Grey History: The French Revolution & Napoleon

Why did the French get involved in the American Revolutionary War? How did the French help the Americans? Why did relations deteriorate between the two nations in the subsequent years? All these questions and more are explored in this special joint episode with Mike Troy of the American Revolution podcast!Join Mike and me as we unpack the French intervention and the evolution of French-American relations after the conflict ended. This collaboration episode is only possible thanks to the support of the Patreon community. Thank you so much for your support of the show!Patreon:Support Grey History and access exclusive bonus episodes, an ad-free feed, and many more fantastic perks. Help do your part to keep the show on the air!JOIN HEREOther:Send your questions, praise, and scorn hereSign Up for the NewsletterFacebookInstagramTwitter

I have been very ill with a severe case of Dengue Fever. Although I am now out of the hospital, I have not been able to return to the podcast as quickly as I had hoped. Please bear with me while I recover!Episode 54 “It’s Treason Then!” is now available to all patrons, and will be released on the public feed as soon as possible. All patrons also have access to my recent collaboration with the American Revolution Podcast focused on French Intervention in the American Revolutionary War. Episode 55 “Civil War in the Vendée” is fully written and will be released for patrons with early access as soon as possible. Thank you so much for your sponsorship of the show and the messages of support!Patreon:Support Grey History and access exclusive bonus episodes, an ad-free feed, and many more fantastic perks. Help do your part to keep the show on the air!JOIN HEREOther:Send your questions, praise, and scorn hereSign Up for the NewsletterFacebookInstagramTwitter

The crusade for universal liberty runs into problems. While some occupied territories demand annexation, others resist the encroachment on their traditional rights and privileges. To make matters worse, factionalism cripples the Executive council, while tensions rise between the National Convention and General Dumouriez. With division impacting both the government and the army, what could possibly go wrong?Episode 54 "It's Treason Then!" is now available for patrons with early access! LISTEN HEREEpisode Extras:Belgian Politics & Dumouriez's PredicamentPatreon:Support Grey History and access exclusive bonus episodes, an ad-free feed, and many more fantastic perks. Help do your part ot keep the show on the air!JOIN HEREOther:Send your questions, praise, and scorn hereSign Up for the NewsletterFacebookInstagramTwitter

It's time to celebrate! As a thank you to everyone who has been helping spread the word about Grey History, the first bonus episode on the Corsican Revolution is temporarily available to everyone who signs up for the Grey History newsletter!Just provide your e-mail below and I'll send through the full-length bonus episode! immediately!SIGN UP HERE FOR CORSICAN REVOLUTIONEpisode 52 "The Corsican Revolution Part II" is now available to all patrons of the show! Episode 53 "The Advance of France" is also available to all patrons with early access right now!EARLY ACCESS TO "1.53 THE ADVANCE OF FRANCE"Not a member of the Grey History community? Enjoy all the perks and privileges for as little as $2 per future main episode. For the price of half a cup of coffee, you can listen to hours of exclusive Grey History and do your part to keep the podcast going! Join today!JOIN THE PATREON COMMUNITY HERE

The questions continue! In the second and final Q&A episode, we’ll be covering why the French revolutionaries didn’t take more inspiration from the American constitution. We'll also explore ways a more moderate revolution could have been successfully established, as well as discuss how support for the revolution changed over time. Finally, we'll unpack financial questions relating to the new regime, as well as select actors for a hypothetical French Revolution tv series.Support Grey History and access exclusive bonus episodes, an ad-free feed, and many more fantastic perks. Help do your part ot keep the show on the air!JOIN PATREON HEREEarly AccessFrench Intervention in the American Revolutionary War - Listen hereThe Corsican Revolution Part II - Listen hereSend your questions, praise, and scorn here!Don't miss out on news and updates. Join the newsletter here!Follow on Social Media:FacebookInstagramTwitter

We've hit Episode 50 and there are some amazing questions to celebrate! In this episode, we'll be exploring the role of Robespierre, key turning points in Louis XVI's reign, and some interesting historical hypotheticals. We'll also unpack the impact of Icelandic volcanic activity on the revolution as well as my research methodology.Thank you to everyone who has sent in a question. If your question wasn't answered in Part I, it will be in Part II!Support Grey History and access exclusive bonus episodes, an ad-free feed, and many more fantastic perks. Help do your part ot keep the show on the air!JOIN HEREWant early access to all future episodes, including the new joint episode with the American Revolution podcast? LISTEN HERESend your questions, praise, and scorn here!Don't miss out on news and updates. Join the newsletter here!Follow on Social Media:FacebookInstagramTwitter

On 21 January 1793, Louis XVI was executed by the French Republic. How did the King live his final hours? What preparations were made to ensure the King could not escape? What impact did this monumental event have on the revolution at home and abroad? These are the questions that will be explored in the final part of the King's trial.Support Grey History and access exclusive bonus episodes, an ad-free feed, and many more fantastic perks. Help do your part ot keep the show on the air!JOIN HEREBonus content for this episode:The Life of Henry Edgeworth, Louis XVI's Irish ConfessorEdgeworth's Account of the King's ExecutionQuestions & Answers Link for Audio Messages (and Traditional Text):https://www.videoask.com/ffwinj4nsUse the same link above to submit feedback on the King's Trial for the upcoming Talk Back Radio segment! Send your questions, praise, and scorn hereSign Up for the NewsletterFollow on Social Media:FacebookInstagramTwitter

With problems besetting the young republic, the Convention had to end the contentious trial of Louis XVI. How would the trial proceed? Who would determine the King's guilt and punishment? When would the judgment take effect? These are just some of the many questions the deputies grappled with as they dealt with the King's conviction and sentencing.This episode explores the Convention's votes on the King's guilt, the proposed appeal to the people, and the punishment for Louis XVI. It also introduces the important revolutionary Bertrand Barère.Support the show & get exclusive access to all the amazing bonus content:https://www.patreon.com/greyhistoryBonus ContentSpanish efforts to influence the trial King Louis XVIhttps://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-content-1-76236711Questions & Answers Link for Audio Messages and Traditional Text Questions:https://www.videoask.com/ffwinj4nsUse the same link above to submit feedback on the King's Trial for the upcoming Talk Back Radio segment! Send your questions, praise, and scorn here:https://greyhistory.com/contact/Sign Up for the Newsletter:https://mailchi.mp/0e846e8d26f5/grey-history-newsletterFollow on Social Media:https://www.facebook.com/greyhistorypodcastshttps://www.instagram.com/greyhistorypodcasts/https://twitter.com/greyhistorypod

As the deputies proceed with the King's trial, a radical proposal upends the proceedings. Leading Girondins suggest "the appeal to the people", a national referendum to determine the King's fate. Rejected by the Mountain, both factions denounce the other as they seek to win the support of the Plain. This episode explores the appeal to the people, the positions of each faction on direct democracy, and the possible motivations for the Girondins' surprising actions.Episode Extra: Additional Thoughts on Girondin MotivationsThis unscripted analysis examines how the possibility of war in the Atlantic may have encouraged some Girondins to seek clemency for the King. It also examines an additional theory from Historian Jean Jaurès as to why the Girondins had no choice but to propose the appeal to the people and attempt to avoid the King's execution. https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-content-1-75042042Episode 48 "The King's Trial Part III" is already avilable for patrons with ealry access!https://www.patreon.com/posts/early-access-48-76328616Support the show & get exclusive access to all the amazing bonus content:https://www.patreon.com/greyhistorySend your questions, praise, and scorn here:https://greyhistory.com/contact/Sign Up for the Newsletter:https://mailchi.mp/0e846e8d26f5/grey-history-newsletterFollow on Social Media:https://www.facebook.com/greyhistorypodcastshttps://www.instagram.com/greyhistorypodcasts/https://twitter.com/greyhistorypod

With the republic declared and foreign armies pushed back beyond the frontiers, the National Convention had no choice but to turn its attention to justice. Should the King be tried? Could he even be tried? If he could, how would the nation hold its former monarch to account? These were the questions that gripped the Convention as they sought to prosecute Louis for a long list of crimes.Support the Show & Access Bonus Content:https://www.patreon.com/greyhistoryEarly Access Episode 47:https://greyhistory.com/early-access-episode-47-the-trial-of-the-king-part-ii/Wish to make a one-off donation to support Grey History?https://ko-fi.com/greyhistorySend your questions, praise, and scorn here:https://greyhistory.com/contact/Sign Up for the Newsletter:https://mailchi.mp/0e846e8d26f5/grey-history-newsletterFollow on Social Media:https://www.facebook.com/greyhistorypodcastshttps://www.instagram.com/greyhistorypodcasts/https://twitter.com/greyhistorypod

