

Western Civ
Adam Walsh
A fast-moving history of the western world from the ancient world to the present day. Examine how the emergence of the western world as a global dominant power was not something that should ever have been taken for granted. This podcast traces the development of western civilization starting in the ancient Near East, through Greece and Rome, past the collapse of the Western Roman Empire into the Dark Ages, and then follows European and, ultimately, American history as the western world moved into a dominant world position.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 6, 2025 • 25min
Episode 466: The English Civil War (Part Three)
Charles II becomes the only king in English history to be executed by the state.Western Civ 2.0

Aug 5, 2025 • 26min
Episode 465: The English Civil War (Part Two)
Charles' inability to raise men and capital finally dooms his cause and he surrenders to the Scottish army rather than fall into the hands of Parliament. Western Civ 2.0

Aug 4, 2025 • 22min
Episode 464: The English Civil War (Part One)
The King begins the war with a run of successes. Arguably, Charles squanders them.Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial

Aug 3, 2025 • 25min
Episode 463: The War Begins
For the first time terms Cavalier and Roundhead come into the vernacular. Charles decides the time for negotiation is over. And the English Civil War begins.Join Western Civ 2.0 for More Content!

Aug 2, 2025 • 24min
Episode 462: Brave New World
Charles begins to rule without his key advisor. It doesn't go well...Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial

Aug 1, 2025 • 31min
Episode 461: The Fall of the Earl
The first casualty of the English Civil War could be said to be the Earl of Strafford. Western Civ 2.0

Jul 28, 2025 • 27min
Episode 460: The Bishops War
The dam finally breaks in Scotland where discontent over Charles' religious policies ends his period of personal rule.Support the Show!

Jul 25, 2025 • 29min
Episode 459: Personal Rule
Charles continues his period of personal rule. He successfully demands ship money from England, but unsuccessfully tries to rein in the Scottish church.Western Civ 2.0

Jul 23, 2025 • 25min
Episode 458: Charles Alone
After the death of Buckingham, Charles I would begin a period of personal rule that would last just over a decade. Western Civ 2.0

Jul 18, 2025 • 35min
Episode 457: The Death of the Duke
After two more military debacles, the Duke of Buckingham is ingloriously assassinated, leaving Charles alone.Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial