The Age of Napoleon Podcast Episode 57: The Infernal Machine
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Sep 10, 2019 This podcast episode explores the aftermath of Napoleon's victory at Marengo and the plots and assassination attempts against him. It delves into the government's exploitation of these plots to consolidate power, the anxiety and preparations of royalist plotters, and Napoleon's survival of a bomb attack. It also discusses his political approach and strategies for uniting Frenchmen.
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Marengo Cemented Authority But Spawned Underground Opponents
- Napoleon's triumph at Marengo silenced many rivals and boosted his popularity across France.
- Yet a determined minority turned to clandestine organizing and plotted his overthrow.
Fouché's All-Seeing Police Network
- Joseph Fouché built an immense spy network that infiltrated nearly every opposition cell in Paris.
- His use of informants, bribes, and firings made the underground both penetrable and dependent on police manipulation.
Cadoudal's Return Funded By Britain
- British money landed Georges Cadoudal and other Breton royalists back in France to reignite counter-revolution.
- Cadoudal returned determined to strike against Napoleon rather than retreat to exile.