π§ 4. Napoleon: the Myth
Archive of Dan Snow's History Hit π§
•
38m
Napoleon has become more than a man. His name is a concept, a way of being, a psychological term- the 'Napoleon' complex. Napoleon began working on his legacy during his exile on St Helena in the last years of his life, his journal- memoir 'The Memorial of Saint Helena' was Napoleon's own personal and political testament and served as the founding text of the cult of Napoleon and the ideology of Bonapartism that grew after his death in 1821.
In the final episode of the series, Dan is joined by historian and biographer Lord Andrew Roberts to unpack the mythology of Napoleon. They delve into his final days, his lifetime achievements and failures and the commentary he gave throughout; the letters he wrote to rulers and lovers, the fiction he wrote, the political and military treaties he created and they try to answer the question- was he really a great man?
Produced by Mariana Des Forges, Freddy Chick and edited by Dougal Patmore.
Up Next in Archive of Dan Snow's History Hit π§
-
π§ 3. Napoleon: The Lover
CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussions about sex which may not be suitable for children.
Napoleon Bonaparte is one of the few commanders in history to be known for his capacity as a fierce fighter and a passionate lover. His romance with JosΓ©phine de Beauharnais is one of the greates...
-
π§ 2. Napoleon: The Commander
During the Napoleonic Wars, 18th-century leaders in Europe quickly decided the best way to beat Napoleon Bonaparte was to retreat and not meet him on the battlefield at all. He was head and shoulders above the other commanders of the day. So why did it go so spectacularly wrong for him at Waterlo...
-
π§ 1. Napoleon: The Early Years
He clawed his way to the zenith of power with a relentless determination that few could fathom... he conquered empires, destroyed armies and out of the smouldering rubble of the revolution made himself the Emperor of the French; his name was Napoleon Bonaparte.
Was Napoleon destined for greatnes...