Western Civ
Adam Walsh
A fast-moving history of the western world from the ancient world to the present day. Examine how the emergence of the western world as a global dominant power was not something that should ever have been taken for granted. This podcast traces the development of western civilization starting in the ancient Near East, through Greece and Rome, past the collapse of the Western Roman Empire into the Dark Ages, and then follows European and, ultimately, American history as the western world moved into a dominant world position.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 27, 2026 • 19min
Episode 521: The Irish Potato Famine
When the potato crop failed in 1845 in Ireland, no one at the time knew just how momentous it was. By the close of 1847, Ireland's population, through death and emigration, had fallen by nearly three million souls. It still has not recovered. Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial
Feb 22, 2026 • 23min
Episode 520: The Revolutions of 1848
A whirlwind tour of the 1848 upheavals across Europe. Revolt in Paris topples a king and sparks republican experiments. Workers clash with middle-class reformers and face brutal suppression. Nationalist drives reshape Germany, Hungary, Italy, and the Habsburg realm. The segment closes on how these failed uprisings still reshaped politics and society.
Feb 20, 2026 • 34min
Episode 519: Do You Hear The People Sing?
Political, economic, and social currents sweep Europe, bringing massive change and setting the stage for the Revolutions of 1848.Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial
Feb 13, 2026 • 27min
Episode 518: The Age of Jackson
The presidency of Andrew Jackson was instrumental in reshaping America politically, socially, and economically. Today we cover the Bank War, Nullification Crisis, and Indian Removal.Western Civ 2.0
Feb 8, 2026 • 14min
Episode 517: Greek Independence and the Revolutions of 1830
A rundown of the Congress of Vienna's attempts to freeze Europe and the underground liberal forces that refused to stay quiet. The spark and spread of the Greek revolt, brutal massacres, and the rise of philhellenism in European culture. Naval intervention at Navarino and the recognition of Greek independence that shook the postwar order. Revolutions in France, Belgium, and the wider 1830 unrest that frayed Vienna's settlement.
Feb 6, 2026 • 29min
Episode 516: The Industrial Revolution
Before we move on to more political history, I want to broadly discuss some of the changes sweeping Great Britain and then ultimately the rest of Europe driven by the Industrial Revolution. Today we focus in on "Cottonopolis" - otherwise known as Manchester.Western Civ 2.0
Feb 3, 2026 • 28min
Episode 515: The Liberator
Simon Bolívar drives the Spanish out of South and Central America. His vision for what came afterwards, however, did not last.Western Civ Podcast 2.0 Free Trial
Jan 30, 2026 • 34min
Episode 514: The Mexican War of Independence
The Cry of Dolores sparks the Mexican Independence Movement ending in victory over Spain in 1821. Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial
Jan 23, 2026 • 44min
Episode 513: Slavery's Long Shadow
There is no issue that dominated American politics like chattel slavery between the American War of Independence and the American Civil War. Today we go back to Bacon's Rebellion to try and explain why and then work our way all the way through the administration of John Quincy Adams.Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial
5 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 51min
Worlds of Islam: A Global History
James McDougall, historian and author of Worlds of Islam, traces Islam’s long transformations worldwide. He explores its diverse histories, early rapid expansion, gradual conversions, and administrative innovations from Baghdad to Southeast Asia. The conversation highlights shifting centers of power, encounters with empires and nomads, and Islam’s global adaptability across centuries.
