Best Thesiecle Podcasts (2026)

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Episode 48: Citizen-King 29:30

Play Pause

2M ago29:30

29:30

France has a new king after the July Revolution of 1830, and Louis-Philippe wants everyone to know he's not like a regular king — he's a cool king. See a full annotated transcript of this episode here. Like the show? Help spread the word by posting reviews on social media and tagging The Siècle. The show is active on Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Insta…

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Fact Check 3: Polignac's Visions 43:16

3M ago43:16

43:16

French prime minister Jules de Polignac believed he was receiving visions of the Virgin Mary during France's 1830 July Revolution — or so many sources claim. But is it true? Join me as we sort fact from fiction, and see how these claims tie into the religious history of 19th Century France. Support independent historical research like this podcast …

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Episode 47: The July Settlement 54:07

5M ago54:07

54:07

The July Revolution is over, and Louis-Philippe will be France's next king. But what sort of monarchy Louis-Philippe will lead is yet to be determined, as France's politicians gather to hash out the final details of the nascent July Monarchy. Like the show? Support it on Patreon, where all patrons giving as little as $1/month receive an ad-free fee…

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Episode 46: Revolutions 1:07:16

6M ago1:07:16

1:07:16

Revolutions podcaster Mike Duncan talks about the July Revolution, why Charles X is one of the great idiots of history, the dissident elites who can make or break any revolution, and the value of narrative history podcasting. Help support The Siècle by backing the show on Patreon, where all supporters receive an ad-free feed. Learn more about your …

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Episode 45: The July Revolution 1:22:43

7M ago1:22:43

1:22:43

In an epic conclusion, the people of Paris will chase Marshal Marmont and King Charles X's army out of Paris on Thursday, July 29, 1830 — leaving all of France up for grabs as republicans, Bonapartists, Orléanists, and rank adventurers all make bids for power with the ultimate prize on the line. Like what you hear? Support The Siècle on Patreon. Re…

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Episode 44: Bourbons on the Rocks 56:16

1y ago56:16

56:16

King Charles X just wants to spend some time at his vacation house playing cards, hunting, and hanging out with his family. But it's late July 1830, and people keep interrupting him to talk about some alleged revolution in Paris. My apologies for the number of different ways I managed to pronounce "Neuilly" in this episode. Find out how to support …

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Fact Check 2: The Lying Chef 31:26

1y ago31:26

31:26

Larger-than-life French chef Alexis Soyer helped revolutionize British cuisine in the Victorian period — but his widely reported personal encounter with France's 1830 revolution is just a tall tale. Visit thesiecle.com/factcheck2 to read a full annotated transcript of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Episode 43: The Politicians 34:24

1y ago34:24

34:24

While men fight and die on the streets of Paris, France's feckless politicians try to muster the will to take decisive action of their own to address a revolution no one on either side expected. A quick refresher on important dates so far: August 8, 1829: The Polignac ministry is appointed Early July, 1830: Marshal Bourmont captures Algiers; opposi…

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Episode 42: Marmont 54:00

1+ y ago54:00

54:00

Marshal Auguste de Marmont was tasked with putting down Parisian rebels after the Four Ordinances of July 1830. There were only a few problems: he didn't have enough men or supplies, he opposed the Ordinances, and his bosses neglected to inform him of his new job. Buy merch for The Siècle here! Visit thesiecle.com/episode42 to see maps and images a…

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Supplemental 21: The French History Games 1:37:10

1+ y ago1:37:10

1:37:10

Three French history podcasters come together to determine the most corrupt, idealistic, eloquent and idiotic figures — among others — from the Revolutionary, Napoleonic and post-Napoleonic eras. (Update: The original version of this file cuts out after 48 minutes. Re-download for a fixed version.) Check out Age of Napoleon and Grey History: The Fr…

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Episode 41: The People 35:32

1+ y ago35:32

35:32

That escalated quickly! Find out how — and why — the people of Paris went from ignoring Charles X's coup on Monday, July 26, 1830, to engaging in street fighting with the French Army less than 24 hours later. See a full annotated and illustrated transcript online here. Learn more about the Barricades convention, July 12 - 14, 2024, here. Learn more…

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Episode 40: The Journalists 22:25

