A podcast episode on the death of Marshal Murat. The podcast host has more sympathy for Murat and thinks the popular "Murat is an idiot" characterisation is not a fair assessment. His guest, Jonathan North, holds similar views and has new book coming out on the death of this marshal. The time focus is very narrow, zooming into just six months, from May 1815 to October 1815. He also has a website which I actually visited a number of times before. There are some interesting stories there, including Egypt, travelling during the Napoleonic era, and being a prisoner of war.
Some takeaways (that I took):
Murat is undoubtedly very brave but one cannot rise up the ranks by being just brave. He had a sort of political acumen especially during the 1790s.
When people say "scheming" with reference to a woman, they mean a woman who is involved in politics cause politicians scheme lol. "Scheming" is also a bit unfair because she was just politically active and had ambition (like most of the Bonapartes).
Caroline was very well suited for Murat. When he would be hotheaded, she would rein him in. North even says with cheekiness, "She was the neck and he was the head" 😆
When Murat and Caroline turned against Napoleon in 1814, from their point of view, it was the practical thing to do. Joining Eugene would not have made a difference. However, from a moral standpoint, it was wrong. It was a betrayal.
There were a number of Corsicans who were with Murat in Naples and subsequently during this disastrous time on the run before he died.
So yeah, an interesting episode to listen to if you're able.
