Generals and Napoleon
Generals and Napoleon
John W. Viscardo
Episode 91 - the Sieges of the Duke of Wellington, with special guest Zack White
58 minutes Posted Aug 24, 2024 at 10:44 am.
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The Sieges of the Duke of Wellington | Peninsular War & Siege Warfare Explained


The Duke of Wellington is best remembered for his battlefield victories, but his mastery of siege warfare was just as decisive in defeating Napoleon’s empire. In this video, special guest Zack White explores the major sieges conducted by Arthur Wellesley, from the brutal assaults of the Peninsular War to the strategic lessons that shaped military doctrine.


From Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz to San Sebastián, Wellington’s sieges reveal the harsh realities of Napoleonic-era warfare—artillery bombardments, storming breaches, heavy casualties, and iron discipline. These operations tested the British Army to its limits and played a crucial role in driving French forces out of Spain and Portugal.


📌 In this video, you’ll learn:

  • Why sieges were essential to Wellington’s strategy

  • How British, Portuguese, and allied troops conducted Napoleonic sieges

  • The successes and controversies of Wellington’s siege warfare

  • What these sieges reveal about leadership, logistics, and 19th-century combat

Perfect for fans of Napoleonic history, military strategy, and the Peninsular War, this deep dive shows that Wellington’s road to Waterloo was paved with cannon fire and breached fortress walls.


🔔 Subscribe for more Napoleonic War history, generals, battles, and sieges.


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X/Twitter: @ZwhiteHistory, @andnapoleon