1+ y ago22:25

22:25

Charles X's Four Ordinances in July 1830 threatened to impose strict censorship on France's opposition newspapers. So what were the journalists going to do about it? Visit thesiecle.com/support to find out how to support the show. Read a full annotated transcript of this episode at thesiecle.com/episode40. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me…

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Supplemental 20: What's a franc? 22:07

1+ y ago22:07

22:07

Everything you ever wanted to know about francs and sous, centimes and louis d’or, and the bewildering array of 19th Century French currency. What were all these coins? What were they worth? How did they compare to other currencies like pounds and dollars, how does that compare to today — and what does Charlemagne have to do with all of this? See a…

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Supplemental 19: Fifth Birthday Special 57:04

2y ago57:04

57:04

It's been five years since The Siècle first debuted! To mark the show's fifth anniversary, I'm joined by fellow history podcaster Everett Rummage of The Age of Napoleon podcast to answer listener questions and talk about history, podcasting, and more. Check out the show's new YouTube channel, where I'm gradually uploading audio of back episodes. Le…

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Episode 39: The Four Ordinances 53:17

2y ago53:17

53:17

On July 26, 1830, Parisians woke up to four stunning proclamations from King Charles X, four ordinances rewriting French politics and public life. Join me to explore what these Four Ordinances did, how Charles could issue them, and how they came to appear in Parisians' morning newspaper. Visit thesiecle.com/episode39 for an annotated transcript, in…

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Episode 38: The 221 58:37

2y ago58:37

58:37

In 1830, France's slow-moving political crisis builds to a fever-pitch, as King Charles X goes to war with his liberal opposition at home, and the Regency of Algiers abroad. Amid military and electoral campaigns, Charles X will face a decision that could reshape his reign. The Siècle's 5th anniversary is coming up on January 22, 2024. I'm hosting a…

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Episode 37: Algiers 37:40

2y ago37:40

37:40

In the late 1820s, Napoleonic intrigues and a brutal assault by flyswatter combined to turn French attention across the Mediterranean to the Ottoman Regency of Algiers. Join Prof. Ashley Sanders to explore the cosmopolitan world of Ottoman Algeria that the Bourbon Restoration faced under Charles X. Pledge as little as $1 per month on Patreon to rec…

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Episode 36: Wreck of the Medusa 1:00:37

2y ago1:00:37

1:00:37

In 1816, the French frigate Medusa ran aground off the coast of Africa, leading to one of the most infamous naval disasters in world history. In the process, it will shine a light on the harsh realities of Bourbon Restoration politics and France's tiny colonial empire. View thesiecle.com/episode36 for a full annotated transcript, including maps and…

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Supplemental 18: Bonds, French Bonds 34:59

2+ y ago34:59

34:59

Follow the money and where does it lead? In the Bourbon Restoration, the financial lifeblood of France was the Paris Stock Exchange, where trading in government bonds made and lost fortunes, secured comfortable retirements, and shook the very ship of state. I'm joined by historian Tyson Leuchter to break down the role of debt and finance in Restora…

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Episode 35: L'Économie 46:26

2+ y ago46:26

46:26

France's economy in 1830 stunk. But what does that even mean for an agricultural, pre-modern economy? And how did this bad economy impact France's controversial prime minister Jules de Polignac? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Evergreen Podcasts

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Episode 34: Polignac 59:32

2+ y ago59:32

59:32

On Aug. 8, 1829, a new French ministry was appointed featuring Charles X's friend Jules de Polignac. This made a lot of people very angry and has been widely regarded as a bad move. Visit thesiecle.com/episode34 for a full transcript of this episode with pictures, links, and 82 annotated footnotes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.…

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Supplemental 17: Béranger 39:23

2+ y ago39:23

39:23

During the Bourbon Restoration, one man's songs were everywhere. He wrote about politics and about love, for the rich and for the poor, and persevered despite the best efforts of the government to shut him up. Meet the Bob Dylan of the Restoration: Pierre-Jean de Béranger — including audio clips! This episode is an interview with Prof. Sophie-Anne …

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Episode 33: Martignac 44:22

3y ago44:22

44:22

Buffeted by a bad election, King Charles X is forced to appoint a more moderate ministry. Can Prime Minister Martignac forge a middle course before his boss gets fed up with concessions? Support The Siècle for as little as $1 per month on Patreon, or make a one-time donation, online at thesiecle.com/support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit …

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Supplemental 16: Restoration Elections 25:24

