1809 Wellington and Archduke Charles, again? Wagram and Talavera Artwork

Hanging with History

The first season focuses on the origins of the Industrial Revolution or the Great Enrichment, we go deep into history to gain enough background knowledge to actually understand the various theories of the origins of the Great Enrichment. Eventually we learn that we also need to know how the miracle was consolidated, as the many other close approaches to the Industrial Revolution failed.A kwirky style, but intellectually ambitious with the goal of understanding history well enough to understand the miracle that happened that one time. It's gonna be a long series.

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Hanging with History

1809 Wellington and Archduke Charles, again? Wagram and Talavera

July 23, 2025 • Harald Hansen • Season 1 • Episode 181

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The Austrian pro war party is emboldened by the French defeat at Bailen. By April 1809 Archduke Charles is leading the newly reformed Austrian army into Bavaria.

Napoleon has made a brilliant response, quite unexpectedly. Davout's 3rd Corps and his German allies show they can still defeat the Austrians.

But during the course of this year the French suffer a major defeat while Napoleon is in command. Europe has its collective gasp moment, until Napoleon reestablishes the natural order with the victory at Wagram.

Czar Alexander launches an "attack" into Austrian Galicia, but even this has implications for Archduke Charles.

Meanwhile, Wellington, seriously outnumbered by the French conducts a campaign worthy of the young Napoleon defeating first one then two French Marshals. Wellington has learned a great deal, and this year he learns not to trust the Spanish, whose corruption is both colossal and self defeating. Despite Spanish promises, the logistical situation constrains Wellington, forcing his retreat at the moment of victory.