All legends have an origin. For the great Napoleon Bonaparte, that origin was on the small Mediterranean island of Corsica - purchased just one year before his birth. In the span of one lifetime he came from a modest but humble upbringing, especially by French standards, and became the dominant power of Europe. His story, from the first signs of life to the final breaths before death, is so fascinating that there have been more books written with Napoleon in the title or subtitle than there have been days since his death all the way back in 1821.
But where did it all begin? Napoleon did not simply spawn in as Emperor of the French with an empire that challenged the old monarchies of Europe, or a legacy that is still discussed today. Join Arron for his first of twelve episodes on the incredible life of Napoleon Bonaparte, beginning with the first part all about his life right up until the 1793 Siege of Toulon. From his early struggles, his academic exceptionalism, his early military career, his influences and outlook on life, and his prime positioning to create a legend.
This episode was recorded by Arron Keegan and joined by Hayley O'Connor and Conor Daly. The intro and outro music - Strollin' Along - was recorded by David Renda. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter/X for clips, memes, and fun facts!
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Chapters:
(00:00) Preamble
(02:52) Introduction
(20:44) Birth and Corsican Life
(30:59) Early Schooling and the École Militaire
(42:22) Commissioned Life, "On Suicide", Losing Virginity, and Questioning Royal Authority
(57:31) The French Revolution
(01:32:32) Corsican Revolutionary
(01:43:56) Post Show Banter
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Sources & Further Reading:
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Broers, Michael, "Napoleon: Soldier of Destiny", Vol. 1.
Johnson, Paul, "Napoleon"
Mikaberidze, Alexander, "The Napoleonic Wars".
Popkin, Jeremy D., "A New World Begins: The History of the French Revolution".
Roberts, Andrew, "Napoleon the Great".
