La Fayette, We Are Here!

Jules Verne is one of the most influential authors who ever lived, from every country and genre. He is the most translated author in the world after Agatha Christie and is by far the most translated French author. Verne's vision, stories and characters still resonate with us today, whether as part of new fictional storylines, or as cultural beacons and references. Verne didn't just write stories; he opened portals to new worlds and inspired generations to dream bigger and reach farther. Join us as we delve into the life and legacy of Jules Verne, the father of science fiction and a true visionary of his time. Timecodes Introduction 04:42 - Growing up in Nantes 11:06 - Young Parisian Playwright 19:05 - Success, at last 31:36 - Darker Times 41:47 - Conclusion Links to relevant episodes: On the 1870-71 Franco-Prussian Warhttps://www.lafayettepodcast.com/1969630/10702428-the-franco-prussian-war-of-1870-rehearsal-for-the-world-warsOn late 19th century colonizationhttps://www.lafayettepodcast.com/1969630/12999723-french-indochina-from-imperial-jewel-to-hell-on-earthOn the Dreyfus Affairhttps://www.lafayettepodcast.com/1969630/14076356-the-dreyfus-affair-france-s-shame Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche. Artwork: Jules Verne in 1892, photograph by Charles Herbert Support the Show. Reach out, support the show and give me feedback! Contact me or follow the podcast on social mediaLeave a 5-star review on Apple PodcastsSpotifyBecome a patron on Patreon to support the showBuy me a CoffeeGet beautiful “La Fayette, We are Here!” merchandise from TeePublic

On one side, the Catholic majority, unwavering in their devotion to Rome. On the other, the Huguenots, French Protestants inspired by the teachings of Jean Calvin. Caught in the crossfire of this religious divide was the monarchy, struggling to maintain order amidst growing tension. But their efforts often only fuelled the flames of conflict. And so, in 1562, the first shots were fired in what would become known as the French Wars of Religion. Over the next three decades, France would be engulfed in a series of bloody clashes between Catholics and Protestants, tearing the nation apart. Join us as we unravel the intricate tapestry of alliances, betrayals, and power struggles that defined this turbulent period. From the grand halls of royal palaces to the blood-soaked fields of battle, we'll bring to life the key events and personalities that shaped the destiny of France. Timecodes: Introduction 05:15 - From Strength to Chaos 17:34 - Instability and Crisis 27:24 - War, War, War! 33:53 - The Saint-Barthélemy Massacre 41:05 - The Eighth and Final War 47:55 - Henri IV - "Paris is well worth a Mass" 52:06 - Conclusion Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche. Artwork: "St. Bartholomew's Day massacre' by François Dubois (1572) Support the Show. Reach out, support the show and give me feedback! Contact me or follow the podcast on social mediaLeave a 5-star review on Apple PodcastsSpotifyBecome a patron on Patreon to support the showBuy me a CoffeeGet beautiful “La Fayette, We are Here!” merchandise from TeePublic

When we talk about Napoléon, we often talk about battles or politics, but we don't talk nearly enough about the man. Some dismiss him as a proto-Hitler, others adore him as they would a god. But few actually try to crack open the mysteries of the Napoleonic mind. Author Louis Sarkozy did just that, by studying Napoléon Bonaparte and his most important personal activity: his readings. Louis Sarkozy's upcoming book, Napoleon's Library, is both a fantastic character study and a thoroughly executed research on the emperor's reading habits. It informs us of the importance of his readings, as well as the evolution of his mind throughout the years. Louis and I had a fantastic discussion regarding Napoléon's character, achievements, failures and legacy. We also threw a few jabs at the 2023 movie by Ridley Scott. Timecodes: Introduction 04:13 - Napoléon's Readings 12:55 - From Words to Action 19:06 - From Thinker to Soldier 33:59 - Napoléon's Mythos & Legacy 52:11- Napoléon's Greatest Strengths and Weaknesses 01:01:28 - The 2023 Movie 01:08:11 - Conclusion Louis Sarkozy's Website: https://www.louissarkozy.org/ Louis Sarkozy's Profile on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/napsarkozy Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche. Artwork: Bonaparte, Premier consul, by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1804) Support the Show. Reach out, support the show and give me feedback! Contact me or follow the podcast on social mediaLeave a 5-star review on Apple PodcastsSpotifyBecome a patron on Patreon to support the showBuy me a CoffeeGet beautiful “La Fayette, We are Here!” merchandise from TeePublic

