Grey History: The French Revolution & Napoleon

Toulon's history is like no other. Defined by violence and contradictions, the presence of the mighty naval arsenal shaped every aspect of Toulon. This episode explores the town's history, it's struggles, and it's numerous deviations from the norm...

Toulon turns to treason. Placing its hopes in the First Coalition, the French rebels found an alliance crippled by mistrust and division. With the allies focused on their own self-interests, the war with France was often a secondary consideration compared to other territorial or commercial gains. This episode explore the dysfunctions of the First Coalition...

Where was Napoleon prior to the Siege of Toulon? How had the revolution impacted his career and his native home of Corsica? What were Napoleon's experiences of the social schisms which gripped revolutionary France? All of this, and more, is explored in this fantastic episode with the Age of Napoleon podcast...

“To arms, Frenchmen, to arms!”. As Marseille rallied the country to revolt, the great port city achieved stunning success. Angered by the purging of the Girondins, and driven by its own internal divisions, Marseille marched on Paris to overthrow the Jacobin tyranny. Yet, despite “liberating” Avignon in July 1793, setbacks soon become insurmountable. Forced into a corner, Marseille and nearby Toulon opened negotiations with the British. Terror in Marseille was sure to follow. Episode Extras 1.68...

With the bloodshed of Lyon's Terror mired in controversy, there's no shortage of grey to explore! Examine what motivated Collot d'Herbois to embrace bloody repression. Learn how the Committee of Public Safety responded to his divisive actions...

Confronted by the purge of the Girondins, the city of Lyon commences insurrection. The rebellion does not go to plan. Despite attempts at a negotiated solution, the city's revolt ends in horrific bloodshed. The Terror in Lyon permanently tarnishes the revolutionary project...

Insurrection arrives in the city of silk! Although consumed by the same factionalism which devoured the capital, Lyon charts a unique path in 1793. With an unusual twist to familiar developments, the scene was set for one of the most controversial acts of the Reign of Terror.

Famed for being a bastion of reaction, the Republic's second city was anything but. This episode explores Lyon's unique experience of the revolution, unpacking both it's conservative and revolutionary stages. A trailblazer for popular democracy, the history of Lyon is one of contradictions, misnomers, and copious amounts of silk. It's also one civil war and terror.....

How did the French Revolution shape American politics? Why did the French Revolutionaries diverge from the Americans? Did the American Revolution inspire revolutionaries across the Atlantic? In this fantastic episode with Bruce Carlson of My History Can Beat Up Your Politics, we explore a range of intersections between the French Revolution and American history! If you have questions, send them on in! Early Access Don't wait! Support the show and listen to Episode 64 "Lyon: Royalist or...

Normandy and Brittany declare insurrection. Proclaiming their intention to march against the capital, a northern army was assembled to crush the anarchists in Paris. But, despite noteworthy successes, the Federalist Revolt of the North ended in disaster...