Napoleon's Conscripts

Dr Graeme Callister joins us to discuss how Napoleon conscripted the soldiers who would be so integral to his success on the battlefields of Europe, exploring how people were conscripted, how they evaded conscription, the political dangers of conscription, and the impact on both France and the men themselves. Buy Graeme's books: https://www.helion.co.uk/military-history-books/napoleons-conscripts-conscription-and-the-french-army-1798-1815.php https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Dr-Graeme-Callister/a/4546 Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction to French Conscription and Napoleon's Army 04:32 Origins of Conscription: From Levy to Formal System 12:40 Transition from Levy to Conscription System 16:24 Selling Conscription: Propaganda and Public Sentiment 20:55 Administrative Framework of Conscription 26:26 Evasion, Corruption, and Enforcement Challenges 35:46 Community Involvement and Resistance Tactics 43:12 The Conscription Process for Young Men 50:57 Resistance, Riots, and Policing of Drafts 56:26 Corruption and Abuse in the System 01:00:53 Summary and Future Episodes