Why Violent Protests Span France's History | Is Napoleon To Blame?

Why does France have such a long history of political unrest and revolution? As the latest riots dominate the headlines and President Emmanuel Macron speaks out, understanding France’s past may offer important clues to the tensions unfolding today.

In this episode, Tim Marshall and Bianca Nobilo explore why France has experienced such recurring political upheaval and how centuries of revolution, regime change and resistance continue to shape the country’s political culture.

(00:00:12) A timeline of riots & revolution

(00:00:26) Can history explain Paris' protests?

(00:01:52) Normandy and a broken bargain

(00:04:18) Birth of the barricade

(00:06:39) Power concentrated in Paris

(00:07:49) How the weather shaped history

(00:11:15) Taking to the streets

(00:15:17) France’s final kings

(00:20:49) Ideas beyond borders

(00:26:13) The role of historic memory

(00:28:43) 'Violence can pay'

(00:31:02) Join the club! Exclusive content

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