The French Revolution | Part 3 | The Violence Begins

[@restishistorypod]

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[@1shaneson]

N.

[@Sirharryflash82]

People that claim that history is boring and dull, should listen to these two.

[@austinquick6285]

There level of enthusiasm gives me as much angst and anticipation as any HBO series could endeavor

[@tedtalksrock]

I just described this podcast to my husband as “Top Gear, but for History!” 😂❤

[@austinquick6285]

@@tedtalksrock that’s crazy. I did too. Except my father.

[@reborninflames2188]

From an excellent chapter I read, there were 14 identifiable causes of the French Rev, 12 of them "invisible" - i.e. no one could see them coming (so only 2 red flags out of 14 were seen). This is why so many revolutions catch people off-guard. I posted it on my blogsite: invictuspopuli.wordpress.com/2024/06/24/the-french-revolution-an-overview-of-societal-psychological-factors/

[@juanfrancodilorenzo2016]

those people are dumb

[@rosysulla]

Finding this channel feels like finding treasure.

[@punjabeeplaya]

This is how history should be taught in schools. Interactive stories told by people who are thoroughly interested and engaging

[@purewaterlillyYT]

8:25 law and morality is actually very simple- people love to complicate matters

[@Merdle]

It is such a pleasure to watch the hosts spark off each other.

[@Stashley78]

So glad they showed Tom laughing when Dom made that crack about us tax-dodging Americans. 😄

[@GUSCRAWF0RD]

They’re gonna make out next episode the sexual tension is killing me

[@DesignedInNola]

always a pleasure to watch englishmen discuss anything really

[@lorenzo6mm]

All right. IMHO. I Read, "Citizens". The most important IDEA and Word the French Revolution produced Is..."DEMOCIDE....." By definition, " the murder of fellow Citizens in PEACETIME......by It's own Government and Citizens." This FACT has been lost in the 20th Century LEFT WING IDEOLOGY. of Western Civilization. DEMOCIDE makes all Genocide. PALE. The 20 TH CENTURY Marxist revolutions of the WORLD.. saw over 100 MILLION human beings Systematically murdered in. PEACETIME by fellow Marxist/ Socialist Citizens by Forced labor, starvation and most Importantly.....starvation. That the E.C.H.R. and the UNITED NATIONS have NOT brought this FACT before a World Court Similar to the Nuremberg TRIAL of NAZI GERMANY crimes is THE BIGGEST IMMORAL STAIN ON ACADEMIA AND HISTORIANS IN ALL OF HUMAN HISTORY. The Central Fact is that 20 Century FASCISM began as a REACTION to 19th Century Marxist IDEOLOGY and all it's attendant psychopathic adherents and Revisionist historians apologizing For MASS MURDER the time honored Old Fashioned way: Barbarism. Intellectual Academic BARBARISM. THE ULTIMATE BANALITY IF EVIL. See, "The White Pill," M. Malice.

[@arnaud.lancelot]

well said 👍💪

[@us-Bahn]

Such fun to listen to. And realize how we are fighting exactly the same battles today in slightly different garb.

[@mintybadger6905]

This is the first time I’ve approached the subject of the French Revolution and found myself paying attention and actually feel like I’m understanding all the nuances.

[@curtismartell7959]

My favorite podcast! I could listen to British people talk about history all day.

[@newtexan1]

Why? They got it ALL WRONG! England is NOT a free country.

[@ThisVids4U-c2w]

Find David Starkey too then! He's very English and eccentric with it, fascinating fella.

[@maddoglep2127]

Just found the channel. Got a history A level 50 years ago. Seem to remember covering this subject and answering a question on causes of the revolution. Despite a grade A I doubt my answer was 5% as good as listening to these two.

[@kevins6764]

Hands down best history channel on youtube. Depth of knowledge expounded with drama and charisma underscored with common sense and humour. More of the funny voices would be welcome too.

[@Addictedtoyoutube9]

the problem with history by subjects is they can not be accurate. the british most are just subjects and not free men or peers rest are just subjects. thats why raedi g history by free persons is important. like America and French. Canadians, uk , new zeland and Australia are subject most of them are subjects to the crown. its one part of education but not complete subjects can't discuss history free citizens point of view is also required.

