History isn't black and white, yet too often it's presented as such.
(4)
Grey History is a podcast dedicated to retelling the great historical events of our species, but in a way that highlights contradiction, dissent and contrasting conclusions.
Episode 74 "The Constitution of 1793" is now live!
Described by some as the world's first democratic constitution, this episode unpacks the fascinating debates surrounding the fabled document!
Share your thoughts on the new constitution and the revised Declaration of Rights!
The best way to celebrate Bastille Day is.... visiting HMS Victory! Although most famous for Trafalgar, Victory played major roles during the revolutionary era, inc the Siege of Toulon!
Happy Bastille Day everyone!
Episode 73 "Toulon V: Napoleon's Triumph" is out tomorrow!
Live Presentation at Rally Point this Saturday - All Welcome!
Each month, Napoleonic authors Rob McLaren (the Jobert series) and Dominic Fielder (the King's Germans series) catch up with Napoleonic enthusiasts from around the world.
This month, I will be presenting on the Federalist Revolts, covering the cause, development, and demise of the infamous rebellions!
Rally Point is open to all history enthusiasts, and July's meeting will be held this Saturday at 7pm GMT/UTC
Europe CEST 9pm
UK BST 8pm
East Coast EDT 3pm
West Coast PDT 12pm
Auckland NZDT 8am (Sunday)
Sydney AEST 5am (Sunday)
To join me at Rally Point, please message me directly. I will ensure a Zoom link is sent to you directly.
Send a message to learn more
With our episodes on the Siege of Toulon coming to a climax, be sure to check out this great map of Toulon!
Of particular note are the forts guarding the entrance to the inner harbour, Fort Mulgrave, Fort Malbousquet, and Mount Faron.
More maps to follow!
The Purge of the Girondins in June 1793 triggered a variety of responses from the nation's departments.
Those near Paris or the frontiers generally supported the Jacobin Convention (blue). Only a subset of those which protested (yellow) engaged in extensive resistance (green).
Last chance to be in the draw for this month's French Revolution t-shirt giveaway! What better fashion to wear for the upcoming Napoleon film?
10 shirts will be won by members of the Grey History Community, and another 5 shirts will be won by newsletter recipients!
Support the show or subscribe to the newsletter by visiting greyhistory.com!
Today is Bastille Day! But why does France still celebrate the 14th of July? What even was the Bastille? Here's a quick recap of everything you need to know!
Constructed in the latter half of the 14th century, the fortress was comprised of 8 towers of uneven height. It was originally built to defend Paris during the Hundred Years' War. In other words, the French can blame their most famous symbol of tyranny on the English.
Charles VI converted the Bastille into a state prison in the early 15th century. Famously, it housed prisoners arrested by the mere will of the King. Inhabitants included traitors, heretics, writers, delinquents, and slow walkers.
Because prisoners were arrested merely on the grounds of the King's will, its inhabitants dominated the imaginations of Parisians. The rumours were endless. It was said that the jailers didn’t know their prisoners' names and that barbaric torture occurred regularly.
Thus, the Bastiile occupied the darker realms of the popular imagination, and the lines between myth and reality were muddled. In reality, this Parisian Azkaban held just 7 prisoners at the time of its downfall. Furthermore, it was neglected and scheduled for demolition!
So, why did Parisians storm a near-empty prison?
Gunpowder. 250 barrels of it to be precise.
Paris was in revolt, defending the revolution from an anticipated military crackdown. The populace desperately needed gunpowder for the weapons they had acquired from nearby armouries.
At first, it was hoped a negotiated surrender would occur, and it looked possible. But, shooting broke out between the Bastille's hundred-odd defenders and the crowd outside. With the help of defectors from the army, the Parisians stormed the prison.
Roughly 100 died as a result of the event, including one assailant who was crushed by the drawbridge after its chains were cut. Yikes. Enraged by the needless bloodshed, a crowd killed and beheaded the governor shortly after his surrender.
With the powder secure and morale high, Paris was ready for a prolonged insurrection. It was avoided when King Louis XVI backed down the next day. Even if he wanted to fight, some historians doubt that the government’s forces could have succeeded in taming Paris.
With royalist troops defeated, the French Revolution was secure (at least, temporarily). Within weeks, the deputies of the new National Assembly had completely remade France.
