Was the abolition of slavery an accident? Joined by Professor Jeremy Popkin, we examine the decree of 4 February 1794 and the unlikely sequence of events that produced the first emancipation. We also explore how slavery survived the initial years of the revolution, how various factions used it to advance their own interests, and why Robespierre, so often claimed for the abolitionist cause, was hostile to the decree.

Your Questions
Got a question about slavery in revolutionary France? Send in your questions and I'll answer it in an upcoming members-only Q&A special. You can also post your questions on the giveaway page.

Book Giveaway
Professor Popkin and Princeton University Press have kindly provided a copy of The First Emancipation to give away. Like the giveaway post here to enter. Open to everyone, including free members.
https://www.patreon.com/greyhistory/posts/giveaway-win-of-168275076

The Grey History Community

Help keep Grey History on the air! Every revolution needs its supporters, and we need you! With an ad-free feed, a community discord, a reading club, and tonnes of exclusive bonus content, you're missing out! Do your part for as little as half a cup of coffee per episode! It's the best value on the internet, with the best people too!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Now And Support the Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.patreon.com/greyhistory)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Make a one-off donation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://ko-fi.com/greyhistory)

Contact Me

Send your questions, praise, and scorn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://greyhistory.com/contact/)

Follow on Social Media

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/greyhistorypodcasts)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/greyhistorypodcasts/)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://twitter.com/greyhistorypod)

All members of the Grey History Community have an ad-free version of the show. Support the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.patreon.com/greyhistory) .

About

Grey History: The French Revolution and Napoleon is a podcast dedicated to exploring the complexities of our history. By examining both the experiences of contemporaries and the conclusions of historians, Grey History seeks to unpack the ambiguities and nuances of the past. Understanding the French Revolution and the age of Napoleon Bonaparte is critical to understanding the history of the world, so join us on a journey through a series of events that would be almost unbelievable if it weren't for the fact that it's true! If you're looking for a binge-worthy history podcast on the Revolution and Napoleon, you're in the right place!