New Books in History William Doyle, "Napoleon at Peace: How to End a Revolution" (Reaktion Books, 2022)
Oct 19, 2025
William Doyle, Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Bristol, discusses his insights on Napoleon Bonaparte's complex journey to end the French Revolution. He explores how Napoleon tackled the instability caused by war, religion, and monarchy, highlighting his military triumphs and peace with the Church. Doyle delves into the failed restoration of the colonial empire, the significance of the Concordat, and Napoleon's ambitions to become emperor. His analysis reveals both Napoleon's remarkable problem-solving abilities and his inherent flaws.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Sidney Smith's Ambiguous Help
- Doyle recounts Admiral Sidney Smith's ambiguous role in enabling Napoleon's return from Egypt by leaving the mouth of the Nile unguarded.
- Smith later retired to France and is even buried in Paris, highlighting the complexity of his motives.
Winners Get Latitude
- Doyle notes the Directory tolerated Napoleon's autonomy in Italy because he was an undefeated, decisive general.
- His battlefield success effectively forced the Directory to accept his independent diplomacy and peace terms.
Sieyès Picks Napoleon
- Doyle tells how Emmanuel Joseph Sieyès (C.S.) searched for a general to reform the Directory and eventually turned to Napoleon after other candidates failed.
- Sieyès and Napoleon needed each other despite not getting on well personally.