We often see history as a succession of dates, events, wars and political machinations. But we should not forget that history is also forged by culture and by art. Art reflects society's values and aspirations, but also helps create them and move people forward. It also elevates us and makes us better in many ways. Among the many art forms available to us, music is the one that transports us with the greatest strength. It surrounds us, lifts us and takes us to places we didn't know existed. Oh, literature and paintings can do that too, but music is special. It is unique as it can be savoured with our eyes closed. Let's meet Camille Saint-Saëns and France's music! Timecodes: Introduction 04:33 - A Young Prodigy 12:28 - The Remarkable Organist & Pianist 19:17 - World Famous Composer 32:13 - Conclusion Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche. Musical excerpts (in order): Finale - Carnival of the Animals, R. 125 Phaeton, Op. 39 Symphony #3 In C Minor, Op. 78, "Organ", 4th movement Danse Macabre, Op. 40 Symphony #3 In C Minor, Op. 78, "Organ", 1st movement The Swan - Carnival of the Animals, R. 125 Aviary - Carnival of the Animals, R. 125 Aquarium - Carnival of the Animals, R. 125 Pianists - Carnival of the Animals, R. 125 Royal march of the Lion - Carnival of the Animals, R. 125 Support the Show. Reach out, support the show and give me feedback! Contact me or follow the podcast on social mediaLeave a 5-star review on Apple PodcastsSpotifyBecome a patron on Patreon to support the showBuy me a CoffeeGet beautiful “La Fayette, We are Here!” merchandise from TeePublic

For France, the Great War is a serious and deep wound that she partially inflicted on herself. It is painful and has never fully healed. It is something personal, felt by all strata of the nation. From the humblest peasant to the richest industrialist, no layer of French society was spared in the great slaughter that the trenches were. The country itself still bears the scars of battles dating back nearly 110 years. Every city and village in France has a monument to the dead of the First World War, often with a staggering number of fallen soldiers considering the local population. And that's not counting the wounded, the mutilated, the traumatized. We are not going to go through dates and battles. We are not going to summarize four years of destructive conflict by analyzing every move and strategic decision. Others have done it many times, surely better than me. No, we will focus on the experience of the country of France during those dreadful years from 1914 to 1918. Timecodes: Introduction 05:18 - On The War Path 13:22 - The Poilus 26:51 - France at War 42:18 - Life after 1918 48:11 - Conclusion Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche. Artwork: Fête de L’Alsace-Lorraine le 17 novembre 1918. Les blessés défilent avenue des Champs-Elysées, Paris. Agence Rol, Public Domain (Gallica) Recommended link: Blueprint for Armageddon, Hardcore History podcast by Dan Carlin Support the Show. Reach out, support the show and give me feedback! Contact me or follow the podcast on social mediaLeave a 5-star review on Apple PodcastsSpotifyBecome a patron on Patreon to support the showBuy me a CoffeeGet beautiful “La Fayette, We are Here!” merchandise from TeePublic

In this unique episode, we engage in a conversation with Salina B. Baker, an accomplished author of historical fiction, who has received multiple awards for her work. Additionally, she is a historian specializing in the American Revolution and Victorian America. She has just released an outstanding novel titled "The Line of Splendor: A Novel of Nathanael Greene and the American Revolution." In our conversation, we delve into the intricate relationship between General Greene and his close French ally, the Marquis de La Fayette. This profound friendship holds significance not only for the two men but also for the broader context of the American Revolution, symbolizing the enduring and meaningful connection between France and the United States of America in various aspects. Timecodes: Introduction 03:01 - Meet Nathanael Greene 09:57 - Greene and La Fayette 20:40 - Working Together 27:39 - Fighting for the Cause 30:41 - Friends after the War 40:16 - Conclusion Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche. Artwork: "Nathanael Greene in General uniform" by Charles Willson Peale (left) and "The young Marquis de Lafayette wearing his uniform as Major General of the Continental Army" by Charles Willson Peale (right). Recommended link: Salina B. Baker's website (https://www.salinabbaker.com/) Support the Show. Reach out, support the show and give me feedback! Contact me or follow the podcast on social mediaLeave a 5-star review on Apple PodcastsSpotifyBecome a patron on Patreon to support the showBuy me a CoffeeGet beautiful “La Fayette, We are Here!” merchandise from TeePublic

