What if Thomas Jefferson Took Over France

Not long after the United States victory in the American Revolution, Thomas Jefferson, one of the key Founding Fathers that helped shape early America, was appointed as the US Minister to France. But, only a few years later, the French Revolution would end up breaking out, overthrowing the French Monarchy, instating a new Republic. Jefferson wanted to stay in France to help the Republic, but ended up having to return home. But, ten years later, France would end up coming under the control of Napoleon Bonaparte. But, what if that changed? What if Thomas Jefferson stayed in France? Enjoy!

MUSIC:

Video Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:10 Background
4:36 Jacobin Jefferson
6:09 Scenario
9:42 Videntis
10:07 Outro

[adamhenrywalker]

Jefferson would have been to Napoleon what Aristotle was to Alexander

[InfernosReaper]

This one really doesn't pan out right.

This whole thing hinges on Jefferson not having enough influence in the revolution to change any events within it, while also being ostracized for his great influence in the revolution. Jefferson would do everything he could to stop the execution of the king and it would be well known. That would greatly influence how the US sees and treats him, even if he fails.

Additionally, if Jefferson is outright leading France, instead of Napoleon, it's going to be much harder for France to fall, because Napoleon won't be able to stretch his forces too thin and waste resources with war against a far off opponent like Russia. He also might could've negotiated better with Russia in the first place, since Napoleon wasn't exactly known to be a great diplomat and Jefferson was.

[MonsieurDean]

6:56 "As time goes on Jefferson becomes more blackpilled."

[bones]

This isn't thought out well. First of all, Napoleon would absolutely try to overthrow jefferson and take charge of France, theres no way he doesnt. Second, lets say Jefferson somehow remains in control, why is France defeated? Because jefferson isn't napoleon, he doesn't want to take over europe, he'd very likely settle for a negotiated peace with Britain, would likely be in favor of restoring the balance of power, albeit while respecting some French gains, and wouldn't prod the european powers like Napolean did. Theres just no way France continues war with jefferson at the helm.

[codenameulp]

Have you ever thought about doing a video on what if Churchill won the 1945 election instead of Atlee? Maybe the Empire could be spared a few more years. I wonder how he’d deal with the Indian situation.

[danielsantiagourtado]

Incredible video as always Josh! And very happy that videntis Made an apparence!

[mathieuleader]

love how serious Jefferson looks in the thumbnail

[spiderlime]

what if napoleon chose to return to italy after graduating from the military academy in ffrance, and became the emperor of the unified italy?

[redjirachi]

Aaron Burr: Now who's the villain Jefferson? Now who's the villain?!

[frost]

can you do a video on what if the Ottomans taken Vienna and invaded Austria also love you're videos

[michelwardynski]

I always enjoy imaginative alternative timeline scenarios. This one was barely plausible by still entertaining. The only thing that lacked imagination was your reliance on the word “but” in final 2 or 3 minutes. It was used repeatedly in the same was for several consecutive sentences. It’s a minor issue for sure BUT go back and listen to it yourself and see what I mean. Substituting in “however” or “in contrast” in place of some of those “but”s would reduce the tape-loop feel towards the end.

[Jack-gnj]

Hail Emperor Jefferson! Long may he reign!

[danielsantiagourtado]

Your videos are amazing josh! Please do a Victorious Napoleon III!❤❤❤❤❤

[Tom-jgde]

You know what if Poland was to Germany in ww2 or if not poland Netgeland

[paulinalevina]

Thomas Jefferson, First President of the United States of France
Napoleon Bonaparte, Vice-President of the United States of France
Joachim Murat, Secretery of State of the United States of France

[TheFastshelby]

given jefferson's awsomeus, they wouldnt even bother with a trial. it would of undermined the whole revolultion. they would of exiled him to france. never would of arrested or even dared execute him.

[Theover]

Interesting concept, just clicked over. Can't wait to see what you craft up!

[randallrona]

What if the Philippines won the Philippine-American War?

[Antonio-ejwp]

Something ironic is Jefferson support of Montegards despite Jacobinism sharing more similarities with american Federalists than Jeffersonian Democracy mainly that they were pro-central big government

[smartlucker]

The American revolution is why, as an American, I’m a Francophile