World History: Napoleon's Spanish Ulcer

What if one of Napoleon’s greatest military missteps was immortalized not just in history books, but through the haunting brushstrokes of an artist? In this episode, we explore the brutal Peninsular War—the “Spanish ulcer” that drained French resources and morale—and how art became a powerful voice against the horrors of conflict. You’ll discover *the story behind Goya’s gripping depiction of the May 3, 1808 executions*, *how Spanish guerrilla warfare tied down 30,000 French troops and gave the British under Wellington a chance to shine*, and *why Napoleon’s ambition ultimately led to an unsustainable war that revealed the human cost of empire*. This is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the intersection of art, history, and the raw realities of war. Press play to uncover the lessons buried in this pivotal moment of the Napoleonic era!