[@Addictedtoyoutube9]

which I a good thing as germanic kings are better than leaving it to english people per se. UK has thankfully a germanic thing and some English baboon democracy destroying things. every law thankfully needs royal accent ❤thankfully❤ and the best part is the king is an artist ❤ 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤🎉

[@Addictedtoyoutube9]

it's not dislike for these historians but it's just the truth imho and yes I can be wrong. maybe they are citizens and part of peers and not just subjects 🤔 of the crown.

[@luisluiscunha]

So nice to finally see the faces of the people that allow me to forget my problems and enter a better, more relaxed, world at night. I thought you were on the same space.

[@amahana6188]

1 - financial crisis. 2 - social crisis. 3 - cultural crisis. Sounds awfully familiar to our current situation.

[@davestevenson9080]

4. Jews

[@BugsyMac]

5. ​do the hokie pokie and you turn yourself around

[@planetclay]

​@@davestevenson9080 but hey let's not forget they did it FOR France!!!

[@davestevenson9080]

@@planetclay jews do nothing for anyone but themselves, a lesson europeans could do with learning

[@MisterViago]

Kamala is a jacobin

[@milztempelrowski9281]

Who in there is telling you guys to keep it short, we need all the trivials.

[@moorbilt]

Never longer than an h

[@nicksibly526]

The very annoying Theo

[@PretentiousNoob]

Expand gentlemen

[@marionkeenan2980]

Students who can’t be bothered, probably.

[@ZachDift-kc4nk]

@moorbilt There’s legit HUNDREDS of other podcasts and videos on the French Revolution that are less than an hour long - go listen to those bc the rest of us want it to be longer than an hour if possible. It’s not our fault your attention span is so small - go elsewhere. You can even find 20 minute long videos on the French Revolution.

[@TheChuck181]

This is my favorite series of episodes from the podcast yet. I only hope you make it a 50 odd part series and include the Napoleonic Era.

[@SkillyMackabee]

They’ve done Napoleon 👍🏻

[@richardnieuwhof2028]

Gripping and exciting, wish you were both teaching history at my son's school!

[@jdc4483]

The good news is, it can teach your son virtually through these videos.🎉❤

[@richardnieuwhof2028]

Absolutely.

[@nicksibly526]

They still wouldn't listen. Education is wasted on adolescents.

[@carlcromwell8713]

I think my great uncle, back a few generations, who knew a thing or two about starting a revolution, would be a fan of your podcast. So am I. Cheers!

[@judithglasser3072]

What a fantastic podcast. You two historians are a true gift to us devoted followers. Can't wait for the continuation. Thank you for all these exquisite insights, such as the real surge and cauldron of the Revolution, the seeds of the ideas in Grenoble. Also, now we know that there is the Museum of the Revolution in that city.

[@JR-bj3uf]

Does anyone else find the scary as hell seeing what's going on in today's politics?

[@gerritpeacock8949]

Things are ultra polarized and about to go boom. I don't see how the right and left will reach any kind of denouement

[@TheGreatness-gg1jx]

No, because in America we're righting the ship after 90 years of Marxist, Communist infiltration and corruption, at the Federal level, the media level and the Academic levels. Russia is collapsing as are the rest of the French Revolution Commune inspired Commie tyrannies, which means the world will eventually be a better place. These Brits don't have a clue and it's no surprise they try to downplay 1776.

[@QTC1688]

Just think how in 200 years someone will have a hour long discussion uploaded directly into their bran taking about all the woke tosh of today in milliseconds on their way to get anti aging serum. I like to think it’ll be in the AI synthesised voice of Dominic and Tom.

[@ChasquiSoy]

Yep, in my country the parallels are astounding... Peru is about to be the next french revolution. Our president Dina Boluarte is the most hated president around the world. The Congress believe it's some sort of royal palace. Violence will erupt at any time.... A new revolution or maybe... a Singularity. The Social Singularity (a book by Max Borders)

[@craigrussell7542]

No. Not even close. Everyone thinks their time is the most consequential.

[@Happyheretic2308]

I’m glad you mentioned Mantel’s “A Place of Greater Safety” - it’s an incredible novel.