The new national legislature descends into factional chaos. Fears of tyranny dominate the Convention, and a schism in the Jacobin Club rocks the revolution across the entire nation. Amongst the quarrels, the deputies make history, abolishing the monarchy and establishing the French Republic.Episode Extra:1. The Girondin Attacks - Unscripted thoughts on the Girondin assault against leading Montagnard leaders.https://www.patreon.com/posts/ee-1-45-1-72063855Support Grey History on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/greyhistorySend your questions, praise, and scorn here:https://greyhistory.com/contact/Sign Up for the Newsletter:https://mailchi.mp/0e846e8d26f5/grey-history-newsletterFollow on Social Media:https://www.facebook.com/greyhistorypodcastshttps://www.instagram.com/greyhistorypodcasts/https://twitter.com/greyhistorypod

Catherine the Great is one of the most intriguing and consequential monarchs of the 18th century. Mark Schauss from the Russian Rulers History Podcast joins me for a wide-ranging interview on Catherine's reign. In this episode, we discuss Catherine's influential policies, politics, and wars, as well as her surprising ascent to the Russian throne. We also discuss Catherine's relationship with the Enlightenment and leading French philosophers, along with her attitude towards the French Revolution.Support Grey History:https://www.patreon.com/greyhistoryAdditional RRHP material on Catherine the Great:- Episodes 42-51- Episode 188www.russianrulershistory.comWish to make a one-off donation to support Grey History?https://ko-fi.com/greyhistorySend your questions, praise, and scorn here:https://greyhistory.com/contact/Sign Up for the Newsletter:https://mailchi.mp/0e846e8d26f5/grey-history-newsletterFollow on Social Media:https://www.facebook.com/greyhistorypodcastshttps://www.instagram.com/greyhistorypodcasts/https://twitter.com/greyhistorypod

In this crossover episode we examine another great history podcast called History Daily. Every weekday, host Lindsay Graham takes you back in time to explore a momentous event that happened ‘on this day’ in history. Whether it’s to remember the tragedy of December 7th, 1941, the day “that will live in infamy,” or to celebrate that 20th day in July, 1969, when mankind reached the moon, History Daily is there to tell you the true stories of the people and events that shaped our world—one day at a time.Check out History Daily on all major podcast platforms.https://www.noiser.com/history-dailyEnjoying Grey History? Support the show on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/greyhistory

The National Convention meets in Paris. Who were the deputies who lead France? What divided them? How accurate are the common perceptions of their politics? This episode explores the new national legislature and the factions which would dominate it.Episode Extra - The Legalisation of DivorceExplore the ground-breaking legalisation of divorce in September 1792. Its impact was significant, and it would take almost 180 years for similiar legislation to arrive in the United States and the United Kingdom!Access the episode extra here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/early-access-ee-70107468Support the Show & Access Bonus Content:https://www.patreon.com/greyhistoryWish to make a one-off donation to support Grey History?https://ko-fi.com/greyhistorySend your questions, praise, and scorn here:https://greyhistory.com/contact/Sign Up for the Newsletter:https://mailchi.mp/0e846e8d26f5/grey-history-newsletterFollow on Social Media:https://www.facebook.com/greyhistorypodcastshttps://www.instagram.com/greyhistorypodcasts/https://twitter.com/greyhistorypod

On the eve of the Invasion of France in August 1792, the courts of the First Coalition were maintaining an uneasy alliance. Events in Poland had reinforced the long-standing distrust between the courts of Berlin, Vienna, and St. Petersburg, and developments in the east would fundamentally alter the trajectory of the allies' advance. This episode examines how events in Poland impacted the Prussian invasion, as well as the nature of the army that marched with the Duke of Brunswick. We'll also explore the key battles of 1792, including Valmy and Jemappes, along with the amazing highs and lows of the campaign. Finally, we will unpack how the military situation in late 1792 dramatically impacted the politics of the new French Republic, leading to a renewed determination to wage a crusade for universal liberty.Episode Extra: The Battle(s) of ValmyExplore not only the original Battle of Valmy, but the highly contested historical debate surrounding the skirmish. Historians differ massively on how to interpret the events of September 20, 1792, so this will be full of Grey (Military) History!Access the episode extra here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-extra-1-69517375Support the Show & Access Bonus Content:https://www.patreon.com/greyhistoryWish to make a one-off donation to support Grey History?https://ko-fi.com/greyhistorySend your questions, praise, and scorn here:https://greyhistory.com/contact/Sign Up for the Newsletter:https://mailchi.mp/0e846e8d26f5/grey-history-newsletterFollow on Social Media:https://www.facebook.com/greyhistorypodcastshttps://www.instagram.com/greyhistorypodcasts/https://twitter.com/greyhistorypod