Liberté, égalité, fraternité. This is the French Republic’s motto. Liberty and equality are also in the first article of the "Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen" of 1789. The French are very proud of that heritage, of France’s struggle during and after the Revolution. They think of their homeland as the cradle of liberty in Europe, as a welcoming and understanding land, ruled by reason and intellect, rather than by prejudice and bigotry. Sadly, those clear and healthy waters of freedom and justice often got muddied over the years. In the late nineteenth century, France was a wounded country. Her honour had been tarnished in 1870-71 and her population was deeply traumatized by the civil war that ensued. Fears of an enemy, and of traitors, was at an all time high. This very specific phase mixed with an element older than France herself: antisemitism. In 1894, captain Alfred Dreyfus would suffer greatly as a consequence of those elements. Although there are some saving graces, and some might even say a silver lining, this whole series of events really are France’s shame! Timecodes: Introduction 03:38 - La Belle Époque 08:48 - Alfred Dreyfus, Jewish French officer 14:28 - Dreyfus Arrested 21:17 - L'Affaire begins 26:07 - J'accuse...! 34:03 - The Rennes Trial 39:20 - Rehabilitation 44:10 - Conclusion Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche. Artwork: "The traitor: Degradation of Alfred Dreyfus, degradation in the Morland Court of the military school in Paris" front page of the illustrated supplement of the Petit Journal, Sunday, January 13, 1895. Recommended link: The Siècle podcast by David H. Montgomery, available at http://thesiecle.com/ Support the Show. Reach out, support the show and give me feedback! Contact me or follow the podcast on social mediaLeave a 5-star review on Apple PodcastsSpotifyBecome a patron on Patreon to support the showBuy me a CoffeeGet beautiful “La Fayette, We are Here!” merchandise from TeePublic

This particular conflict goes by multiple names and definitions. While it is globally recognized as the Seven Years' War, it is more commonly referred to in America as the French and Indian War, and in Canada as the War of Conquest. These wars are all interconnected and are part of a vast global struggle between the two superpowers of the mid-eighteenth century: France and Great Britain. Considered by many as the first true world war, it continues to reverberate even today. Join us as we embark on a historical journey, with Louis XV, Madame de Pompadour, the Marquis de Montcalm, and general Wolfe as our guides, to examine "the Great French Disaster." Timecodes: Introduction 04:18 - The Origins of Conflict 13:21 - From Frontier Struggle to Global War 22:12 - Downward Spiral 28:51 - The Great Disaster 37:46 - Conclusion Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche. Artwork: The death of the Marquis de Montcalm, by Juste Chevillet, National Gallery of Canada Recommended link: "The Life and Times of Frederick the Great" podcast by Alec Avdakov Support the Show. Reach out, support the show and give me feedback! Contact me or follow the podcast on social mediaLeave a 5-star review on Apple PodcastsSpotifyBecome a patron on Patreon to support the showBuy me a CoffeeGet beautiful “La Fayette, We are Here!” merchandise from TeePublic

King Louis XIII and the Cardinal de Richelieu. These two men are quite important and deserve to be better known. The Cardinal is probably the most known of the two, because of his policies, wars and his long lasting impact on French institutions and Europe's destiny. Louis XIII is often perceived as the weaker of the two, the king who merely signed his minister's recommendation. But history is never quite that straightforward, that easy. It is under these men that France will become an absolute monarchy and will begin her rise as Europe's dominant power. Louis XIII's son, Louis XIV will complete his father's work and become Europe's most powerful monarch. Join me as I discuss the Just king and the famed red eminence, France's dynamic duo! Timecodes: Introduction 04:13 - Bloodied France 09:47 - The Red Eminence 13:48 - The Phoenix Rises 19:56 - The Great Partnership 26:28 - A Reinforced Kingdom 33:40 - France and the World 38:31 - Conclusion Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche. Artwork: Louis XIII in coronation costume and Portrait of Cardinal Richelieu. Both by Philippe de Champaigne. Support the Show. Reach out, support the show and give me feedback! Contact me or follow the podcast on social mediaLeave a 5-star review on Apple PodcastsSpotifyBecome a patron on Patreon to support the showBuy me a CoffeeGet beautiful “La Fayette, We are Here!” merchandise from TeePublic

