What If The French Monarchy Stayed In Controlled After The French Revolutionary Wars
Jan 27, 2020
auto_awesome
Gary Girod, host of The French History Podcast, joins the show to discuss the hypothetical scenario of the French monarchy staying in control after the French Revolutionary Wars. They explore the potential impact on Europe, including the fate of Napoleon and North America. They also delve into the influence of the French Revolution on America, the War of 1812, and the issue of slavery. The chapter concludes by speculating on the consequences for Europe in the 1800s if the French Revolution had failed.
If the French monarchy had remained in power after the French Revolutionary Wars, it would likely be due to a religious opposition to the Parisian government led by lawyers and Enlightenment thinkers, resulting in a profound division in France's political and social landscape.
Without Napoleon becoming a prominent figure, Britain would emerge as the dominant power in Europe, alongside the Habsburgs, Prussia, and Russia, while the Ottoman Empire would still face opposition from Austria and Russia.
Deep dives
The Impact of the French Revolution on France and North America
The podcast episode explores the scenario of what would have happened if the French monarchy had stayed in control after the French Revolutionary Wars. It discusses the economic and social factors that led to the revolution, such as France's involvement in the American War for Independence and the Enlightenment ideals conflicting with the absolute monarchy. The episode envisions a parallel timeline where the French monarchy survives and explores the implications for France's culture, economy, and political system. It also highlights the potential impact on North America, including the United States' position on slavery, the War of 1812, and the potential conflict with Britain over the slave trade. The episode concludes by discussing how the French Revolution and its aftermath would shape Europe and its power dynamics, with France becoming a maritime empire and Britain emerging as the dominant power.
The Role of Religion in Preserving the French Monarchy
The podcast episode suggests that if the French monarchy had remained in power after the French Revolutionary Wars, it would likely be due to a religious opposition to the Parisian government led by lawyers and Enlightenment thinkers. The episode envisions a scenario where Marie Antoinette and young Louis XVII attempt to escape but are caught and seek refuge in Notre Dame de Paris. This leads to a confrontation between an angry mob and priests, causing a profound division in France. The episode explores how this religious conflict could have given the monarchy a chance to regain control and the implications it would have for France's political and social landscape.
The Impact on Europe without Napoleon's Rise to Power
The podcast episode speculates on the consequences of a French monarchy staying in control after the French Revolution, leading to a different outcome for Napoleon's rise to power. It proposes that without Napoleon becoming a prominent figure, Britain would emerge as the dominant power in Europe, alongside the Habsburgs, Prussia, and Russia. The Ottoman Empire's power would likely remain significant but face stronger opposition from Austria and Russia. The episode also examines the potential effects on the War of 1812 and the United States' relationship with France, Britain, and the issue of slavery.
France's Presence in North America and the Impact on the United States
The podcast episode explores the hypothetical scenario where France maintains its presence in North America after the French Revolution, including control over Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas. It suggests that France would struggle with the issue of slavery, leading to tensions with Britain and the United States who are moving towards abolition. The episode envisions a potential conflict between France and the United States over the blockade of Africa to suppress the slave trade. It also foresees the potential for a successful revolution in France that overthrows the monarchy, leading to a shifting dynamic between France and the United States in terms of political and cultural relations.
What If the french monarchy stayed in controlled after the french revolutionary wars? How would Europe look? Does Napoleon ever come into power? If not, how does this change Europe? How would this impact America? Does the Louisiana Purchase happen? The Doctor Phillip Reese is joined by Gary Girod, host of The French History Podcast, to discuss this what if event.
About Gary - Gary Girod is the creator and host of the French History Podcast, a podcast that traces the history of France from 3 million years ago to present. He is a Ph.D candidate at the University of Houston who recently had an article published in Labor History, one of the top journals in the world for working-class studies. He is also a fiction author with his debut novel 'The Maiden Voyage of New York City' coming out this May.
