Book Now: French Revolution Tour May 2026

Was the abolition of slavery an accident? Joined by Professor Jeremy Popkin, we examine the decree of 4 February 1794 and the unlikely sequence of events that produced the first emancipation. We also explore how slavery survived the initial years of the revolution, how various factions used it to advance their own interests, and why Robespierre, so often claimed for the abolitionist cause, was hostile to the decree. Your Questions Got a question about slavery in revolutionary France? Send in your questions and I'll answer it in an upcoming members-only Q&A special. You can also post your questions on the giveaway page. Book Giveaway Professor Popkin and Princeton University Press have kindly provided a copy of The First Emancipation to give away. Like the giveaway post here to enter. Open to everyone, including free members. https://www.patreon.com/greyhistory/posts/giveaway-win-of-168275076 The Grey History Community Help keep Grey History on the air! Every revolution needs its supporters, and we need you! With an ad-free feed, a community discord, a reading club, and tonnes of exclusive bonus content, you're missing out! Do your part for as little as half a cup of coffee per episode! It's the best value on the internet, with the best people too! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Now And Support the Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.patreon.com/greyhistory) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Make a one-off donation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://ko-fi.com/greyhistory) Contact Me Send your questions, praise, and scorn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://greyhistory.com/contact/) Follow on Social Media ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/greyhistorypodcasts) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/greyhistorypodcasts/) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://twitter.com/greyhistorypod) All members of the Grey History Community have an ad-free version of the show. Support the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.patreon.com/greyhistory) . 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 Bonaparte 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!

As the Jacobins tear themselves apart, the Revolution makes history. In this episode, Robespierre defends revolutionary government and clashes publicly with Camille Desmoulins, while the Ultras fight for survival. Meanwhile, a delegation from the Caribbean arrives in Paris, setting the stage for the Convention's historic abolition of slavery in 1794.

Let mercy be the order of the day! Determined to halt the revolution's rising extremism, Danton, Desmoulins, and a motley crew of allies and opportunists rise to challenge the Terror and revolutionary government. The pages of Le Vieux Cordelier remain electrifying to this day.

To mark 250 years since the American Declaration of Independence, we're joined by Everett Rummage and David Montgomery for a wide-ranging conversation on French and American history. From rival constitutions to missed opportunities, we unpack how the Revolutionary, Napoleonic, and Restoration eras measured themselves against the young United States. You can find Everett's The Age of Napoleon and David's The Siècle wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We unpack the chaos of 1793! From the execution of Louis XVI and the fall of Dumouriez to the Vendée uprising, the Federalist revolts, and the birth of revolutionary government — this recap traces how France descended into the Terror. The full breakdown is available now as a members-only bonus episode on Patreon, along with ad-free listening and our full bonus archive. The Grey History Community ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Now And Support the Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices