Engineering an Empire Season 1 Episode 11

Ep 11. Napoleon: Steel Monster

  • December 18, 2006
  • 44 min

In "Engineering an Empire" Season 1 Episode 11, viewers are transported back to the early 1800s to witness the incredible rise of Napoleon Bonaparte and the impact his reign had on the world of engineering and architecture. The episode is titled "Napoleon: Steel Monster" for good reason, as it explores how he harnessed the power of new technologies and materials to build an empire that would stretch across Europe.

The episode begins with a brief overview of Napoleon's upbringing and military career, highlighting his early successes and ultimate rise to power as Emperor of France. From there, the focus turns to the impressive engineering feats he accomplished during his reign, including the construction of new roads, bridges, ports, and canals that connected France with the rest of Europe.

Viewers are given a firsthand look at some of the most impressive engineering marvels of Napoleon's era, including the Arc de Triomphe and the Pont d'Austerlitz. They discover how Napoleon's vision for these projects was brought to life by a team of dedicated engineers, architects, and builders who were willing to push the boundaries of what was previously thought possible.

The episode also explores the development of new technologies and materials that made these projects possible, including the introduction of steel as a building material. Viewers learn how Napoleon embraced the use of steel in his constructions, leveraging its strength and durability to create structures that could withstand the test of time.

The episode goes on to detail the ways in which Napoleon's engineering prowess was utilized during his military campaigns, including the use of pontoon bridges to cross rivers and the development of mobile artillery units that could be quickly moved from one location to another. It was this combination of military strategy and engineering ingenuity that made Napoleon such a formidable opponent on the battlefield.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to breathtaking shots of the engineering marvels created during Napoleon's reign, as well as insights from historians and experts who help bring the story to life. They also get a sense of the man behind the legend, learning about Napoleon's personal quirks and flaws, and how they affected his approach to engineering and architecture.

Ultimately, "Engineering an Empire" Season 1 Episode 11 is a fascinating look at the life and work of Napoleon Bonaparte, and how his engineering legacy continues to impact the world around us. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in history, engineering, or the intersection of the two.

Description
Watch Engineering an Empire - Napoleon: Steel Monster (s1 e11) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Engineering an Empire, Season 1 Episode 11, is available to watch and stream on History. You can also buy, rent Engineering an Empire on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime online.
  • First Aired
    December 18, 2006
  • Runtime
    44 min
  • Language
    English