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
Sep 5, 2025 • 18min
Episode 479: Storm on the Horizon
A number of factors led into the Seven Years War. Here I break them down.Western Civ 2.0
11 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 24min
Episode 478: Pirates!
Explore the dramatic Russo-Turkish War of 1710, driven by Tsar Peter the Great's ambitions for the Black Sea. Discover the intriguing diplomatic maneuvers between Peter and Charles XII amid Ottoman complexities. Dive into the founding of New Orleans, highlighting the city's unique identity shaped by colonial rule and cultural blending. Lastly, unravel the Golden Age of Caribbean piracy, where desperation spurred lawlessness, featuring notorious figures like Blackbeard, and witness the rise and eventual decline of piracy amid evolving colonial influences.
Aug 25, 2025 • 19min
Episode 477: Prussia
Frederick I founds the Kingdom of Prussia and the Great Frost of 1709 grips Europe.Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial
Aug 22, 2025 • 16min
Episode 476: Peter the Great
Russia enters our story as a major power player under Peter the Great.Support the Show
Aug 16, 2025 • 15min
Episode 475: Europe and North America at the Turn of the Century
I cover a few remaining issues from the year 1700 including the rise of Russian and the formation of Great Britain.Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial
Aug 15, 2025 • 24min
Episode 474: The Sun King
"I am the State." - Louis XIVSupport the show and become a MEMBER.
Aug 13, 2025 • 32min
Episode 473: The English Civil War (Part Ten)
William of Orange supplants James II, the Stuart line ends, and with it, the English Civil War.Western Civ 2.0
Aug 12, 2025 • 21min
Episode 472: The English Civil War (Part Nine)
The restored monarchy ends, but not with a bang. Charles II's death, however, thrusts the question of the succession front and center.Western Civ 2.0
Aug 11, 2025 • 24min
Episode 471: The English Civil War (Part Eight)
We introduce Louis XIV. The French King quickly bribes his way into controlling Charles II.Western Civ 2.0
Aug 10, 2025 • 29min
Episode 470: The English Civil War (Part Seven)
Enter stage left: the Restoration. Spoiler alert, it won't last long.Western Civ 2.0