The Nouvelle France (New France) is the French colonization of North America. And by this I mean North America, not just Canada. Over a couple of centuries, the French established settlements all over North America, especially along the St-Lawrence and Mississippi River but also in Nova Scotia, Florida, Louisiana and more. New France basically existed from the first adventures of Jacques Cartier in 1534 to the end of the Seven Years' War in 1763 and the signature of the treaty of Paris, that saw France lose most of its American possessions. It is a remarkable, violent, tragic and perennial story. Embark with me on this grand adventure! Timecodes: Introduction 06:03 - Adventure and Discovery in America 13:27 - The First French Settlers 21:09 - Expansion Along the Rivers 26:53 - War and Peace 35:25 - New France Peaks 44:07 - New France Dies 53:26 - The Following Years 57:42 - Conclusion Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche. Artwork: L'expédition de Cavelier de la Salle pour la Louisiane, 1684, by Théodore Gudin (1844). (Grand Palais, Château de Versailles). Support the Show. Reach out, support the show and give me feedback! Contact me or follow the podcast on social mediaLeave a 5-star review on Apple PodcastsSpotifyBecome a patron on Patreon to support the showBuy me a CoffeeGet beautiful “La Fayette, We are Here!” merchandise from TeePublic

We delve into the life and reign of King François I (Francis the First), who ruled France from 1515 to 1547. Despite facing significant challenges and experiencing notable failures during his rule, François I remains one of the most renowned French monarchs. He is particularly associated with the Renaissance in France and has left a lasting legacy, particularly in the fields of arts and sciences. He's also responsible for the establishment of New France by sending Jacques Cartier across the Atlantic. Join me for one of the most extraordinary adventures of the Sixteenth century! Timecodes: Introduction 03:55- An Unexpected King 09:02- A Young and Ambitious King 16:50- A Builder King 26:24- A Torn King 32:33- An Old King 36:25- Conclusion Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche. Artwork: François Ier around 1530 by Jean Clouet (Louvre Museum). Support the Show. Reach out, support the show and give me feedback! Contact me or follow the podcast on social mediaLeave a 5-star review on Apple PodcastsSpotifyBecome a patron on Patreon to support the showBuy me a CoffeeGet beautiful “La Fayette, We are Here!” merchandise from TeePublic

In this special episode, I am joined by Sean J. McLaughlin, historian specialized on the relationship between Charles de Gaulle and John Fitzgerald Kennedy. He is the author of JFK and de Gaulle: How America and France Failed in Vietnam, 1961-1963 (University Press of Kentucky, 2019). Together, we discuss the complex but utterly fascinating relationship between France and America in the post-WWII world, especially in Southeast Asia. France and America, two Allies with very different perspectives, had a rough time discussing the situation in Vietnam in the 1950's and 1960's. Add to that the personalities of key characters like de Gaulle and Kennedy, and you end up with a fascinating, if sad, story. Join us for this great discussion! Find Sean's books at the University Press of Kentucky Timecodes: Introduction 02:35- France's Place at the Outcome of WWII 10:23- De Gaulle's Relationship with America 21:21- John F. Kennedy, France and Vietnam 45:50- Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon and France 54:52- France's International Role Since the Vietnam War 59:24- France and America's Relationship Now 1:01:55- Conclusion Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche. Photo: De Gaulle and JFK in Paris, 1961. John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library, Boston Support the Show. Reach out, support the show and give me feedback! Contact me or follow the podcast on social mediaLeave a 5-star review on Apple PodcastsSpotifyBecome a patron on Patreon to support the showBuy me a CoffeeGet beautiful “La Fayette, We are Here!” merchandise from TeePublic

"The pearl of the Empire", that's how the French described their colony of Indochina, comprised of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. They took over control in the nineteenth century, exploited the place for decades, and finally got kicked out in 1954-55. It is a story of violence and exploitation. Of colonization and war. Of exchanges and legacies. And sometimes, of beauty. A story also rarely told in France, as the French aren't proud of what they did there. Let’s find out more about French Indochina; from Imperial Jewel, to Hell on Earth. Timecodes: Introduction 03:23- The Second French Colonial Empire 08:26- The Establishment of French Indochina 16:43- A Colony of Exploitation 21:58- Bloody Greed 25:52- World War II and the Vietnamese Emancipation 30:07- The Indochina War 42:43- Conclusion Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche. Art: Poster for tourism in French Indochina drawn by J. Lhuissier, circa 1920. Support the Show. Reach out, support the show and give me feedback! Contact me or follow the podcast on social mediaLeave a 5-star review on Apple PodcastsSpotifyBecome a patron on Patreon to support the showBuy me a CoffeeGet beautiful “La Fayette, We are Here!” merchandise from TeePublic

In this very special episode, I am joined by a coalition of Napoleonic experts to discuss this fascinating period of history and its legacy. We cover Napoléon's personality, some campaigns, the roles of his marshals, the era's lasting impact, as well as a variety of other topics. A truly interesting and enjoyable discussion. My guests are: Dr. Zack White, historian, battlefield guide, host of "The Napoleonic Wars Podcast", Chair of the Napoleonic & Revolutionary War Graves Charity. (Twitter: @ZwhiteHistory), from the United Kingdom. Marcus Cribb, podcaster, battlefield guide, blogger & author in progress on Duke of Wellington & the Peninsular War Heritage Manager, former Manager of Apsley House & a founding trustee of Napoleonic & Revolutionary War Graves Charity. (Twitter: @mcribbHistory), from the United Kingdom. Philipp Wagenknecht, historian and teacher specialist of Prussia and the German States from 1740 to 1815. (Twitter: @PertinaxS), from Germany. John Viscardo, host of the "Generals and Napoleon Podcast". (Twitter: @AndNapoleon), from the United States of America. If you haven't already done so, I recommend that you listen to our two episodes on Napoléon. Listen to Part I and to Part II. Timecodes: Guests Introductions 06:00- Our Favourite Napoleonic Subjects 1:02:32- Napoléon’s lasting influence & Legacy 1:25:38- Uchronia: Napoléon Wins Waterloo. What happens next? 1:52:00- Open Discussion 2:08:42- Conclusion & Goodbyes Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche. Art: Statue of Napoléon by French sculptor Pierre Stenne, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France. (photo by Sarah Meyssonnier/Reuters) Support the Show. Reach out, support the show and give me feedback! Contact me or follow the podcast on social mediaLeave a 5-star review on Apple PodcastsSpotifyBecome a patron on Patreon to support the showBuy me a CoffeeGet beautiful “La Fayette, We are Here!” merchandise from TeePublic

Charles de Gaulle, the famous general who led the French Resistance during the Second World war before becoming President and the father of the current French political system: the Fifth Republic. De Gaulle is a very, very complicated man. You will often read in the same paragraph that he was ultra-conservative, but that he was a troublemaker and favoured change. If anything, de Gaulle proves that great leaders are rarely black or white, but often many shades of grey. I shall offer you here, an overview of his character and what he did. Hopefully, this will help you understand Le Grand Charles a bit better. Timecodes: Introduction 03:32- The Great Asparagus 08:10- The First World War 14:33- France's Collapse 19:50- The Leader of the Résistance 31:12- The Fall of the French Empire 36:06- De Gaulle President 45:10- May 1968 and the Fall of de Gaulle 47:54- Conclusion Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche. Art: Charles de Gaulle broadcasting from the BBC studios in London, June 1940 Support the Show. Reach out, support the show and give me feedback! Contact me or follow the podcast on social mediaLeave a 5-star review on Apple PodcastsSpotifyBecome a patron on Patreon to support the showBuy me a CoffeeGet beautiful “La Fayette, We are Here!” merchandise from TeePublic

The Fall of France of 1940, the famous military campaign that saw France being conquered by the German army in a few weeks. This subject is one of the most misinterpreted military events in history. Reading online, you’d believe that the French went to war with sticks to fight German Panzers, or that they fled at the first sign of enemy artillery. While it is perfectly true that the French army was defeated by the German in a short amount of time, the reasons for this are worth exploring and not just on the military level. Join me as I dig into the deep roots of the French defeat of 1940. Timecodes: Introduction 06:10- Prelude to a Defeat 13:25- The Phoney War 19:17- The Great Offensive 28:02- The Final Collapse 36:30 - Conclusion Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche. Art: Adolf Hitler visits Paris with architect Albert Speer (left) and artist Arno Breker (right), June 23, 1940. Support the Show. Reach out, support the show and give me feedback! Contact me or follow the podcast on social mediaLeave a 5-star review on Apple PodcastsSpotifyBecome a patron on Patreon to support the showBuy me a CoffeeGet beautiful “La Fayette, We are Here!” merchandise from TeePublic

