Frank Cogliano, a Professor of American History, Kathleen Burk, a Professor Emerita specializing in modern history, and Michael Rapport, an expert in European history, dive deep into the transformative 1778 Franco-American alliance. They discuss France's motivation for supporting the American Revolution and its subsequent financial strains that fueled the French Revolution. The conversation also touches on America's tricky diplomacy amidst renewed Franco-British conflict, the influence of Benjamin Franklin, and the evolving dynamics surrounding slavery and revolutionary fervor.

Join experts Janet Hartley, Michael Rowe, and Michael Rapport as they dissect the chaos of Napoleon's 1812 campaign in Russia. Hartley unveils the complexities of Napoleon's motivations and miscalculations, while Rowe emphasizes the brutal winter conditions and significant casualties during the fateful retreat. Rapport explores the impact of conscription on military manpower and the shifting perception of Napoleon in Europe. Together, they reveal how this catastrophic retreat reshaped alliances and transformed the narrative surrounding one of history's most controversial leaders.