[@anyakirby2014]

What a sane conversation about history ! Listened each video twice so far. Any hope this sane and rational way of history would be taught in schools ? Absolute pleasure to listen. Found another happiness in life - this podcast !❤

[@Mucologist]

Where were you guys when I was suffering through my History 101 classes at college? I never knew history could be such fun! Good job.

[@jasonsanders8091]

Simon Schama's "Citizen" sounds like a great history book on the French Revolution!!

[@mountaindew7190]

I am generally suspicious of history on Y.T. as much of it is revisionist that is meant to align with current progressive ideology. So far you guys are keeping pretty straight. Please keep it up. It is refreshing, and an enjoyable listen.

[@theoldmule3619]

I’ve so enjoyed listening to this and learning so much . Gutted have to wait till autumn 🍂 for the rest . Really well presented, as I expected

[@russfranck3491]

Absolutely love your show, look forward to every episode

[@alberto2287]

Discovered this podcast today while on sickbed. Loved it and can’t wait for the next episode. Cheers!

[@yp77738yp77739]

I find this format very agreeable and a most interesting topic, thank you. Disorder, power, violence and war are what define a state.

[@dhj1182]

Thank you both for this series, sharing and summarizing history really helps us who have limited time and resources to read all the sources.

[@WillowStock]

So well done. So straight forward, interesting and they make me smile!

[@iwatchthings231]

I just discovered this channel recently and I have to say that you guys really present history in a very intriguing and entertaining way. I’m looking forward to more series.😊😊

[@catherinecashin]

This is just brilliant 👏👏 so witty as well! I love the book recommendations also. My upcoming autumn and winter will be enlightening!

[@skdjirrrdjdm3926]

Absolutely fascinating listening, I put this on to fall asleep to and found it so incredibly interesting I couldn't doze off at all lol. Wonderful discussion.

[@ld3418]

Loved the 1st 3. What a cliffhanger! And what an excellent analysis. Thank you.

[@annevonaichinger2075]

Loving you two! Through your vivid recounting of history, you manage to inspire me to revisit this period with new eyes and fresh enthusiasm. Thank you! ❤❤

[@rinamapa]

This channel should have 20x the amount of subscribers. I can listen to Tom and Dominic all day. The situation of regular people taking issue with the elites being taxed sounds awfully familiar and something I don't really understand. Perhaps someone can explain that bit to me.

[@martiwilliams4592]

Informative--now I know why I totally dislike politics- undusty (just invented a word, my pc doesn't like it), thought provoking, funny, entertaining, leaving us hanging here wanting more! Hurry back!!!!! You guys are great at what you do.

[@kAASHIK]

Scrolling endlessly through YT Shorts.. then randomly find this video and just let it flow in the background.. thanks

[@johnwaugh6518]

Mortified to hear there is a "Theo" who wags a stick at you two over wandering off to say interesting things. Theo, we want more not less of this

[@nigelmcconnell1909]

I've come to the conclusion that the Americans and the French won the American war of independence and the British lost. But the peace treaty signed in Paris resulted in a victory for America and Britain, and a catastrophic loss for the French. This opening a Pandora's Box of Worms.

[@SkillyMackabee]

I doubt the average citizen cared about that failed diplomacy… I think the success of the American revolution was far more impactful. It’s no coincidence that Jefferson was a fixture in the Paris salons, assisting in writing a constitution, and their early declaration of inalienable rights, etc… the language is near identical.

[@Stashley78]

10:00 "Language not so dissimiliar to the, um, American tax dodgers, Tom." As an American, that cracked me up. 😂 🇺🇸

[@alexanderednie1205]

England would be speaking German if it wasn’t for us.

[@JHimminy]

@@Stashley78we were already in the war. It was the propaganda victory needed to intoxicate the average American idiot with war fever.

[@thebrotherskrynn]

@@alexanderednie1205 Nah, America did precious little on the European front other than running towards bullets, and taking credit for British & French victories. They were too busy losing on the Pacific front, until Britain and France had turned around to go save them over there. As though speaking German would be so bad to begin with, far better than Arabic.

[@LooseTheremin]

TheBrotherSkyRim " Ooh you are awful, but I like you ! " - Emery Broad

[@acaydia2982]

@@thebrotherskrynn. I’m American and German doesn’t sound so bad to me today.