3y ago25:24

25:24

Restoration France had an elected parliament, but its elections were radically different from the voting we're familiar with today. Here's how they did it, from tax-based voting rights to not-so-secret ballots to candidates running and winning in multiple districts at once. Visit thesiecle.com/supplemental16 for a full transcript of this episode wi…

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Episode 32: The Congregation 30:28

3y ago30:28

30:28

King Charles X's reign was marked by web of conspiracy theories about the alleged role of two secretive Catholic organizations: the Jesuits and the enigmatic Congregation. Let's dive in to what was true, what was false, and why ultimately it didn't really matter what the facts were. Visit thesiecle.com/episode32 for a full annotated transcript, and…

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Fact-Check 1: Learning and Forgetting 19:09

3y ago19:09

19:09

Many people have quoted a famous quip about the Bourbon Restoration, that "The Bourbons have learned nothing and forgotten nothing." While this is a real quote, more or less, almost everything people think they know about it is wrong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Evergreen Podcasts

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Episode 31: The Election of 1827 50:19

3y ago50:19

50:19

"The enemy redoubles his efforts," King Charles X wrote in September 1827, shortly before he dissolved the French parliament in a risky political gambit. "However, I am resolved to act with firmness and wisdom and am entirely confident that in the end we will overcome all obstacles." Did he? Let's find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m…

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Supplemental 15: Art Greco 31:32

3+ y ago31:32

31:32

A Delacroix painting, a Rossini opera and a Dumas novel help demonstrate the profound impact that the Greek War of Independence had on French art and literature. Visit thesiecle.com/supplemental15 for a full transcript of this episode with notes, illustrations and music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Episode 30: Greek-ing Out 1:07:41

3+ y ago1:07:41

1:07:41

The Greeks go into revolt against the Ottoman Empire — a revolt that fires the imaginations of France and the rest of Europe. The French government reacts with ambivalence, but many French men and women enthusiastically adopt the Greek cause. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Episode 29: The Doctrinaires 46:55

3+ y ago46:55

46:55

A small but crucial group of Restoration politicians were centrist liberals who championed constitutional monarchy against enemies to the right and left. Meet the brilliant and controversial clique who are known to history as the Doctrinaires. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Supplemental 14: Émigrés 38:48

4y ago38:48

38:48

Thousands of French men and women fled the country during the Revolution. Who were they, what were their lives like in exile — and how did they handle it when they finally came back home? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Evergreen Podcasts

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Supplemental 13: Scrofula 46:58

4y ago46:58

46:58

I join Benjamin Jacobs from the Wittenberg to Westphalia podcast for a deeper dive into "scrofula," the skin condition whose sufferers Charles X touched at his coronation in a medieval ritual believed to hold the power of healing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Evergreen Podcasts

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Supplemental 12: Second Sons 45:57

4y ago45:57

45:57

Professor Jonathan Spangler joins the show to explain the French institution of "Monsieur" and how it shaped French courts over the centuries. Be sure to follow The Siècle on Twitter @thesiecle, or on Facebook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Evergreen Podcasts

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Episode 28: Charles in Charge 36:43

4y ago36:43

36:43

King Charles X begins his long-awaited reign in a warm glow of popularity, but his honeymoon phase won't last forever as he begins to push a controversial agenda for France. Be sure to follow The Siècle on Twitter @thesiecle, or on Facebook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Supplemental 11: The Year 1817 21:12

4y ago21:12

21:12

A famous — or infamous — chapter in Victor Hugo's masterpiece Les Misérables is "The Year 1817," a length recitation of a series of minor events that happened in France in that year. As a special bonus episode, take a dive into that chapter — and see how many of his obscure events you now recognize! To learn more, visit the show's website for abund…

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Episode 27: Mission from God 55:46

4y ago55:46

55:46

The restoration of the Bourbons also meant a restoration of Catholicism as the state religion of France — delighting some, and outraging others. Not only is religion vital to fully understand Restoration France, it's especially vital to understand the new King Charles X. Be sure to follow The Siècle on Twitter @thesiecle, or on Facebook. Learn more…

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Supplemental 10: Et cetera, Wellington 41:23

4+ y ago41:23

41:23

Restoration France as analyzed by an outsider with intimate knowledge of France both on the battlefield and in the salons — Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Evergreen Podcasts

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Announcement: Intelligent Speech 4:18

4+ y ago4:18

4:18

I'll be giving a talk at the upcoming Intelligent Speech online history podcast conference on April 24, 2021, about the experience of French émigrés during and after the Revolution. Visit intelligentspeechconference.com to buy tickets and use the offer code "siecle" for 10 percent off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Episode 26: Monsieur 41:02

5y ago41:02

41:02

With Louis XVIII dead, the new king is his younger brother, the Comte d'Artois. But what kind of man is France's new king? To see, let's rewind back through the first 10 years of the Restoration, from the point of view of the very charming and very conservative Artois. Be sure to follow The Siècle on Twitter @thesiecle, or on Facebook. Learn more a…

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Episode 25: The King Is Dead 32:26

5y ago32:26

32:26

After 10 years on the throne, King Louis XVIII of France's health enters a terminal decline. As he tries to entrench his legacy with one final accomplishment, what are we to make of the reign of France's restored king? Be sure to follow The Siècle on Twitter @thesiecle, or on Facebook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Episode 24: Lafayette in America 40:00

5y ago40:00

40:00

After the defeat of his efforts to bring about liberal reform in France through both legal and illegal means, the Marquis de Lafayette in 1824 boarded a ship for the fledgling United States, where he would be celebrated as "the nation's guest" in a momentous tour. Learn more in conversation with Lafayette expert Alan Hoffman. Visit the show's websi…

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Episode 23: Charbonnerie 58:12

5y ago58:12

58:12

Conspiracy is in the air in France. In a world of secret societies and paranoid styles, the Bourbon Restoration clings to power while secretive cells spread across the country. The fate of the entire country is up for grabs as the French army is forced to decide its loyalty. Visit the show's website for supplementary material, including a locator m…

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Supplemental 9: Thiers in Spain 31:45

5+ y ago31:45

31:45

An 1822 account of civil war on the Franco-Spanish border by an up-and-coming liberal journalist named Adolphe Thiers, who observes a refugee crisis, battles between liberal and conservative forces, and the disposition of French soldiers preparing to intervene. Be sure to follow The Siècle on Twitter @thesiecle, or on Facebook. Learn more about you…

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Supplemental 8: Bastille Day 28:42

5+ y ago28:42

28:42

Happy Bastille Day! But in the Bourbon Restoration, Bastille Day was banned, along with "La Marseillaise" and the tricolor flag. In this special episode, find out how these modern-day symbols of France were treated, and what the Bourbons used in their place. Be sure to follow The Siècle on Twitter @thesiecle, or on Facebook. Learn more about your a…

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Episode 22: French Press 37:15

5+ y ago37:15

37:15

The wars, murders and political battles covered on The Siècle were first covered by France's newspapers — which were very different than the newspapers of today. Take a tour into the strange world of Restoration journalism, and learn the truth behind one of the most famous collections of French newspaper headlines. Be sure to follow The Siècle on T…

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Episode 21: The Afterlife of Napoleon 33:00

5+ y ago33:00

33:00

Napoleon Bonaparte is dead — but he still lives on, in myth and legend, in flowers and tobacco boxes, in jails and asylums, and above all in the political memory of Restoration France, for whom even death cannot rid them of their greatest foe. Be sure to follow The Siècle on Twitter @thesiecle, or on Facebook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi…

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Supplemental 7: Memorial of St. Helena 32:29

5+ y ago32:29

32:29

A recitation of the "19th Century Bonapartist Bible," a memoir from one of Napoleon's aides on St. Helena recounting the emperor's life in exile and his discourses on his rule and historical rulers before him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Evergreen Podcasts

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Episode 20: The Death of Napoleon 31:37

6y ago31:37

31:37

Halfway across the world from France, the most famous man of his age dies in isolated exile — but not before profoundly reforging his legacy through both story and suffering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Evergreen Podcasts

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Episode 19: France and the Monroe Doctrine 14:41

6y ago14:41

14:41

French schemes in Spain play an underappreciated role in sparking one of the monumental documents in American history. Like what you hear? Support the show on Patreon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Evergreen Podcasts

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Episode 18: The Road to Trocadero 28:57

6y ago28:57

28:57

The conservative powers of Europe strike back at the wave of liberal revolutions sweeping the continent, and France struggles with how to respond — a crisis that brings down one prime minister and elevates a new politician to center stage. Like what you hear? Support the show on Patreon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoice…