In early 1793, the newly formed French Republic struggles to ascertain itself. It had just guillotined former king Louis XVI and brought on itself the wrath of the whole continent. Let’s see what the years following the regicide brought on France! #thread #history #France The Republic faces many enemies from without but also from within. The main example of that is the War in the Vendée. Vendée is on the French Atlantic coast, just below the Loire river. Long story short, its population and leaders revolted against the "levée en masse".

#OTD in 1788, foundation of the “Société des amis des Noirs” or “Society of Blacks’ Friends”, a French society aiming at establishing legal equality between white and black men and to abolish slavery. It was founded by Brissot, Clavière and the abbot Grégoire. #BlackHistoryMonth The society will see many prominent Frenchmen join its ranks in the following years, including La Fayette, Mirabeau, or Condorcet. Olympe de Gouges was also working to abolish slavery but could not join the society because of its fee and internal rules she disagreed with.

#OTD in 1710, birth of Louis XIV’s great-grandson and future Louis XV at Versailles. He inherited from his predecessor to most powerful kingdom in Europe, but also heavy debts. He also faced troubled times and didn’t always respond well. #thread #history #france Louis XV wasn’t very decisive and faced strong opposition from part of the nobility. He also received criticism for his lavish lifestyle and his extramarital relationships, especially with Madame de Pompadour. These were common, but he granted her too much power for some’s taste.

Last time, we left Louis XVI in the hands of the revolutionaries. They still want to establish a constitutional monarchy. But events and decisions will change that over the next few years, as we will see. And it’ll cost the king his throne and life. #thread #history #revolution For many people in France, one big problem still loomed over: hunger. People were starving and some revolutionaries took advantage of it, making sure that the king and the nobility were the target of the anger caused by the famine. On October 5th 1789, a riot of women arrives…

Let’s dive into the origins of one of the defining events of modern history: the French Revolution. The Revolution encompasses the period of 1789 to 1799, but has roots that go way before that. Listen to our latest episode for all the information. For the short version: #thread👇 There is a before and after the Révolution for France, Europe and the World. It was a real political tsunami, with immediate and long term consequences. With the following Napoleonic wars, it shaped the 19th century in a way that nobody could foresee only a generation before.

Let’s dig into the conclusion of the Hundred Years’ War. The final events and battles that led to the end of that extraordinary conflict between France and England. Get ready for a nice #thread 🧵 👇 #history #medieval
You can listen to the episode here: lafayettepodcast.com/1969630/114014… After Jeanne D’Arc’s intervention and Charles VII’s crowning, the English keep suffering defeat after defeat. Henri VI tries to legitimize his claim to the French throne by being crowned king of France in December 1431 in Paris, but it doesn't help his cause.

Azincourt in 1415 was an ultimate low point for the French Crown and military. Following it, the English conquered more and more territory in France. What or who could stop them? Read this thread or listen to our episode to learn more! #Thread #podcast lafayettepodcast.com/1969630/114014… Following the debacle at Azincourt, the French nobles panic. They contact the Holy Roman Emperor, Sigismund to mediate a peace with England. However, Sigismund decides instead to ally himself with Henry.

#OTD in 1759, the French navy suffers a heavy defeat at the hands of the Royal Navy during the battle of Quiberon Bay, known as the “bataille des Cardinaux” in French. It’s one of the decisive moments of the Seven Years’ War. 🧵 #thread The French had planned an invasion of Britain. They had amassed over 17,000 soldiers in Morbihan (Brittany). But they need to get to England and face a blocus headed by Admiral Hawke. The French admiral, de Conflans, isn’t has fast-thinking and clever as his opponent.

Last time, we explored the origins of the Hundred Years’ War. Let’s now have a look at the first phase of the conflict, where France suffered terrible defeats on land and sea and was struck by the Black Death! #Thread 🧵 Any bookmaker would have favoured France. The country is richer and way more populous, about 15 millions inhabitants against 4 millions in England. It also has an old and powerful army. The French knights, descendants of the Frankish heritage, are dreaded by their enemies.

The Hundred Years' War is a remarkably complex conflict, or series of conflicts actually. Actually spanning over 116 years, from 1337 to 1453, it will confuse even knowledgeable people. To better understand it, let’s dive into its context and origins. #THREAD The rivalry between France and England is notorious and can actually be dated precisely: 1066. The Normans defeated the Anglo-Saxon army at the battle of Hastings and became the rulers of England. The Duke of Normandy, Guillaume le Conquérant, was now king of England.

Charlemagne is considered a great leader by many historians and was seen as such by his contemporaries. He certainly is the most influential figure of the early Middle Ages in Western Europe. Let's talk about him and his accomplishments, shall we? Long #Thread #medieval #History By the VIIth century, the Franks had authority over most of what we now call France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland as well as Western Germany. They had conquered this territory in the course of two centuries under the rule of a dynasty known as the Merovingians.

How about a nice anecdote about WWII today? I think you’ll find it interesting. It sounds incredible, but believe me, it’s entirely true. It’s about a French POW who managed to escape while marching to his camp in Germany. #thread #WWII As I’ve mentioned before, both my grandfathers fought in the war. During the 1940 campaign, my paternal grandfather, Fred, was captured by the Germans. Along with thousands of other guys. Then, they started walking to their camp in Germany. Oflag XIII, close to Nürnberg.

Thread 1/3. Probably the most famous French monarch, Louis XIV left a deep mark on France and Europe. Over his 72-years reign, from 1643 to 1715, he accomplished many things. This is the first of three threads over 3 days. #Thread 🧵
Episode available on: lafayettepodcast.com/1969630/108864… If you were to ask anyone on the street of Paris, or any other French city "who was the greatest French monarch?", I think the vast majority would answer Louis XIV. Let's find out why he let such a lasting impression.

This podcast is named after the famous Marquis de La Fayette. He is known as the "hero of two worlds" and was a key figure in America during the War of Independence, as well as in France during the Revolution, the napoleonic era and after. Let’s discuss this unique man. #Thread On July 4th, 1917, US Army colonel Charles Egbert Stanton made a speech, at the Picpus cemetery in France, where the Marquis de La Fayette is buried. America had recently joined the Allied cause in WWI, alongside France and Great Britain.

The Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71 is the true rehearsal for the World Wars. Industrial warfare enters a new age of violence with casualties pulling up to an unseen level. Let’s explore this a bit more, shall we? (Thread) Happening just a few years after the American Civil war, it was far deadlier. The American Civil War costs 600,000 dead in 48 months. This is by far the most American losses in any conflict. The US will suffer 116000 dead in WWI and over. 400000 in WWII.

I’d like to clarify something regarding my recent focus on France’s medieval history. A listener asked me how relevant it was for American listeners, who are the main focus of this show, albeit not an exclusive one.
I think it’s relevant for a number of reasons. Here goes: 🧵 First, it helps understand how France was built as a kingdom and as a nation. This didn’t happen overnight. The Middle Ages are key to understand France’s evolution and political system.
Second, the many conflicts France had during this period matter to this day.