[@willdobson7351]

Cobban's series on Modern French history is well worth a read. Especially 'The Old Regime and the Revolution' as some understanding of the long and short term causes are laid out rather well,.

[@dld-bw9ud]

Thank God I found you! Such a refreshing and intersting take!

[@debgreentree]

Thanks

[@jeffmoore1286]

Just found your channel, absolutely like it and am now subscribed

[@florianlipp5452]

19:58; I believe, it was France and NOT the UK that was the Europe's largest economy in the late 1700s. But of course, neither were the world's largest economy. That title would go to China. (Wikipedia estimates GDP (in 1990 dollars) in 1700 as 83 Billion for China, 20 Billion for France and 10,7 Billion for the UK). Even GDP per capita was not all that much higher in the UK vs. France What made the UK economically strong vs. France was it's far more advanced financial system. During the Napoleonic Wars, the UK government had credit available on a MUCH larger scale than France.

[@PeloquinDavid]

Well said. I'd make a small amendment by noting the importance of distinguishing economic prosperity (of countries as a whole) from the ability of governments to raise revenues (which was and remains the fundamental determinant of their credit-worthiness and of the financial systems of the countries they govern). England (and then Britain) had been in the habit of securing Parliamentary approval (by both the landed Lords and merchant/yeoman Commons) for every significant "money bill" (both big and small) since the time of Edward III. As such, those who ultimately had the money and resources that were subject to taxation had acquired a vested interest in whatever the government/monarch may have wanted to do by way of foreign wars and domestic investments by the state in standing armed forces (notably the Royal Navy). As a result, the English/British state was able to punch WELL above its weight in European (and world) affairs for many centuries from the 14th to early 20th century without unduly compromising the economic prosperity of the country. Few other European countries were so lucky...

[@waltervanderkamp742]

Thanks!

[@russfranck3491]

Thanks!

[@tracyfrenzy5887]

This channel is pure gold...wonderful

[@HJBR86]

U gents are top notch. Appreciate ya

[@eliasbritooliveira7861]

Do you have any link to the claim in 9:55 about Louis XIV exercise book about the rights of the people as "Life, Honor, Liberty and Property". I can't find it.

[@HJBR86]

I love you guys! Thank you! As an American I live through your gents sophistication and nuance. 🙏🏻 🫡

[@BernardoTorres-w5e]

What a great coffeeklatch , it is as if I were present between these two gentlemen as ghost , while they talked in such an interesting and knowledgeable way about such an interesting and grandiose theme : that French Revolution

[@rockpadstudios]

I didn't realized the beheadings went on for years. Can you image the terror when you heard a knock on the door if you were a part of the group they were targeting.

[@jamesmccusker2260]

If you’re living in the west you may get to see it. We got a taste with convid no gullys now they use jabs

[@Francis-m2d]

I hope I am remembering this correctly, but I believe Chou En Lai (misspelled?) was asked if he thought the French Revolution had been a good thing. He replied: "Oh, I think it is much too early to tell."

[@amynewman5820]

I have to say that the distinction between Scotland and England is much more dramatic than the difference between Dijon and Paris...I don't think you'd have heard that comparison from Scottish historians.

[@SubTroppo]

I am currently reading Schama's 'The Embarrassment of Riches' which is excellent for me as it illustrates the culture that created the bank of Amsterdam and eventually led to the Bank of England and the national debt/credit which financed the British Empire. Now I have another ripping tale to read in 'Citizens'.

[@anthonymorris2276]

The contrast between the person born in 1740 and the person born in 1760 is epitomised by the contrast between the composers Josef Haydn (born 1732) and Wolfgang Mozart (born 1756).

[@alomaalber6514]

the film Chevalier a composer who was Black new Mozart, great true movie. Also the book Fire In The Minds of Men tells of this era. People were hungry. Also 1 million aristocrats died, that is a lot of people. The book goes into detail.

[@steveparsons9986]

I am not sure that the idiosyncratic character of Mozart and his particular genius can be ascribed to the time in which he was born. Also Hayden is unique I think in the longevity of his single patron, and thus would have less use and opportunity for the flamboyant personality Mozart exhibited to his many patrons and potential parons.