More than 230 years later, I wish you a Happy Bastille Day!
Episodes 54 “It’s Treason Then!” and 55 “Civil War in the Vendée” have been delayed due to a mosquito.
Yes, a mosquito 🦟
I’ve spent much of the last week hospitalised with a severe case of Dengue fever. I am slowly on the mend, but not yet in working order!
While waiting for the next episode, why not enjoy the hours of bonus episodes covering everything from the Corsican Revolution to scientists during the revolutionary era?!
Support the show today! Just google “Grey History Patreon” to join the community, support the show, and access some fantastic bonus content exclusive for the patrons of the podcast!
To celebrate several milestones of Grey History, the first episode in the Corsican Revolution mini-series is temporarily available to all listeners of the show!
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“It was the most imposing spectacle that men had ever witnessed, seeing more than seven hundred citizens, chosen by twenty-five million of their fellows to exercise their powers, mount, each in his turn, to the tribune, and express his opinion on the fate of the man who had ruled, a short time ago, the destinies of a great nation.”
- Jacques Brissot, on voting on the matter of Lous XVI's punishment
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 fate? 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.
Episode 48 "The Trial of the King Part III" is available now for Patrons with early access! Join the community today to access exclusive bonus content and opportunities! Join Now, and help keep Grey History on the air!
Official Post from Grey History Podcasts
Episode 42 “The Corsican Republic Part I” is now live! Explore 2,000 years of Corsican history bundled into one mega episode. Uncover how kingdoms and empires shaped the history of the Mediterranean's most mountainous island, and why Corsica was considered by some as a bastion of democratic values while despotism reigned in Europe.
Part II will cover the unbelievable Kingdom of Corsica, the ground-breaking Corsican Republic, and why French and American revolutionaries were inspired by the Corsican revolution!
This exclusive bonus episode is only available for patreon supporters of the show! Enjoying Grey History? Help keep it on the air by sponsoring the show!
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Episode 43 "The Invasion of France" is out now for patrons with early access! Explore the highs and lows of the Prussian advance, how events in Poland shaped the revolutionary war, and the debates which saw France re-commit to a crusade for universal liberty!
Not a Patreon supporter of the show? Get access to the brand-new, exclusive bonus episode "The Corsican Republic Part I" and much more by sponsering the show for as little as $2 per future episode. Grey History needs your help!
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BIG thank you to everyone leaving such fantastic reviews for the show! More episodes are inbound!
Grey History’s very first joint episode is now live for Patreon supporters of the show! Steve Guerra from the ‘History of the Papacy’ and I have a 90 minute discussion covering everything to do with the history of the papacy and the Catholic Church as it relates to the French Revolution. It’s not to be missed!
Not a Patreon supporter of the show? Support Grey History for as little as $2 a main episode and help keep Grey History on the air!
The Behind The Scenes video for Episodes 39, 40 & 41 is out now for patreon supporters of the show! This 21-minute video covers how three episodes came to be, deleted scenes, and additional commentary. It also includes an update on upcoming content regarding the Corsican revolution and a collaboration episode with the History of the Papacy podcast!
If you want Grey History to stay on the air, I need YOUR help! Support the show on Patreon now and gain access to hours of bonus content (and my eternal gratitude!)
#1792
“A massacre of the prisoners, therefore, might be useful in 'placing a river of blood between the people of Paris and the emigres'. It would render any back-sliding on the part of the timid impossible, and give mastery over the capital to those who were not merely disposed but forced to fight to their last breath. ” - Historian Gaetano Salvemini
In Episode 40, "The September Massacres Part II", we examine who was to blame for the massacres of 1792. Were these deaths planned or spontaneous? How did various individuals, factions, and institutions respond to the killings? Who tried to use the bloodshed for their own advantage? Before we explore 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.
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Voting has begun for the topic of the next bonus episode! Vote for as many topics as you like on Patreon! Descriptions below:
➡️The French Effect - How the revolution initially impacted the affairs of European states and America.
➡️Where are they now? - A look into the activities and whereabouts of famous figures from the Napoleonic Era. Where were they before their fame and power?!
➡️Dramatic Acts - The role of theatres and the arts in shaping the initial years of the revolution.
