This podcast episode meticulously examines the multifaceted origins of the French Revolution, emphasizing the interplay between financial collapse, societal upheaval, and a transformative cultural milieu driven by Enlightenment ideals. It traces the inadequacies of Louis XVI and highlights the resistance of the privileged elite, demonstrating that the violence of the revolution was rooted in pre-existing societal tensions rather than a spontaneous eruption. The discussion reveals how public opinion evolved, culminating in a radical departure from traditional governance, ultimately setting the stage for a bankrupt nation on the brink of monumental change.