[@deflategate1297]

@@steveparsons9986so it’s like Celine dion vs Beyoncé ? Both amazing singers burg Beyoncé does also dance and entertain in other ways

[@steveparsons9986]

@@deflategate1297 Claiming a ‘trend’ based on birthyear with only 2 pieces of data is not recommended by proponents of critical thinking! ;-)

[@SkillyMackabee]

@@alomaalber6514how did 1 million aristocrats die??

[@bookaufman9643]

It all starts off so well. There's just too much anger in the French revolution, too much spite, too much getting even when it's your turn holding power. It goes south well before Robespierre. Right-wingers love to use the French revolution and the Russian revolution against the left. They always leave out all the South American right-wing revolutions and the bloodshed that comes with that. It is a tangled web and in the end it does make France the nation that it is today. The Olympics are happening now so it's a good time to feel good about France.🎉

[@Stashley78]

No forgiveness, no redemption. The oppressed oppress the oppressors, the victims victimize the victimizers. Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, rinse repeat. May we learn from history instead of being doomed to repeat it! 🤞

[@porcudracului]

​@@Stashley78right wing revolutions in South America? Where? When? Don't say Chile/Pinochet, I'll hang myself. Other arguments

[@Stashley78]

@@porcudracului Revolutions in general. Human nature and potential for cycles of violence to scale and perpetuate.

[@acaydia2982]

The beginning of the End of Western Civilization. Europe is run by people that loathe the natives. It’s disgusting.

[@crhu319]

Exactly zero students of history would say the average Frenchman is worse off 20 years, 50 years, 100 years after the Revolution than if the status quo had continued. Russia kept its absolute monarchy for that extra century. Delaying a revolution makes it worse.

[@jonathanneuhaus4755]

I'm listening to this in the wrong order but it's wonderful in any order.

[@davidreilly3686]

I’m so glad I found this channel.

[@KarlRoloff69]

So happy i stumbled on to your podcast.

[@mpfisher1]

Excellent I just like that Dominic has put all his own books on shoe😂

[@cg98243]

As well as a notable collection of Dr. Who episodes.

[@PatriciaPalmer-o3e]

💥Am so enjoying this, a lifelong student of history. Thank you for your time and effort ! 🍃

[@reecemccullough4829]

Just purchased Robert Darntons book. Looking forward to reading my first historical account.

[@ChasquiSoy]

35:00 - Charles Alexandre de Calonne. A pamphlet against the crown. Simon Schama on his book "Citizens" says: "By taking his case to the public Calonne made Politics a matter of national attention once Pandora's Box had been opened in this way it proved impossible to close the lid. After Calonne, anything was possible"

[@lukelafitte5608]

Grateful I found this excellent podcast!

[@jstenger48]

Brilliant stuff! 💯 Thank you!

[@JohnLandau-h5g]

Another option that Louis seems never to have considered would have been for him to abdicate on behalf of his eldest sone (a child of four) and entrusted the government to a regency council composed of his most trusted and honest ministers. He and his queen could then have left for Austria, where the Emperor would probably have received them courteously and assigned them a mansion house where they could have lived out their lives as wealthy and privileged private subjects of the imperial crown. Marie Antoinette would be reunited with her beloved parents, brother and other relatives. Louis could have spent his time tinkering with watches, which he obviously enjoyed more than governing. The retired royal couple could even have surrounded themselves ith a modest sized court consisting of their favorite courtiers from France, who would probably have been willing to join the retired king and queen in exile.

[@alomaalber6514]

Correct. Also the book Fire In The Minds of Men is a good history book of MUCH. The poor were hungry. Also 1 million aristocrats died. That is a lot of people. Also Tom Paine did not just print and distribute flyers, he was IN PARIS had a menage a trots with Bonneville and he said take Mrs. B with you back to PA. Their son was a poet. There is a painting in DC at the National Gallery of Art that is said to be one of Marie's daughters. Cheers.

