The French Revolution | Part 3 | The Violence Begins

With seismic antecedents such as the Glorious Revolution in England and the American War of Independence, what was it about the French Revolution that saw it become arguably the most important episode in all early modern political history? And what unique combination of factors converged to unleash this colossal, world-shaking event; the paradigmatic example of a people trying to reshape their society? By the start of the 18th century, France was the largest kingdom in continental Europe, and a powerhouse of agriculture, trade, and military might. But it was also a multilayered and very complex machine, still heavily founded in its ancient hierarchies and the dominion of the ancien régime. The King, Louis XVI, though in no way despotic and in some ways an enlightened man, did not have the strength to fix the creaking system he had inherited. And while the 18th century was an age of enormous dynamism, energy and modernity into which a new discourse of the self had been born, it was also a time of terrible violence in France, long before the revolution. The nation had also been running up stratospheric debts ever since the 1720s, and the poverty of the monarchy - the plight of every 18th century monarch - was exacerbated by its efforts to fund the American War against the British. Finally, the unravelling situation came to a head when, in 1786, Louis XVI was confronted with the news that the looming financial abyss had finally engulfed France, triggering a series of events that, from 1787, would unleash the doom-spiral of the revolution, and lead to his eventual overthrow…

Join Dominic and Tom as they discuss the causes behind the French Revolution. From the innovative, enlightened culture of 18th century France, set beside its enduringly hierarchical and deeply violent society, the amiable but feeble Louis XVI with his clueless finance ministers, to the American Revolution, financial cataclysms, and angry mobs.

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Previous Episodes here:

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*The Rest Is History LIVE in the U.S.A.*
If you live in the States, we've got some great news: Tom and Dominic will be performing throughout America in November, with shows in San Francisco, L.A., Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Boston and New York.

*The Rest Is History LIVE at the Royal Albert Hall*
Tom and Dominic, accompanied by a live orchestra, take a deep dive into the lives and times of two of history’s greatest composers: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven.

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[Sirharryflash]

People that claim that history is boring and dull, should listen to these two.

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It is such a pleasure to watch the hosts spark off each other.

[curtismartell]

My favorite podcast! I could listen to British people talk about history all day.

[milztempelrowski]

Who in there is telling you guys to keep it short, we need all the trivials.

[TheChuck]

This is my favorite series of episodes from the podcast yet. I only hope you make it a 50 odd part series and include the Napoleonic Era.

[ER.Hart]

These podcasts get me through the night shift, back to back, especially loved the series on Martin Luther could’ve even been longer 😊

[richardnieuwhof]

Gripping and exciting, wish you were both teaching history at my son's school!

[GrayBlanket]

10:00 "Language not so dissimiliar to the, um, American tax dodgers, Tom." As an American, that cracked me up. 😂 🇺🇸

[maddoglep]

Just found the channel. Got a history A level 50 years ago. Seem to remember covering this subject and answering a question on causes of the revolution. Despite a grade A I doubt my answer was 5% as good as listening to these two.

[kevins]

Hands down best history channel on youtube. Depth of knowledge expounded with drama and charisma underscored with common sense and humour. More of the funny voices would be welcome too.

[alberto]

Discovered this podcast today while on sickbed. Loved it and can’t wait for the next episode. Cheers!

[judithglasser]

What a fantastic podcast. You two historians are a true gift to us devoted followers. Can't wait for the continuation. Thank you for all these exquisite insights, such as the real surge and cauldron of the Revolution, the seeds of the ideas in Grenoble. Also, now we know that there is the Museum of the Revolution in that city.

[theoldmule]

I’ve so enjoyed listening to this and learning so much . Gutted have to wait till autumn 🍂 for the rest . Really well presented, as I expected

[anthonymorris]

The contrast between the person born in 1740 and the person born in 1760 is epitomised by the contrast between the composers Josef Haydn (born 1732) and Wolfgang Mozart (born 1756).

[annevonaichinger]

Loving you two! Through your vivid recounting of history, you manage to inspire me to revisit this period with new eyes and fresh enthusiasm. Thank you! ❤❤

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I think my great uncle, back a few generations, who knew a thing or two about starting a revolution, would be a fan of your podcast. So am I. Cheers!

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Absolutely love your show, look forward to every episode

[buckynick]

How do we tax the rich when the rich hold the power. I don't know.

[Happyheretic]

I’m glad you mentioned Mantel’s “A Place of Greater Safety” - it’s an incredible novel.