➡️The Corsican Republic - The Corsican Revolution of the mid-eighteenth century and its links to the French Revolution.
➡️Worthless Paper - A deeper dive into the creation, use, and troubles of the assignats.
➡️Holy Land, Unholy Action - The annexation of the papal enclave of Avignon and how surrounding events influenced the revolution and international relations.
➡️Advocates Abroad - How sympathetic revolutionaries promoted the revolution in Europe and America.
Vote now on patreon.com/greyhistory
On 18 January 1689, the French political philosopher Montesquieu was born. He is perhaps most famous for his work regarding the separation of powers, particularly the distribution of power between a legislature, an executive, and a judiciary. Not only did these ideas heavily influence the US Founding Fathers, but also the French revolutionaries. In August and September 1789, Montesquieu's ideas played a prominent role as the National Assembly debated the possibility of a senate and the nature of the King's veto. The separation of powers is now seen in constitutions around the world, and the division of power has been a key component to successful democratic systems. The debates surrounding the separation of powers in the French Revolution of 1789 can be found in Episode 1.14 "Decrees and Declarations".
Antoine Lavoisier (1743 - 1794) is often considered to be the founding father of modern chemistry. Lavoisier demonstrated that air and water weren’t elements, and he named hydrogen and oxygen (oxygen's original name was a little... odd). Furthermore, Lavoisier determined oxygen’s role in respiration, helped to design the metric system, and even figured out how things burnt! Together with his wife Madame Lavoisier, the French chemist is credited with professionalising the field of chemistry and even authored the first modern chemistry textbook (no point cursing him though, he’s already dead).
Lavoisier’s revolutionised chemistry, and Episode 35, 'Science During the Revolutionary Era', explores just how he did it! Now available to Patreons with early access.
The topic of this bonus episode was voted on by Patreon supporters of Grey History. Not a Patreon already? Support the show and gain access to exclusive bonus content!
www.patreon.com/greyhistory
"Let us say with one accord, Louis XVI is no longer King of the French" - Mauconseil Section, 31 July 1792
The Duke of Brunswick proclaims a manifesto with disastrous (or negligible) consequences. Paris lurches closer to insurrection, and the sections of Paris demand a republic in all but name. Radical revolutionaries set a deadline for dethronement, but support for a second revolution among certain factions is surprisingly lacking.
Episode 34 is over 90 minutes! With another 30 minutes of bonus content!
Now live for Patreons with Early Access!
Official Post from William Clark
229 years ago today, the Insurrection of 10 August 1792 brought an end to the French Monarchy. Louis XVI was suspended by the Legislative Assembly after thousands of Parisians stormed the Tuileries Palace. The First French Republic was declared more than a month later. Was the second revolution triggered by the Brunswick Manifesto? Did the revolutionaries always plan a republic? This will be explored in the next episode! Early access for patreon supporters this Thursday.
́volution ̧aise ́volutionfrançaise #1792
Episode 33, "What about Second Revolution?", is now live!
In the aftermath of 20 June, the nation's factions immediately resume their bitter disputes. As foreign armies prepare to invade France, the Legislative Assembly is compelled to declare the nation to be in danger. The arrival of the fédérés changes the power dynamics in Paris, empowering agitators who are calling for a second revolution. The King's dethronement, the Assembly's replacement, and the enactment of universal suffrage become the rallying cry of the city's radicals.
Episode Extras:
1. "In the name of the King" - Explore the importance of Vergniaud's famous speech of 3 July 1792.
2. "The Tree of Feudalism?!" - Experience the sombre Fête de la Fédération of 1792, including a symbolic tree that was symbolic in more ways than one.
Support the Show & Access Bonus Content:
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Patreon sponsors of the show - don't forget to vote on the next bonus episode! Voting is currently underway, and you can vote for as many ideas as you like!
Topics to choose from include:
- The Scientific Revolution: Exploration of the activities of famous scientists during the initial years of the revolution. What roles did they play? How did the revolution further scientific discoveries?
- The Corsican Republic: The Corsican Revolution of the mid-eighteenth century and its links to the French Revolution.
- Worthless Paper: A deeper dive into the creation, use, and troubles of the assignats.
- Holy Land, Unholy Action: The annexation of the papal enclave of Avignon and how surrounding events influenced the revolution and international relations.
- Foreign Eyes: The experience of diplomats and foreigners in revolutionary Paris.
- Dramatic Acts: The role of theatres and the arts in shaping the initial years of the revolution.
- Advocates Abroad: How sympathetic revolutionaries promoted the revolution in Europe and America.
- The French Effect: How the revolution initially impacted the affairs of European states and America.
Vote now at https://www.patreon.com/greyhistory
Not a Patreon? You can support the show for as little as $1 an episode and gain access to a range of bonus content (and some serious feel-good feelings for supporting the show!)
“I know that the stern language of the truth is rarely welcome close to the throne. I also know that, because it is almost never heard there, that revolutions become necessary.” - Jean-Marie Roland
Episode 32, "Uninvited Guests", is now live!
A new ministerial crisis erupts thanks to the bold actions of Interior Minister Jean-Marie Roland. The people of Paris conduct a large demonstration on the 20th of June 1792. Lafayette attempts to stem the revolution’s growing radicalism, and new leaders emerge to pursue a more democratic France.
Episode Extra: Lafayette’s Failed Gamble
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Thank you to everyone who has left such amazing reviews! Episode 32, "Uninvited Guests", isn't too far away. Catch me at the Intelligent Speech Conference tomorrow!
Today is the last day of the early bird special for Intelligent Speech Conference 2021!
Hear from 40 unique presenters, including several of history podcasting's greatest stars! They're also letting me test a mic!
I'll be speaking about King Louis XVI's unsuccessful escape from Paris, and you can check out the rest of the amazing line up here:
https://www.intelligentspeechconference.com/1690-2/
The conference is being held on Saturday, April 24 at 10 am EST (New York) /3 pm GMT (London).
So don't forget to make the most of the early bird special, and use the coupon 'grey' for another 10% off!
"The Girondins too were frightened... The appearance of sans-culottes scared them into taking a path that was to lead to conservatism." - Historian Georges Lefebvre
As the nation faced a multitude of threats, a particular cohort of Parisians emerged as a powerful revolutionary force. This episode introduces the famous Sans-culottes of the French Revolution. Just who were the sans-culottes? What was their agenda? How did the political factions respond to their radical demands? This episode answers all these questions and explores some contentious historical debates.
Don't miss Episode 30 "Setbacks and Remedies"!
Despite claims of an easy war, setbacks cripple the French armies. Seeking to reverse the deteriorating situation, the Brissotins adopt radical remedies.
“The Girondins saw no choice but to fall back on the policy of intimidation which had brought them to power.” - Historian Georges Lefebvre
Episode 30, “Setbacks and Remedies”, is now live!
Despite claims of an easy war, setbacks cripple the French armies. Seeking to reverse the deteriorating situation, the Brissotins adopt radical remedies.
Episode Extra: An exploration of the life of the Comte de Mercy-Argenteau and Lafayette’s schemes of 1792.
Detailed Show Notes, Maps, and Images can be found here:
http://greyhistory.com/episode-guides/episode-30-setbacks-and-remedies/
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The Behind The Scenes video for Episodes 39, 40 & 41 is out now for patreon supporters of the show! This 21-minute video covers how three episodes came to be, deleted scenes, and additional commentary. It also includes an update on upcoming content regarding the Corsican revolution and a collaboration episode with the History of the Papacy podcast! If you want Grey History to stay on the air, I need YOUR help! Support the show on Patreon now and gain access to hours of bonus content (and my eternal gratitude!) #french #revolution #history #septembermassacres #1792 #frenchrevolution
"The Girondins too were frightened... The appearance of sans-culottes scared them into taking a path that was to lead to conservatism." - Historian Georges Lefebvre As the nation faced a multitude of threats, a particular cohort of Parisians emerged as a powerful revolutionary force. This episode introduces the famous Sans-culottes of the French Revolution. Just who were the sans-culottes? What was their agenda? How did the political factions respond to their radical demands? This episode answers all these questions and explores some contentious historical debates.
Don't miss Episode 30 "Setbacks and Remedies"! Despite claims of an easy war, setbacks cripple the French armies. Seeking to reverse the deteriorating situation, the Brissotins adopt radical remedies.
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