French Revolution & Napoleon (Grey History)

From the mass drownings to hell columns, this episode charts the Republic’s campaign to exterminate the western rebellion. Uncover the rivalries and atrocities that turned victory into massacre, and the controversial question of whether these events amount to genocide. Bonus Content1.97.1 Thoughts on the Genocide Debate1.97.2 Paris and the Mass Drownings at Nantes1.97.3 Orphans of the Vendée Vendé...

Searching for salvation, the royalists found hell. Retreat became catastrophe, and battles turned to massacres. This episode explores the rise of ultra-radical commanders and the Convention’s embrace of total war. It unpacks military defeats on both sides, factional chaos within Republican ranks, and the final collapse of the royalist cause following their doomed march to Granville. Bonus Content...

Episode 97: Vendée Extermination Coming August 15, this landmark episode will explore the Republic’s campaign of extermination in the Vendée. It will unpack the secret drownings in Nantes, the hell columns of 1794, and the genocide debate which still grips modern France. This episode will also have three Episode Extras exclusively for members! Remember Episode 96 Vendée: The March To Hell is alrea...

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...

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...

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! D...

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 significa...

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 Jacobi...

From war crimes and Terror to Napoleon and nationalism, unpack the fascinating dynamics of total war in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. This interview with Dr David Avrom Bell explores the changing nature of warfare, the impact of the Enlightenment on total war, and the importance of rhetoric in this consequential struggle. We also examine controversial debates, including allegations...

Scientist. Patriot. Engineer. Revolutionary. Explore the many faces of Lazare Carnot, the famed Organiser of Victory. Perhaps the most celebrated member of the Committee of Public Safety, this episode tracks his ascent to the heights of revolutionary government. From military prison to singing societies, prepare for an unusual career. Sponsor: Lingopie Get 55% off a Lingopie subscription to learn...

From Catalans to Wars of Independence, Michael Hamel is back to anwer listener questions on the war with Spain! Learn More ⁠The Roussillon Campaign of 1793-94: Spain’s Lost Opportunity – Age of Revolutions⁠ ⁠War Studies Journal 2⁠ 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 readin...

From success to disaster, explore Spain's war effort with Major Michael Hamel. Unpack the state of the Spanish Empire prior to 1789, the outbreak of war, and why Hamel defends Spanish leaders who other historians condemn. A complete account of the Pyrenees front, enjoy this fantastic interview on an overlook conflict! Sponsor: Lingopie Get 55% off a Lingopie subscription to learn French and 11 oth...

Victories and triumphs! Surrounded, betrayed, and seemingly on the brink of collapse, the summer of 1793 was a dark era for the Republic. However, in a series of desperate battles, armies of citizen-soldiers defied the odds. Unpack the dramatic turning points of the War of the First Coalition — a story of blunders, brilliance, and battlefield miracles. This episode examines the Battle of Hondschoo...

Your Questions Answered! From the influence of Ancient Rome to using Terror for personal advantage, this Q&A episode unpacks a variety of fascinating topics! Questions include: 1) Did the revolutionaries know of Ancient Roman attempts to control prices? 2) Was hoarding and speculation common? What was driving food shortages? Were shortages occurring across the Republic? 3) Did regular people use t...

Blood and bayonets! Amidst war and revolution, the French Republic must rebuild its shattered officer corps and overhaul outdated tactics. From the rise of meritocracy to the birth of a bold new military doctrine, discover how revolutionary France redefined modern warfare and prepared an unbelievable comeback! Early Access Don't wait! Support the show and listen to Episode 1.89 "The Republic Strik...

For the Republic! Desperate and surrounded, the French government embarks on an unprecedented embrace of 'total war'. Upending the traditional means of warfare, the Convention commences mass conscriptions and coordinated propaganda campaigns. Both the levée en masse and it's propaganda efforts are a prelude to the modern wars of the 20th century and act as key turning points in the development of...

War returns! Surrounded by enemies on every frontier, the French Republic was desperate and divided. Luckily for the French, their foes were no less dysfunctional. This episode recaps the War of the First Coalition, from its origins and opening stages to the traitorous betrayal of General Dumouriez. It also examines the summer campaign of 1793, with the Prussians besieging Mainz and Anglo-Austrian...

How did virtue and friendship shape the French Revolution and the Terror? This interview with Dr Marisa Linton examines the how the politics of virtue shaped the revolutionary era and the development of the Terror. It also explores the important dynamics of friendships and how both relationships and virtue were weaponized to political advantage. From the Fall of the Girondins to the denouncement o...

The revolution devours its children! From princes to mayors, politicians to priests, explore the ultimate fate of yesterday's heroes! This main episode unpacks the rise and demise of the Duke of Orléans (Philippe Égalité) and Madame Roland. Two controversial figures who were once proud Jacobins, the revolution had turned on its biggest supporters. Episode Extra 1.84.1 Dead or Alive? Examine the fa...

Vote Now! Total war is upon us! With the French armies in retreat, the Republic had no choice but to adapt. Developing a new era of modern warfare, the French army underwent radical transformations. Episode 87 "Total War" will unpack the revolution of warfare. As such, I want your thoughts on the topics we should explore! Please vote for those you’re most interested in (you can vote for multiple t...

Death to all traitors! This episode explores the controversial trial of the Girondins in October 1793. With limited evidence and endless accusations, leading Girondin deputies were guillotined en-masse. Was it justice or a tragedy?  Episode Extra 1.83.1 The Fate of the Fugitives With the number of proscribed deputies multiplying over several months, explore the fate of those Girondins who were mis...

With the Queen dead, the Girondins were next. Condemned for every mishap and misfortune, dozens of deputies were sent to trial. In additional efforts to eliminate the menace, the Convention was purged again.  Members Q&A An upcoming Q&A episode will focus on your questions from the show trials of late 1793! If you have any questions regarding the trials of Marie Antoinette, the Girondins, or other...

With terror the order of the day, Queen Marie Antoinette is placed on trial. Accused of every crime imaginable, the nation’s anger is released upon the Austrian Monster. With Hébert accusing the Queen of the most scandalous of crimes, these events were used as a tool for reaction for decades to come. This episode explores the creation of the guillotine and the trial and execution of Marie Antoinet...

Faced with the dechristianization campaign of 1793, Christmas looked very different in the French Republic! This episode explores how worship, traditions, and celebrations all changed enormously in revolutionary France. As always, thank you for your support of the show! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Early Access Don't wait! Support the show and listen to Episode 81 "The Trial of Queen Mari...

Compelled to make Terror the order of the day, the Convention decreed a series of emergency measures. From price controls to the arrest of all suspects, the principles of 1789 were temporarily suspended. The Terror had begun! This episode explores the Revolutionary Army, the Law of the General Maximum, and the Law of Suspects. It also examines the arrest of Jacques Roux and the Enraged (Enragés) i...