Power and Pettiness - Lecture 1 - Domestic Dramas : The Beauharnais versus the Bonapartes

Napoleon’s iron-willed mother and his squabbling siblings resented playing second fiddle to a sophisticated older woman whom they considered little more than a scheming courtesan. Josephine’s loyal children, Hortense and Eugène, had been brought up with the younger Bonapartes and were a target for further jealousy. The battle lines between the two clans were drawn up over the problem of who would be heir to the Napoleonic dynasty. The stakes were high and today’s crowned heads of Europe are the result.
This lecture was recorded on 24 February 2012.

[@morningstar9233]

Thank you so much! I've read so much on Napoleon. The Revolution, the battles, the campaigns, the empire and politics, the art, Elba, Waterloo, St.Helena etc. I knew something of his complicated family life. I've read of Josephine, her excesses and exquisite taste. The contrast between his mother and his wife. But never have I gained such an insight into his world. Extraordinary! Exhausting! What a family! My thanks again. A visceral examination of an incredible slice of history. I look forward to the following lectures. A most engaging speaker on a most intriguing subject.

[@111jkjk]

Fascinating. I can't believe my luck finding something like this on TH-cam

[@geordiejones5618]

This aspect of Napoleon's life doesn't get enough coverage. His family caused a lot of stress and tension that spilled across Europe.

[@sierramike6626]

Such an amazing lecture!!! I am really surprised there are not too many comments. What a Pearl! I feel it is a blessing for me, to find this channel. Thank you very much! Marina

[@ymest269daniel9]

Such a brilliant lecture! Can't wait for the next ones. Merci beaucoup.

[@JeanettLou]

Incredibly educational plus entertaining. Enchanté! 🤩

[@NVMeX90X]

I love hearing about Josephine, she seems to be a very sassy individual lol

[@Gabriel-se9el]

the irony

[@muireannconway7732]

Superb...

[@danieladeutsch1708]

1:23:37 - is Hortense the Beauharnais and Queen Silvia of Sweden, 1:24:09 Queen Sonja of Norway

[@avivatal614]

Eugene’s daughter marries Oskar Bernadotte,

[@turnupthesun81]

7:52 It sounds like someone disagreed 😂😂😂

[@danieladeutsch1708]

5 foot 6,5 = 168 cm