I'm thrilled to introduce Grey History's first joint episode! Steve Guerra from the History of the Papacy joins me for a fantastic chat about all things Papacy, Church, and French Revolution. We would love to do another discussion in the future, so please send through ideas for possible conversations on topics relating to the Papacy or the Catholic Church in either France or the revolutionary era! A huge thank you to the Patreon supporters of Grey History! Your support is what makes special episodes like this possible!Part I - 2:30The history of the Papacy and the Catholic Church in Europe and in France.Part II - 28:45The history of the Church in the French Revolution, the initial relationship between the Church and the Revolutionaries, and where it went all wrong!Part III - 1:02:22How the revolution helped to craft the modern Papacy that we're familiar with today!Enjoying Grey History? Support the show today!https://www.patreon.com/greyhistoryFollow on social media & subscribe to the newsletter:linktr.ee/greyhistory

In this wide-ranging episode, we examine two thousand years of Corsican history! After covering the basics, we’ll explore how various empires and kingdoms left their mark on the island, and discuss how democratic and republican traditions were first established more than a thousand years ago. We'll also unpack the origins of the bitter relationship between Corsica and Genoa, setting us up for an amazingly eventful Part II. Want more on the Corsican Republic? Join the Patreon community today and access the full episode and the behind-the-scenes video! Help keep Grey History on the air!https://www.patreon.com/greyhistory"The Corsican Republic Part I" is just one of many bonus episodes for Patreon supporters of the show. These amazing full-length episodes are waiting for you right now, in addition to all the episode extras and exclusive videos:1.27 - The Nancy Mutiny1.28 - The Brissotin Ministry1.35 - Science During The Revolutionary Era Part I: Chemistry1.35 - Science During The Revolutionary Era Part II: Life Sciences1.42 - The Corsican Republic Part ISupport the show, join the newsletter, and follow the podcast on social media here:linktr.ee/greyhistory

How did the September Massacres change the character of the French Revolution? How did they alter the course and trajectory of the revolutionary project? How did average Parisians react to the gruesome events? These are the questions explored by the third and final part on the dark days of September 1792.Episode Extra:A behind-the-scenes video on the September Massacres episodes. Support the Show & Access Bonus Content:https://www.patreon.com/greyhistoryWish to make a one-off donation to support Grey History?https://ko-fi.com/greyhistorySend your questions, praise, and scorn here:https://greyhistory.com/contact/Sign Up for the Newsletter:https://mailchi.mp/0e846e8d26f5/grey-history-newsletterFollow on Social Media:https://www.facebook.com/greyhistorypodcastshttps://www.instagram.com/greyhistorypodcasts/https://twitter.com/greyhistorypodOverview of the September Massacres:https://greyhistory.com/french-revolution-articles/the-september-massacres/Upcoming Episodes:1.42 The Corsican Revolution (Bonus Episode exclusively for Patreons)1.43 The Invasions of France and Poland

Who was to blame for the September Massacres of 1792? Were the deaths planned or spontaneous? How did various individuals, factions, and institutions respond to the killings, and did they seek to use the bloodshed for their own advantage? Before we examine how the massacres changed the revolution, we must understand who is accountable for the carnage in Paris. Episode Extra:In Defence of Marat - An examination of Historian Lefebvre's claim that Marat's encouragement of the departments to massacre their own prisoners had no effect. Secondly, a rebuttal to Historian Hazan's suggestion that Marat should not be held partially accountable for the murders.Support the Show & Access Bonus Content:https://www.patreon.com/greyhistoryWish to make a one-off donation to support Grey History?https://ko-fi.com/greyhistorySend your questions, praise, and scorn here:https://greyhistory.com/contact/Sign Up for the Newsletter:https://mailchi.mp/0e846e8d26f5/grey-history-newsletterFollow on Social Media:https://www.facebook.com/greyhistorypodcastshttps://www.instagram.com/greyhistorypodcasts/https://twitter.com/greyhistorypodOverview of the September Massacres:https://greyhistory.com/french-revolution-articles/the-september-massacres/

The two Episode Extras for Episode 39 cover the astonishing trial of an aristocratic prisoner and the disbelief of a Scottish eye witness. These accounts offer a fantastic insight into the turbulent, unpredictable, and chaotic nature of the September Massacres. Episode Extras like these, along with other great bonus content, are available to all the Patreon supporters of Grey History. Support Grey History and help keep the show on the air! The show needs your help now!Support the Show & Access Bonus Content:https://www.patreon.com/greyhistoryWish to make a one off donation to support Grey History?https://ko-fi.com/greyhistorySend your questions, praise, and scorn here:https://greyhistory.com/contact/Sign Up for the Newsletter:https://mailchi.mp/0e846e8d26f5/grey-history-newsletter