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
Jan 18, 2026 • 21min
Episode 512: The Congress of Vienna
The Congress of Vienna sought to put Europe back together after the Napoleonic Wars. It was not an easy task. But, by and large, the delegates were successful and peace prevailed for 99 years until the outbreak of World War One.Western Civ 2.0
Jan 17, 2026 • 21min
Episode 511: The Hundred Days
Napoleon returns from exile for one last chance at empire. His defeat at Waterloo, however, seals his fate.Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial
Jan 16, 2026 • 30min
Episode 510: The March to Moscow
Desperate to enforce his Continental System, Napoleon invades Russia. But Tsar Alexander will not fight and, instead, Napoleon finds himself cornered and finally beaten.Western Civ 2.0
Jan 14, 2026 • 25min
Episode 509: The War of 1812
James Madison watches as Washington DC burns. But America emerges from the War of 1812 more united and confident than ever before.Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial
Jan 11, 2026 • 27min
Episode 508: The Jefferson Administration
Thomas Jefferson's administration was full of contradictions and sweeping successes. Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial
Jan 9, 2026 • 28min
Episode 507: France Ascendant
France, under Napoleon, reaches the apex of its power. But, within the empire, the Spanish Ulcer and Continental System begin to unravel everything he had built.Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial
Jan 5, 2026 • 20min
Episode 506: Austerlitz
Napoleon reaches the height of his powers on the frozen fields of Moravia.Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial
Jan 1, 2026 • 27min
Episode 505: Consul for Life
It does not take long for Napoleon to consolidate power. But reversals in the Caribbean require the First Consul to rethink his North American strategy resulting in the Louisiana Purchase.Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial
Dec 25, 2025 • 31min
Episode 504: The Revolution of 1800
We catch up on the fledgling United States. George Washington becomes the first President of the United States (obviously...) and then the Election of 1800 secures the first peaceful transition of power in American history. Well, peaceful unless your name is Alexander Hamilton or Aaron Burr, that is...Western Civ Podcast 2.0 Free Trial
Dec 24, 2025 • 25min
Episode 503: The End of the Revolution
Napoleon Bonaparte becomes First Consul in what will be, thankfully, our final coup of the French Revolution. Western Civ 2.0
