Episode 11, 'The Parisian Powder Keg', details the events in Paris as Necker is dismissed from the ministry on July 11 1789 and a counter-revolutionary coup is commenced by the King and his allies. This episode examines how the effects of hunger,...

Episode 10, 'The National Assembly', explores how the Estates General transforms itself into the National Assembly, how the dramatic Tennis Court Oath is undertaken, and how the Court responds to the renegade Third Estate.

Episode 9, 'The Estates General', examines the events that unfold once the Estates General meets at Versailles on 5 May 1789. The episode also explores the impact of food scarcity on the French nation and its bloody consequences.

Episode 8, 'Grievances of the Nation', examines the events that unfold once King Louis XVI announced the summoning of the Estates-General. The Paris Parlement was ridiculed by the public for attempting to ensure the nobility dominated the body, while...

Episode 7, 'Cradle of the Revolution', examines the consequences of the King suppressing the Parlements. As the political situation in Paris and the countryside deteriorated rapidly, armed revolts became a serious threat, radical bodies emerged, and...

Episode 6, ‘The Revolt of the Parlements’, examines the events that unfold once Calonne resigns from the government after having his agenda blocked by the Assembly of Notables. The Archbishop of Toulouse, Étienne Charles de Loménie de Brienne,...

Episode 5, 'The Assembly of Rebels', explores Charles Alexandre de Calonne's time in office as the Controller-General of Finances. Initially failing to reform the state's finances, Calonne realises in 1786 that the French nation will go bankrupt...

Episode 4, 'After Necker, Before Chaos', explores the events that unfold after Jacques Necker's resignation in May 1781. The absence of the popular Swiss commoner allowed conservative nobles to conduct a power grab within society, while Enlightenment...

Episode 3, 'One Revolutionary War', explores the character of France's new King, Louis XVI, as well as his policies once in government. Louis' decisions regarding the Parlements and the American Revolutionary War had a tremendous impact on French...

Episode 2, 'The Two Louis', explores the legacies of Louis XVI's forebears. Louis XVI may have presided over the French Revolution, but the origins of the revolution can be found in previous reigns. The policies of the Sun King, Louis XIV, and his...