Sep 21, 2026

What was life like in the Kingdom of Naples during the Napoleonic Era? In this episode, special guest Jonathan North explores one of the most fascinating and overlooked states of the Napoleonic Wars.

Sep 10, 2026

Napoleon is remembered as one of history's greatest battlefield commanders, but his true genius extended far beyond the battlefield. In this episode, special guest & author Michael Leggiere will explore Napoleon's grand strategy—the ambitious plan that sought to establish French dominance across Europe and challenge the global power of Great Britain.

See all episodes →