As the royalists surged through western France, the Republic’s response was pitiful. But when the time came to strike at Paris itself, the insurgents chose Nantes instead. This episode charts the defining battles of early 1793. From tremendous triumphs to stunning failures, unpack the chaos and bloodshed of the civil war in the Vendée.
Bonus Content
1.95.1 Generals and Guillotines
Unpack the grim fates of Republican generals. From scapegoats like Marcé and Quétineau to the downfall of Nantes' unlikely saviour, discover how paranoia, politics, and military disaster turned misfortune into a capital crime.
Early Access
Become a True Revolutionary and listen to Episode 1.96 Vendée: The March To Hell now!
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About
Grey History: The French Revolution and Napoleon is a podcast dedicated to exploring the complexities of our history. By examining both the experiences of contemporaries and the conclusions of historians, Grey History seeks to unpack the ambiguities and nuances of the past. Understanding the French Revolution and the age of Napoleon Bonaparte is critical to understanding the history of the world, so join us on a journey through a series of events that would be almost unbelievable if it weren't for the fact that it's true! If you're looking for a binge-worthy history podcast on the Revolution and Napoleon, you're in the right place!
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1:02:33
1.94 Vendée: Made in Paris (Bonus)
Baptised and weaponised in the capital’s factional struggles, this episode explores how Parisian politics created “the Vendée.” What began as scattered unrest became a manufactured menace: the ultimate threat to revolutionary France. From draconian laws to dysfunctional commands, discover how factional chaos in Paris turned rebellion into massacre and set the stage for accusations of genocide.
Don't miss this episode for community members! Support the show today!
Listen Now At Patreon
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1.93.1 Hills, Hedges, and Humble Clerics
Unpack a royalist's account on the importance of religion in the Vendée, and why the topography of the Vendée was so beneficial to the defending insurrectionists!
The Grey History Community
Help keep Grey History on the air! Every revolution needs its supporters, and we need you! With an ad-free feed, a community discord, a reading club, and tonnes of exclusive bonus content, you're missing out! Do your part for as little as half a cup of coffee per episode! It's the best value on the internet, with the best people too!
Join Now And Support the Show
Make a one-off donation
Contact Me
Send your questions, praise, and scorn here
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Sign Up for Free Bonus Episode
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Advertising
Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on Grey History: The French Revolution and Napoleon.
All members of the Grey History Community have an ad-free version of the show. Support the show here.
About
Grey History: The French Revolution and Napoleon is a podcast dedicated to exploring the complexities of our history. By examining both the experiences of contemporaries and the conclusions of historians, Grey History seeks to unpack the ambiguities and nuances of the past. Understanding the French Revolution and the age of Napoleon Bonaparte is critical to understanding the history of the world, so join us on a journey through a series of events that would be almost unbelievable if it weren't for the fact that it's true! If you're looking for a binge-worthy history podcast on the Revolution and Napoleon, you're in the right place!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1.93 Vendée: Civil War (Recap)
The inferno ignites. Arguably the most divisive theatre of the French Revolution, it’s time to return to the west.
This episode is a repost of Episode 1.55 Civil War in the Vendée, exploring the dramatic outbreak of rebellion in March 1793. We’ll unpack the origins of the insurrection, its initial stages, and the many debates that still divide historians. What role did religion play? How significant were the nobles? And was this truly a popular uprising?
From simmering tensions to explosive violence, this episode lays the groundwork for one of the Revolution’s darkest chapters. In future episodes, we’ll trace the bloody rise and fall of the rebellion, and confront the horrific crimes against humanity that followed.
The Grey History Community
Help keep Grey History on the air! Every revolution needs its supporters, and we need you! With an ad-free feed, a community discord, a reading club, and tonnes of exclusive bonus content, you're missing out! Do your part for as little as half a cup of coffee per episode! It's the best value on the internet, with the best people too!
Join Now And Support the Show
Make a one-off donation
Contact Me
Send your questions, praise, and scorn here
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Advertising
Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on Grey History: The French Revolution and Napoleon.
All members of the Grey History Community have an ad-free version of the show. Support the show here.
About
Grey History: The French Revolution and Napoleon is a podcast dedicated to exploring the complexities of our history. By examining both the experiences of contemporaries and the conclusions of historians, Grey History seeks to unpack the ambiguities and nuances of the past. Understanding the French Revolution and the age of Napoleon Bonaparte is critical to understanding the history of the world, so join us on a journey through a series of events that would be almost unbelievable if it weren't for the fact that it's true! If you're looking for a binge-worthy history podcast on the Revolution and Napoleon, you're in the right place!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1:04:29
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1:04:29
The People's Voice Part II
From abandoned palaces to Revolutionary executions, this Q&A dives into five gripping questions from the community!
