Were They Really Scum? The Reality of the Men Who Beat Napoleon!

Christian Parkinson examines the social backgrounds, recruitment, training, and daily reality of British rank-and-file soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars — pushing back against the Wellington-era "scum of the earth" caricature. Short at 20 minutes, but specific on recruitment practices, drink culture, and what made these men fight effectively despite the contempt of their own society.