Our guest today is again the wonderful Alexander Mikaberidze. We continue the discussion from where we left off in Episode 50, talking about Napoleon’s entry into Moscow, the burning of Moscow, and the “strategic withdrawal”. Was the burning of Moscow deliberate strategy on behalf of the Russians? If they hadn’t burned it, would the outcome of the campaign have been different? Why did Napoleon stay so long in Moscow?
Alex is assistant professor of European history at Louisiana State University in Shreveport. He holds a degree in international law from Tbilisi State University (Republic of Georgia, 1999) and a Ph.D. in history from Florida State University (2003). After working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia (1996-2000), he taught European and Middle Eastern history at Florida State and Mississippi State Universities and lectured on strategy and policy for the U.S. Naval War College. In addition to his articles on various Napoleonic-related topics, Dr. Mikaberidze has written and edited seven books, including The Battle of Borodino: Napoleon versus Kutuzov (2007), Historical Dictionary of Georgia (2007), The Russian Officer Corps in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, 1792-1815 (2004, winner of the 2005 Literary Prize of the International Napoleonic Society), The Czar’s General: The Memoirs of a Russian General in the Napoleonic Wars (2005). He has been awarded the International Napoleonic Society’s Legion of Merit Award for his contributions to the Napoleonic studies.
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I j ust finished Waterloo, Part 2. As you can see I am late to the podcast but I think it is terrific. Can you tell m e the name of the march that you played at the end of the Waterloo, Part 2 episode? Also the name of the recording would be helpful too.
New listener. Love the show, yada yada… Now, what is the name of the great classical tune played before and after the Napoleon 101 podcasts? I can not get it out of my head. I feel like a fool for not remembering.
Jim and Bill, glad you like the show! The tune we play is La Marseillaise (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Marseillaise).
Long time listener to the pcast, and I have to say this was one of the most entertaining! Fantastic episode, great debate on the “what if” scenarios. Alex has been a great guest on the last two.
Brilliant episode, and ditto exactly what Chris said. Looking forward to the next one with Alex. Tip: keep derailing Alex and going off on excellent tangents that require him to return for another and another and another episode.
Thanks guys.
🙂
Like is an understatement. I find myself constantly wearing headphones, still catching up on previous episodes. I have to tell people that I am listening to “rock” to hide my “Geekdom.” Thoroughly enjoy your show! Thank you!