[@yannmaenden7236]

An interesting analysis but I think there some points which were understated. Before the revolution France was far less centralised then that you seem to imply. Around the time of the Revolution the population of France was approx 25 million, split across three dozen provinces covering an area 4 times the size of England. For most people French was the language and culture of Paris and the Île-de-France. The rest of France was very different. For example even well into the 1940's three quarters of the population of Brittany spoke Breton. This is why ( pre-revolution ) the people defended the nobility, they represented their local historical allegiences and cultural values; you defended the nobility because they represented what you were. Regional identity and control were important. This was one reason why they had internal customs payments. 'Simplification' of the system was seen as an attempt to undermine the power of the provinces by centralisation, and funnel money away into the coffers of the King. It wasn't until 1790 that the French revolutionary government broke up the traditional regions, and the established aristocratic control of portions of France, by dividing the country into a series of départements.

[@alomaalber6514]

Fire In The Minds of Men is a good history. Two points often overlooked of both sides. The poor were hungry. Louis donated a silver table but was isolated from the reality of it all. AND 1 million aristocrats died, that is a lot of people. Let's look at what really happened in history. Simon S, is a good writer to I will read his book.

[@1789balzac]

It is incredible how this mirrors what happened a century earlier in London and the Houses of Parliament.

[@MrElliotc02]

Citizens is a very good book. Highly recommended.

[@drmasroberts]

Not just a dred of a more powerful monarchy and defense of the Nobles , it is that everyone KNOWS without the slightest doubt that any tax increase will be passed on to the common people.

[@mango2005]

During the 18th century, the nobility's influence had grown, and the hereditary Parlement courts had regained power lost under Louis XIV to obstruct legislation. The King had the power to over-rule them by using a Lit-de-Justice, but the Parlements tried to obstruct that too under Louis XVI. The King also kept bailing out the Comte d'Artois (his brother)'s gambling debts which were huge. However, in 1771 under the previous king Louis XV, the Parlements had been abolished, and an appointed judiciary introduced. Louis XVI made the mistake of reintroducing them, and they resumed their protection of aristocratic privilege like immunity from taxation.

[@crhu319]

Fatal mistake but he trusted aristocrats more than commoner judges. Britain always erred the other way.

[@buckynick]

How do we tax the rich when the rich hold the power. I don't know.

[@jamesmccusker2260]

The rich don’t work is the main issue

[@deflategate1297]

@@jamesmccusker2260the rich also want the status of power. All about classism. Economical caste system

[@claudiabottom4086]

Nicely said

[@colincampbell4261]

The rich wrote the taxlaws and know all the loopholes

[@DrugsBunny973]

C'est tout à fait ça 😊. Belle synthèse

[@Primetiime32]

I love this podcast. Splendid

[@Free_Range_Hippo]

This podcast rules

[@RichardTaylor-y2w]

In the 60s, HS students in the US, were taught that The French Revolution was more important than the American. It did change socio/ economics more radically in more parts of the world. Overtime, I think the American Revolution will have had influential change in the world than the French

[@toddrobinson3604]

Thanks for this! Enjoyed it thoroughly.

[@travismcqueen2114]

Could you develop on why the French Revolution would have happened if the American Revolutionary war hadn't? Are you suggesting that the cost to the French crown was insignificant in the bankruptcy that necessitated the Estates General?

[@michaelmazowiecki9195]

France was a country of haves and have nots: taxes were paid by the have nots, the small urban middle and working class and the rural peasantry. The aristocracy and Church did not pay taxes despite owning over 40% of the land in what was an agricultural economy. 3 years of famine with taxes collected in kind meant the rural peasantry were very resentful and desperate and supportive of any reform . The first buildings that were attacked were those containing the tax records and obligations. French support for the American Revolution bankrupted France which increased the tax burden on, guess who, the peasantry and urban citizenry.

[@StephanieMontor]

WHAT A GREAT FIND!

