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
Dec 25, 2025 • 31min
Episode 504: The Revolution of 1800
We catch up on the fledgling United States. George Washington becomes the first President of the United States (obviously...) and then the Election of 1800 secures the first peaceful transition of power in American history. Well, peaceful unless your name is Alexander Hamilton or Aaron Burr, that is...Western Civ Podcast 2.0 Free Trial
Dec 24, 2025 • 25min
Episode 503: The End of the Revolution
Napoleon Bonaparte becomes First Consul in what will be, thankfully, our final coup of the French Revolution. Western Civ 2.0
Dec 21, 2025 • 46min
A Brief History of Financial Bubbles
In this engaging discussion, Aman Verjee, a seasoned lawyer and economist with a background at Lehman Brothers and PayPal, delves into financial bubbles. He highlights the warning signs before the 2008 crisis and critiques government policies that exacerbated subprime lending. Verjee examines historical bubbles, including the tulip mania and the tech boom, arguing that some, like the dotcom bubble, ultimately spurred innovation. The conversation turns to AI, assessing its potential and drawing parallels with past telecom bubbles, while advocating for a proactive approach to education and job displacement.
Dec 19, 2025 • 34min
Episode 502: To Egypt
Napoleon and Talleyrand move the French armies to the east to pressure Britain and the Directory starts to run out of steam.Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial
Dec 12, 2025 • 22min
Episode 501: Napoleon's Northern Italian Campaign
The French Revolution begins to end with the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial
Dec 9, 2025 • 27min
Episode 500: A Whiff of Grapeshot
It is about time to introduce the man who will change it all: Napoleon Bonaparte.Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial
Dec 8, 2025 • 18min
Episode 499: The Rise of Louverture
Toussaint Louverture changes the situation in Haiti from a rebellion to a full-on revolution.Support Western Civ
Dec 5, 2025 • 44min
Episode 498: The Terror
Maximilien Robespierre leads France into the maw of violence and blood. His death ends this period of the French Revolution.Western Civ 2.0 Support
Nov 29, 2025 • 18min
Episode 497: The Terror Begins
France sleepwalks into one of the vicious periods of the French Revolution as the countryside erupts in revolt.Western Civ Podcast 2.0 Support
Nov 28, 2025 • 24min
Episode 496: The Trial of Louis XVI
The trial of Louis XVI ends with the last Bourbon monarch being led to the guillotine. The reaction of the rest of Europe is not good. Hence, the War of the First Coalition.Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial
