Nouvelle-France, the French in North America

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La Fayette, We Are Here!

The Nouvelle France (New France) is the French colonization of North America. And by this I mean North America, not just Canada. Over a couple of centuries, the French established settlements all over North America, especially along the St-Lawrence and Mississippi River but also in Nova Scotia, Florida, Louisiana and more.

New France basically existed from the first adventures of Jacques Cartier in 1534 to the end of the Seven Years’ War in 1763 and the signature of the treaty of Paris, that saw France lose most of its American possessions. It is a remarkable, violent, tragic and perennial story. Embark with me on this grand adventure! 

Timecodes:
Introduction
06:03 – Adventure and Discovery in America
13:27 – The First French Settlers
21:09 – Expansion Along the Rivers
26:53 – War and Peace
35:25 – New France Peaks
44:07 – New France Dies
53:26 – The Following Years
57:42 – Conclusion

Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche.

Artwork: L’expédition de Cavelier de la Salle pour la Louisiane, 1684, by Théodore Gudin (1844). (Grand Palais, Château de Versailles).

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La Fayette’s USA Tour of 1824 – The Hero Returns

To commemorate the 200th anniversary of La Fayette's grand tour of the USA in 1824, we have a special episode featuring guest Elizabeth Reese. Elizabeth is a public historian whose work focuses on the American Revolution and the Early Republic.

She recently published a book on the famed Marquis' visit to America: "Marquis de Lafayette Returns - A Tour of America's National Capital Region".

Join us as we discuss the circumstances, unfolding, and consequences of this great endeavour.

Timecodes
Introduction
04:23 - Brief overview of La Fayette and why President Monroe Invited Him
15:26 - The Scale of the Tour
21:35 - La Fayette Visits DC
28:33 - Important Events during the Tour
37:17 - The Legacy of the Tour
46:23 - Conclusion

Relevant Links:


Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche.

Artwork: La Fayette in 1825, portrait by Matthew Harris Jouett

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benjbcorbet

Jules Verne – France’s Great Adventure

Jules Verne is one of the most influential authors who ever lived, from every country and genre. He is the most translated author in the world after Agatha Christie and is by far the most translated French author. Verne's vision, stories and characters still resonate with us today, whether as part of new fictional storylines, or as cultural beacons and references.

Verne didn't just write stories; he opened portals to new worlds and inspired generations to dream bigger and reach farther. Join us as we delve into the life and legacy of Jules Verne, the father of science fiction and a true visionary of his time.

Timecodes
Introduction
04:42 - Growing up in Nantes
11:06 - Young Parisian Playwright
19:05 - Success, at last
31:36 - Darker Times
41:47 - Conclusion

Links to relevant episodes:


Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche.

Artwork: Jules Verne in 1892, photograph by Charles Herbert

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The French Wars of Religion – Faith in Destruction

On one side, the Catholic majority, unwavering in their devotion to Rome. On the other, the Huguenots, French Protestants inspired by the teachings of Jean Calvin.  Caught in the crossfire of this religious divide was the monarchy, struggling to maintain order amidst growing tension. But their efforts often only fuelled the flames of conflict.

And so, in 1562, the first shots were fired in what would become known as the French Wars of Religion. Over the next three decades, France would be engulfed in a series of bloody clashes between Catholics and Protestants, tearing the nation apart.

Join us as we unravel the intricate tapestry of alliances, betrayals, and power struggles that defined this turbulent period. From the grand halls of royal palaces to the blood-soaked fields of battle, we'll bring to life the key events and personalities that shaped the destiny of France.

Timecodes:
Introduction
05:15 - From Strength to Chaos
17:34 - Instability and Crisis
27:24 - War, War, War!
33:53 - The Saint-Barthélemy Massacre
41:05 - The Eighth and Final War
47:55 - Henri IV - "Paris is well worth a Mass"
52:06 - Conclusion

Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche.

Artwork: "St. Bartholomew's Day massacre' by François Dubois (1572)

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