Why didn’t Louis XVI flee during the October Days of 1789?
What became of Versailles after the royal family moved to Paris?
Why didn’t the Royal Navy intervene during the 1793 Siege of Dunkirk?
Were there more “polite” versions of Republican marriages and baptisms?
Why did the Jacobins bother with the show trials of 1793? What was the purpose behind prosecuting the Girondins and Marie Antoinette?
Submit Your Questions!
Keen to have your questions answered? Either post them on Patreon or submit a question in the community chat on Discord!
As always, thank you for your support of the show!
The Grey History Community
Help keep Grey History on the air! Every revolution needs its supporters, and we need you! With an ad-free feed, a community discord, and tonnes of exclusive bonus content, you're missing out! Do your part for as little as half a cup of coffee per episode! It's the best value on the internet, with the best people too!
Join Now And Support the Show
Make a one-off donation
Early Access
Don't wait! Support the show and listen to Episode 1.89 "The Republic Strikes Back!" now! Available for all True Revolutionaries and above!
Contact Me
Send your questions, praise, and scorn here
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Advertising
Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on Grey History: The French Revolution and Napoleon.
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About
Grey History: The French Revolution and Napoleon is a podcast dedicated to exploring the complexities of our history. By examining both the experiences of contemporaries and the conclusions of historians, Grey History seeks to unpack the ambiguities and nuances of the past. Understanding the French Revolution and the age of Napoleon Bonaparte is critical to understanding the history of the world, so join us on a journey through a series of events that would be almost unbelievable if it weren't for the fact that it's true! If you're looking for a binge-worthy history podcast on the Revolution and Napoleon, you're in the right place!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History isn't black and white, yet too often it's presented as such. Explore the ambiguities and nuances of the French Revolution.
Support the show today: https://www.patreon.com/greyhistory
Ever wondered how the French Revolution started with hope for liberty and equality and descended into the Reign of Terror? Curious as to how the French Revolution still influences your life today? Looking for your next long-form, detailed history podcast recommended by universities and loved by French Revolution and Napoleon enthusiasts? Then Grey History The French Revolution and Napoleon is the history podcast for you!
In the first 12 episodes, we explore the origins of the French Revolution. Starting with French history in the late eighteenth century, the first two episodes examine the Estates of the Realm and the historic reigns of King Louis XIV and King Louis XV. We then dive into French involvement in the American Revolutionary War, and the profound impact this has on the history of France. Taking the time to contrast the experiences of contemporaries and the opinions of historians, we proceed to unpack the fall of the Old Regime (Ancien Régime), including the summoning of the Estates-General, the creation of the National Assembly (later the National Constituent Assembly), and the Tennis Court Oath. Finally, we dive into the dismissal of Jacques Necker and the series of events that triggered the Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789. Along the way, we routinely dive into contentious debates in the history of the French Revolution, before proceeding to examine the period of constitutional monarchy from 1789 to 1792.
From Episodes 13 - 35, Grey History The French Revolution and Napoleon examines the workings of the National Assembly, the Constitution of 1791, and the first year of the Legislative Assembly. This includes contentious debates surrounding the Assembly's religious reforms, including the nationalisation of church property, the issuing of assignats, the closure of monastic orders, and the Civil Constitution of the Clergy. It also includes historic events such as the October Days, the Flight to Varennes, and the declaration of the Revolutionary War. As we unpack the ever-changing events of Paris during the revolutionary era, you'll not only hear from historians from across the ideological spectrum, as well as key participants. This includes Maximilien Robespierre, Georges Danton, Jean-Paul Marat, the Comte de Mirabeau, Abbé Sieyès, Jean-Sylvain Bailly, the Marquis de Lafayette, and of course, the French royals, King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. We'll also examine the factional dynamics emerging in the revolution, including the Jacobins (Montagnards), Girondins (Brissotins), Feuillants, and others. Finally, we will discuss international reactions to the French Revolution, including Edmund Burke's responses as well as those of foreign monarchs.
From Episode 36 onwards, we explore the fall of the monarchy on 10 August 1792, a gruesome and chaotic event that was ironically witnessed by the future French Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte. But, between the overthrow of King Louis XVI and the rise of the Napoleonic Empire a decade later, the history of France is one defined by turmoil, conspiracy, heartbreak, and bloodshed. From the September Massacres of 1792 to the Reign of Terror in 1793 and 1794, the French Revolution is an almost unbelievable tragedy of horror and crime. But, it's also an inspirational story of hope and heroism. Fighting for democratic principles, the French (and later Napoleonic) armies transformed world history forever, along with democratic societies. You absolutely don't want to miss out on the history of the French Revolution and the subsequent age of Napoleon!