French Revolution & Napoleon (Grey History)

By Grey History (William Clark)Society & Culture Documentary History

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Typical duration
52 min
per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

French Revolution & Napoleon (Grey History) episodes

August 15, 2025 1.96 Vendée: The March to Hell
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
1.96.1 Massacres of Le Mans
With mass graves uncovered in 2009, this bonus episode explores the grim aftermath of the Battle of Le Mans. Drawing on forensic evidence and eyewitness accounts, it unpacks the brutal reality of the conflict and the Vendée's contested legacy in modern France.
Early Access
Become a True Revolutionary and listen now to Episode ⁠1.97 Vendée: Massacres or Genocide?
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!
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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 hr 10 min
July 23, 2025 Members Update July 2025
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 already available for members with early access!
Suggest & Vote for the Next Bonus Episode
Submit your ideas by August 1 HERE. Community voting opens shortly after!
Watch the Video Explainer of the Vendée!
A new video visually explaining the Vendée region and its campaigns is now live. Watch HERE
Join the Community Discord Chatroom
Want to talk revolution? Join the conversation HERE
Submit Questions for the Next Q&A
The next People’s Voice episode is always on the horizon. Drop your questions HERE or on the Q&A channel on Discord.
Interview on Piedmont-Sardinia with Dr Storrs
We’re diving into the rise and fall of Piedmont-Sardinia. Send in questions HERE
Joint Episode with History of England Podcast
Recording soon! I’ll be joining David Crowther to compare the English and French Revolutions. Release expected in September.
As always, thank you for your support of the show!

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7 min
July 15, 2025 1.95 Vendée: Nantes or Nothing
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!
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
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Send your questions, praise, and scorn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Newsletter
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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
58 min
July 14, 2025 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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3 min
June 30, 2025 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
Newsletter
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign Up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Free Bonus Episode
Follow on Social Media:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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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
17 min
June 30, 2025 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
Newsletter
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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
1 hr 2 min
June 21, 2025 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

Newsletter
⁠⁠Sign Up⁠⁠ for Free Bonus Episode

Follow on Social Media:
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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
34 min
June 15, 2025 1.92 Revolution & Total War with Dr David Bell
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 of genocide in the Vendée and whether "the Terror" ever truly existed.
The perfect conclusion to our deep dive on the War of the First Coalition in 1793 - this episode is unmissable!
Learn More
Davidavrombell.com
Princeton Profile
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
Newsletter
⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign Up⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Free Bonus Episode
Follow on Social Media:
⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠
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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
50 min
May 31, 2025 1.91 Lazare Carnot: Organiser of Victory
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 French and 11 other languages with movies and TV shows!
⁠CLICK HERE

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

Newsletter
⁠⁠⁠Sign Up⁠⁠⁠ for Free Bonus Episode

Follow on Social Media:
⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠

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
59 min
May 19, 2025 1.90.1 The Spanish Front: Questions & Answers
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 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

Disclaimer
The opinions expressed herein are those of the individual and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Army, the United States Military Academy, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.

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23 min

About French Revolution & Napoleon (Grey History)

From the publisher's feed

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!