The History of France

From revolution and empire to cultural myth-making, France’s history is marked by sudden upheaval, towering ambition, and moments that changed the world.

This collection traces the collapse of the old monarchy and the explosive rise of popular politics through the French Revolution, following its descent from idealism into terror and war. Out of this chaos emerged Napoleon Bonaparte, first as a young general, then as a global conqueror, from his daring campaign in Egypt to his battles against Britain and Admiral Nelson at Trafalgar.

Alongside these great events, French history has been constantly reimagined and retold, from revolutionary propaganda to modern cinema. With episodes on revolution and empire, this curated collection explores how France reinvented itself and Europe.