Get a complete overview of the incredible life of Marshal Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, one of Napoleon’s most fascinating and controversial figures. 🇫🇷 In this deep dive, we explore his remarkable journey from a common soldier in the French Revolution to becoming one of Napoleon’s most trusted marshals. Discover the pivotal moments that defined his career, his complex relationship with the emperor, and the political machinations that led to his unexpected rise.
Learn how he was adopted by the Swedish royal family and eventually crowned King of Sweden and Norway as Charles XIV John. This video traces the key events of his life, from the Napoleonic Wars to his peaceful and prosperous reign in Scandinavia. We’ll cover his military genius, his political acumen, and the surprising twist of fate that saw a French marshal found a dynasty still on the Swedish throne today. Don’t miss this incredible story of power, ambition, and destiny.
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If you are interested in French History, please watch our related biographies below.
1. Napoleon Bonaparte Part One – The Early Years https://youtu.be/HCU_cuAfkuc
2. Napoleon Bonaparte Part Two – The Rise to Power https://youtu.be/9AP-hi7I0cg
3. Napoleon Bonaparte Part Three – Reign & Rule https://youtu.be/X9I8SyadmfI
4. Napoleon Bonaparte Part Four – War & Peace https://youtu.be/m2AuqfIg8OY
5. Napoleon Bonaparte Part Five – Downfall & Exile https://youtu.be/eoW14EUcFRc
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17:18 Little balloon adventure. 🤓
Not to forget, he also became king of Norway, thus reigning two countries simultaneously. The very constitution of Norway of 1814 was inspired by the American and French revolutions.
Two hundred years of Peace for Sweden.Which is A rare case in Europe.
I like to think it's Bernadotte who taught us Swede's to be unsentimental about foreign policy something that served us very well and gave us peace for 200+ years
Bernadotte was a wise, constructive and clear-minded leader. Ambitious, but not over-ambitious. However, living very long life according to 19th century standards, he became a conservative "brake" to liberal and social reforms in Sweden.
From Soldier to Traitor, not even gonna watch the video.
One of the worst traitor in France's history.
May his soul rot in hell for all eternity.
(00:41) “From private to king” — killer opening. The Revolution clearing a path for talent like Bernadotte changes everything.
(06:15) In Corsica, early awareness of the Bonapartes—tiny detail that seeds a decades-long mix of partnership and rivalry.
(16:08) Tearing off his epaulettes to rally panicked troops—pure “firestarter” leadership on display.
(18:39) Sent with 20,000 men to Italy and meets Napoleon for the first time—two destinies lock together here.
(21:38) Flying the tricolor in Vienna sparks a riot—great general ≠ smooth diplomat; hard-earned lesson.
(28:13) 18 Brumaire: flat refusal to join the coup. Disliking Napoleon is one thing—sticking to principles is harder.
(35:28) Made Marshal in 1804—a brief reconciliation between two stars on a collision course.
(40:17) Austerlitz: with the Guard, crushes Russia’s elite—tactical high point amid fog and deception.
(44:50) Lübeck: smashes Blücher and captures 1,500 Swedes—the first faint thread leading to Stockholm’s throne.
(50:58) Wagram: pulls out of Aderklaa without telling Napoleon—one of the most controversial moments of his career.
(53:48) Elected Crown Prince of Sweden—rare “lane change” from French marshal to Nordic heir.
(56:33) 1812: drifts toward Russia & Britain—pragmatism or betrayal? The pivotal pivot.
(1:02:48) Leipzig: dramatic entrance with the British rocket brigade; Saxons defect—masterclass in alliance politics.
(1:03:58) Treaty of Kiel: trades for Norway—cold but effective statecraft, foundation of the Swedish-Norwegian union.
(1:07:30) 1818: crowned Karl XIV Johan—a life so cinematic the dynasty still reigns today.
Now that is what I'm talking about! Love the ones like this! Good job TPP! Keep up the good work!👍
Great – thanks.!
(May i suggest that when a new chapter begins, that the narrator pauses for 5 seconds. This gives enough mental space and time to be able to summarise the chapter in the head😃. Without some pauses it is, at least for me, difficult to remember as much as I otherwise would have done)
Shame when someone bears arms against his birth country. Only one word for that : TREASON.
During the Jena-Auerstadt campaign his corps supported neither the emperor neither Davout's III Corps, leaving the latter face the main Prussian army alone. He performed poorly at Wagram. He let the Swedish army join the coalition at Leipzig.
I only knew a few facts about Bernadotte due to growing up in Pau. This is an excellent documentary!
That can be my favourite thing to be watching every time. I really like that. Thank People Profiles very much for wonderful story about Marshal of France in time of Napoleonic wars and later was becoming the first Bernadotte King of Sweden and Norway !!!
Traitor who became a king, I spit at his face on behalf of France and Napoleon.
He was a poor Marechal de France and a traitor to Napoelon, and most importantly, to his own countrymen. He played his cards correctly yes, but Napoleon did not authorize his ascent to the Swedish throne because of Bernadotte's natural talent. He was a hapless military leader, and would be put to better use as the ruler of a client state. But he wanted more, and justified his betrayal as loyalty towards his subjects. Bernadotte never had one ounce of loyalty in him. Allowing Bernadotte to become King of Sweden rather than court-martialing him was the first of many decisive blunders made by Napoleon. All true French patriots have nothing but contempt for the man.
46:07 Thanks author, does anyone think this guy resembles any English player?
Impressive' I believe that he was a King of Opportunity… Thank-you for another Great Documentary, I; had no idea who this man of history was until now.
the french are and will always be a bunch of cowards and losers RULE BRITANIANA