Boring Administrative History; Intelligence and Communication

Before the 1807 attack on Denmark, Napoleon gave an ultimatum to Denmark, to Talleyrand’s horror btw.  The ultimatum was for Denmark to turn over their fleet.  But before the deadline for the French ultimatum passed the British invaded, which obviously required months of preparation beforehand.  

The British, warned by intelligence, that was remarkably accurate, were able to act.  The question of whether it was the wisest action is a separate question.

While focusing on intelligence around the French Navy, the episode covers the Post Office packet system and the King's Messengers, the problems Napoleon had with subordinates lying to him, or telling him what he wanted to hear and the problems of intelligence in faraway waters.

There are a couple insights you might not otherwise hear. 

1) That British intelligence within Napoleon's realm was so successful that it was also confused by the lies generated within the Napoleonic system.

2) The failed Pichegru plot could be said to have worked for Britain, by kicking off the War of the 3rd Coalition and Napoleon's Glory Years, the threat of invasion was lifted for Britain at the price of French dominance over Central Europe.