[@WillN2Go1]

The salient lesson from the French Revolution I think was the ad hoc formation of the National Assembly. That you could just get started. (There are two kinds of community activists. Those who return year after year saying 'When I'm elected.....' and the rest of us, who just get started. So the French Third Estate didn't invent this, they just did it at a national scale. From an anarchist point of view this fits into the idea of political consensus -- if you do something this big, the results have to be positive or you'll quickly lose all influence.) In a history class I was subbing in I tried teaching this to high school students, arguing that if you were to take charge of your learning and teach each other, you could absolutely take over your school. The District is spending millions of dollars and year after year reading and math levels don't go up, students fail. If, by working together, you could change this, they would have to pay attention. You could demand a say in how money is spent.... The students just rolled their eyes and continued writing absolutely useless notes from the 20 year old powerpoint (I'd fixed some glaring errors in it.) Everybody complains , few people say, "Okay, what can we do about this?' Before I left teaching, the District just spent $70 million on a reading program that was as much a complete joke as the $22 million one it was replacing. It had utterly failed. Most of these programs seem to consist of endless and boring teacher meetings trying to convince teachers of the importance of reading.... As if we didn't know. They'd have books that were a wretched melange of public domain, out of copyright and poorly written junk. I suggested books on serial killers written just above the low levels our students were reading at. They thought I was just being sarcastic. Your European perspective is interesting. As an American I think we tend to think of the French Revolution as following our revolution, but with more intellectuals and bigger stakes. Ours was a bourgeois revolution, the radical side of our elite class kicked out the loyalist side of their class and the British.

[@douglasjamiel7381]

Agreed! Schama’s book is wonderful for anyone interested in the event. “Citizens” by Simon Schama. Also has an in-depth history of Britain available on video

[@beecee2205]

Citizens is an awesome piece of work of narrative history,

[@Seven-Planets-Sci-Fi-Tuber]

Like the French would say, I am hanging from your lips! i.e. listening very attentively. I've been loving the comparisons to British history. Moving on to part 4. I am all ears 👂👂👂👂

[@joechang8696]

any ideal what interest rate was on the French national/royal debt? One reason the US and certain had been able to sustain huge debt was that interest rates were ridiculously low. Even the current 5% is still low by historical standards, just the debt is so high

[@lorenzo6mm]

Middle Class CREDIT CARD DEBT is soaring way past 12% averages. The DEBT SLAVERY HAS BEEN Monetized. INFLATION is the way to spread the astronomical FISCAL DEBT across the Middle class. Something that Sumerian ancient city States delt with in identical ways 4000 years ago.Just before their Fall. Middle Class Debt Slavery is the beginning of the end of all empires..

[@JohnOGradyArtist]

Thank you. perhaps covering the Paris commune and the working class uprising of 1871

[@andrewrobinson2565]

Are you discussing the event or the books written about it? August 4th 1789 (and the 2 weeks following it) was the turning point when the Assembly abolished the feudal system and as the King acquiesced he was proclaimed "restorer of French freedom".

[@shivabreathes]

I agree completely with their assessment of the French Revolution. It is the event that led to the creation of the modern nation state. But more than that, it entrenched the idea of “revolution” as a pre-requisite to reshaping society. Something which was later echoed in both the American Revolution as well as the communist revolution in Russia.

[@lewis7315]

""The History of Western Civilization"" miniseries done by PBS is a Must See, especially about the French revolution. For the prime cause for the revolution, I (and that commentator) blame the Plilosophs; intellectuals for sturring the pot since the Renaissance.

[@gorkyd7912]

There seems to be a new vein of thinking from the authoritarian left, of which PBS has solidified itself as a firm member, that Republican rule is a mistake and the old aristocracy was correct about everything and especially anything to do with America is evil.

[@aidanbarrett9313]

I wonder if the French Revolution would have happened if the French were victorious over the British at the Battle of Lucknow, hence making them the pre-eminent power in India.

[@nigelcowie6883]

Brilliant, as always!

[@le13579]

What does deterministic mean (3:14)? (Yes, Im going to look it up, too.)

[@robchros]

Excellent!

[@loisthiessen9134]

absoutely fascinating. Thank you for providing your historical expertise to the public. I, for one, have become more and more interested in the narrative of western European history in particular, most likely because it feels like we're on the brink of another "revolution" in the U.S. and Canada, where I come from. Will democracy prevail? Knowledge of past historical events is more important than ever.

[@marcoaslan]

Brilliant storytelling. Thank you

[@marekmscichowski5079]

what type of microphone is that

[@raulpachecomuino3957]

amazing video.

[@thisisobviouslynotmyrealname]

One factor that tends to be overlooked is french society ethnic division. French aristocracy had much more germanic blood than the lower classes of celtic ancestry. That added a lot to social polarisation and hatred