French Revolution & Napoleon (Grey History)

1.11 The Parisian Powder Keg

Dec 14, 2019

Paris runs wild as Necker is dismissed and a counter-revolutionary coup is commenced. Hunger, freedom of the press, and rumors of conspiracy fuel the willingness to revolt. Various social classes protect themselves against enemies. The Storming of the Bastille shapes the French Revolution. The Palais Royale becomes a hotbed of resistance. Young orator inspires action and unity with green cockades. The Great Revolt begins with Demolar's impassioned speech for freedom. Chaotic scenes of pillaging and violence in Paris during the Revolution.

47:15

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Quick takeaways

The high price of bread, radicalization of the press, and rumoured conspiracy were key factors that led to the Parisian revolt.

The storming of the Bastille symbolized the power of the people and marked a turning point in the French Revolution.

Deep dives

The Parisian Powder Keg

Paris on the eve of its most famous revolt was a city gripped by hunger, energized by radical press, and fearful of a rumored coup d'état. The main ingredients that led to the revolt were the high price of bread, radicalization of the press, and the belief in a royal conspiracy. The scarcity of bread and the associated impact on household economics had been destabilizing the nation. The radicalized press spread conspiracy theories about the nobility hoarding grain and actively conspiring against the people. The fear of a royal coup was heightened by troops arriving from the frontiers, perception of NECA's dismissal as the first stage of the conspiracy, and rumors of troops set to massacre the people of Paris.

Introduction

3min

The Bread Crisis and Political Unrest

26min

The Palais Royale: A Hotbed of Resistance

4min

A Young Orator Inspires Action and Unity

2min

The Parisian Powder Keg and the Great Revolt

3min

Chaotic Scenes in Paris: Pillaging and Violence during the French Revolution

10min

Necker is dismissed and Paris runs wild. As a counter-revolutionary coup is commenced by the King, chaos erupts in the capital. This episode examines how the effects of hunger, freedom of the press, and rumoured conspiracy impacted Paris’ willingness to revolt. It also explores the actions undertaken by various social classes within the city to protect themselves against numerous enemies (counter-revolutionary or otherwise).

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About

Grey History: The French Revolution and Napoleon is a podcast dedicated to exploring the complexities of our history. By examining both the experiences of contemporaries and the conclusions of historians, Grey History seeks to unpack the ambiguities and nuances of the past. Understanding the French Revolution and the age of Napoleon is critical to understanding the history of the world, so join us on a journey through a series of events that would be almost unbelievable if it weren't for the fact that it's true! If you're looking for a binge-worthy history podcast on the Revolution and Napoleon, you're in the right place! Likewise, if you like Revolutions podcasts, you'll love this journey on the French Revolution and Napoleon.

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