Watch Napoleon: The Russian Campaign

Napoleon Bonaparte, one of the most well-known and controversial figures in European history, led a disastrous invasion of Russia in 1812. The Amazon Addon series "Napoleon: The Russian Campaign" explores the tumultuous events of this expedition, and the military genius and hubris that propelled it forward.

The series is produced by Seventh Art Productions, and features interviews with a team of esteemed historians and experts on the Napoleonic era. These experts offer their insights into the strategies, tactics, and decision-making processes that led to the calamitous Russian campaign.

The series begins by exploring the early days of Napoleon's reign, including his meteoric rise from Corsican outsider to Emperor of France. The first few episodes set the stage for the invasion of Russia, as the series digs into the political and social forces that shaped Napoleon's worldview and ambitions.

As the series progresses, it delves into the specifics of the Russian campaign itself. Viewers get an in-depth look at the forces arrayed against Napoleon, including the Russian army under General Mikhail Kutuzov. The series explores the geographical challenges of the campaign, including the vast distances and difficult terrain that made supply and communication so challenging.

Perhaps most interestingly, the series offers a detailed look at the psychology of Napoleon during the campaign. As the series notes, Napoleon was known for his aggressive and bold tactics, and his insistence on micromanaging the details of his campaigns. However, as the campaign wore on and conditions deteriorated, Napoleon's moods and motivations became increasingly difficult to decipher. The series explores the mental and emotional toll that the campaign took on Napoleon, and how his own inner struggles may have contributed to the eventual downfall of the campaign.

Overall, "Napoleon: The Russian Campaign" is an engrossing and informative series that sheds light on one of history's most infamous military escapades. The series is well-produced, with excellent animations and battle reenactments that bring the events of the campaign to life. Moreover, the series is informative without being dry or preachy, and viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for the complexities and challenges of 19th-century warfare.

A recurring theme throughout the series is the extent to which Napoleon's own ego and self-confidence contributed to his downfall. The series suggests that Napoleon may have been overly optimistic about his chances for victory in Russia, and that his fervent belief in his own abilities led him to ignore the advice of his generals and pursue an ill-advised campaign.

However, the series also notes that the Russian campaign was not simply a matter of Napoleon's personal shortcomings. The campaign was bedeviled by a variety of logistical and strategic challenges, including the vast distances involved, the lack of reliable communication and supply lines, and the hostile climate and terrain. The series does an excellent job of explaining how these factors contributed to the eventual failure of the campaign.

Another highlight of the series is the attention it pays to the various personalities involved in the campaign. Viewers get to know key figures like Kutuzov, as well as lesser-known players like Michel Ney and Jean-Baptiste Bessieres. The series offers insights into the strategies and tactics employed by these various commanders, and how their decisions affected the outcome of the campaign.

Ultimately, "Napoleon: The Russian Campaign" is a must-watch for anyone interested in military history, or in the life and career of Napoleon Bonaparte. The series is informative, engaging, and expertly crafted, and it provides a nuanced and detailed portrait of one of the most infamous military campaigns in history. Whether you're a seasoned history buff or a casual viewer, you won't want to miss this fascinating exploration of Napoleon's ill-fated invasion of Russia.

Napoleon: The Russian Campaign is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (2 episodes). The series first aired on May 4, 2015.