December 2nd 1804, Napoléon Bonaparte is crowned Emperor of the French. Over the next decade, he will keep reforming and modernizing France, but he will also fight the rest of Europe. He will become master of the continent, defeating all his enemies on land, only to go too far and to see Europe strike back at him and at France. This is the second part of Napoléon's great adventure. If you haven't already done so, I encourage you to listen to the first part as well as to my episode on the French Revolution. Let us follow Napoléon and the Grande Armée on the battlefields of Germany, Poland, Russia, Spain and France. And then we will land on a tiny island, on the middle of the Atlantic. The Napoleonic adventure is one of strong contrasts, as you shall see. Timecodes: Introduction 04:20 - From Consul to Emperor 12:40 - The First French Empire and the Grande Armée 24:04 - The Fourth Coalition War and the Continental System 31:48 - The Peninsular War and the Fifth Coalition 44:02 - The Beginning of the Downfall: Russia 50:50 - Europe Strikes Back 1:00:00 - The Exile on Saint Helena 1:03:23 - Conclusion Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche. Art: 1814, Campagne de France, by Ernest Meissonier Support the Show. Reach out, support the show and give me feedback! Contact me or follow the podcast on social mediaLeave a 5-star review on Apple PodcastsSpotifyBecome a patron on Patreon to support the showBuy me a CoffeeGet beautiful “La Fayette, We are Here!” merchandise from TeePublic

Napoléon Bonaparte doesn't really need an introduction. He's the most famous Frenchman ever. He's had more books written about him than any other person, except for Jesus Christ. This French general and emperor shook France, Europe and the world at the turn of the nineteenth century. He is also a polarizing figure. Enlightened ruler, or tyrannic dictator? In this episode, we will explore the fantastic story that led him from humble origins in Corsica to being the focus of all of Europe's monarchs and armies. Note: I strongly encourage you to listen to my previous episode on the French Revolution. You might miss a bit in the years of 1789 to 1799 if you are not aware of some facts that I talked about then. Timecodes: Introduction 06:10 - Humble beginnings 14:36 - From promising officer to superstar General 20:12 - Joséphine and the Italian Campaign 29:48 - The Egyptian Legend 42:36 - Napoléon takes over France 53:51 - Conclusion Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche. Art: Bonaparte devant le Sphinx by Jean-Léon Gérôme, 1867-1868 Support the Show. Reach out, support the show and give me feedback! Contact me or follow the podcast on social mediaLeave a 5-star review on Apple PodcastsSpotifyBecome a patron on Patreon to support the showBuy me a CoffeeGet beautiful “La Fayette, We are Here!” merchandise from TeePublic

The French Revolution shook the world from 1789 to 1799 and completely transformed modern European societies. By ricochet, it transformed the whole world. It was a real political tsunami, with immediate and long term consequences. With the following Napoleonic wars, it shaped the Nineteenth century in a way that nobody could foresee only a generation before. There are many misconceptions about the French Revolution, like the idea that a mob captured the king and guillotined him right away. It's not at all what happened. It's a lot more complicated than that. Hopefully you will find this episode palatable and a good entry into the fascinating events of the Révolution. For those who want to know more, I highly recommend that you listen to "Grey History: The French Revolution & Napoleon" by William Clark. Timecodes: Introduction 06:53 - The Origins of the Révolution 17:25 - Adieu, Old Regime! 26:48 - Working with Louis XVI 36:15 - The French Republic 41:37 - The Terreur 48:16 - The Directoire 53:58 - The Consulat 57:57 - Conclusion Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche. Art: Prise de la Bastille by Jean-Pierre Houël, 1789 Support the Show. Reach out, support the show and give me feedback! Contact me or follow the podcast on social mediaLeave a 5-star review on Apple PodcastsSpotifyBecome a patron on Patreon to support the showBuy me a CoffeeGet beautiful “La Fayette, We are Here!” merchandise from TeePublic

Of the millions of people who are born every year during the Middle Ages, an extremely small number are what we call “blue bloods”, members of the nobility. Out of that already small number, a little percentage can be called “royalty”. Someone who manages to be a monarch not only for one country but for two countries, two adversaries, that is more than rare, that’s unique. Today, we have the chance of meeting such a woman. Duchess of Aquitaine, Queen of France and Queen of England. I give you: Aliénor d’Aquitaine (Eleanor of Aquitaine). Timecodes: Introduction 04:19 - Aquitaine, a Country within a Kingdom 07:53 - Aliénor, Remarkable Young Woman 12:16 - Queen of France 20:18 - The Failed Crusade 25:12 - Queen of England 30:15 - The Widow 32:53 - Conclusion Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche. Art: Aliénor d'Aquitaine by Frederick Sandys, 1858 Support the Show. Reach out, support the show and give me feedback! Contact me or follow the podcast on social mediaLeave a 5-star review on Apple PodcastsSpotifyBecome a patron on Patreon to support the showBuy me a CoffeeGet beautiful “La Fayette, We are Here!” merchandise from TeePublic