Ep 1. Engineering a Revolution

A Taste of History season 5 episode 1, entitled "Engineering a Revolution," explores the technological advances that helped the American Revolution succeed. Host Chef Walter Staib follows in the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers and a renowned inventor, as he travels from Philadelphia to Paris.

Staib begins by examining the importance of communication during the Revolution. He visits Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where he learns about the creation and use of semaphore, a system of visual communication that allowed messages to be passed over long distances. Staib also meets with a historian to see a replica of the first American submarine, which was developed by David Bushnell during the Revolution. The turtle-shaped vessel was used to attack British ships and was an early example of undersea warfare.

Next, Staib travels to France to learn about the role that French engineers played in the Revolution. He visits the Palace of Versailles, where he sees a model of the American fortifications designed by French engineer Louis Duportail. Duportail helped design the defenses at West Point and other strategic locations and played a key role in turning the tide of the war in favor of the Americans.

Staib also meets with a French fashion historian to learn about the influence of French fashion on the American Revolution. He explores the revolutionary spirit of fashion and how clothing served as a means of political expression. Finally, Staib explores the impact of the French alliance with the American Revolution, traveling to the site of the Battle of Yorktown, where French forces played a vital role in securing victory for the American forces.

Throughout the episode, Staib emphasizes the importance of innovation and invention in the success of the Revolution. He shows how technological and scientific advances allowed the American forces to succeed against the British and revolutionized the way wars are fought. The episode is a fascinating look at the intersection of history and technology and how innovations can shape and change the course of world events.