Napoleon's Swiss Mercenaries: The Men Who Fought for an Empire

Switzerland's mercenary tradition didn't end with Marignano—it reached its peak under Napoleon. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Swiss regiments that fought across Europe during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, from the defense of the Tuileries in 1792 to the frozen fields of Russia in 1812. They examine the uneasy relationship between republican ideals and paid service, the legend of the 'Last Square' at Waterloo, and how Swiss neutrality was bent to serve French military needs. Key figures include General Jomini, who switched sides, and the Swiss soldiers who mutinied rather than fight fellow republicans. The episode also touches on the Helvetic Republic's abolition of mercenary service and its quiet revival afterward. A story of honor, survival, and the messy reality of neutrality. #Switzerland #Napoleon #SwissMercenaries #Reisläufer #Waterloo #HelveticRepublic #FrenchRevolution #Jomini #Tuileries1792 #NapoleonicWars #SwissGuard #MilitaryHistory #EuropeanHistory #Neutrality #History #FexingoHistory #Mercenary #SwissArmy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo