Living the French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon Season 1 Episode 4 France, Global Commerce, and Colonization

Living the French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon is a historical documentary series that takes us back to the 18th century, when France was going through a period of great change. Season 1 episode 4 is called "France, Global Commerce, and Colonization" and it explores how France became a major player in the global economy through trade and colonization.

The episode begins by introducing us to the French colonies in the Caribbean and how they became crucial to the French economy. We see how the Caribbean islands became a hub for the production of sugar, coffee, and other crops, and how French merchants and traders made huge profits from these commodities. The episode also explores the darker side of French colonialism, including the exploitation of enslaved Africans to work on the plantations.

We then move on to the topic of international trade and the role France played in it during the late 18th century. The episode gives us a fascinating glimpse into the world of trade routes, merchant ships, and European trading networks. We see how French merchants and traders were able to leverage their connections with other countries to expand their businesses and make even more money.

The episode also explores the economic policies of the French government during this period, which aimed to protect and promote French industry. We see how tariffs, subsidies, and other measures helped to create a level playing field for French businesses, and how the government worked to ensure that France remained competitive in the global marketplace.

As the episode progresses, we see how these economic changes had a profound impact on French society as a whole. The growth of the merchant class created a new group of wealthy individuals who became increasingly influential in politics and society. This in turn led to new tensions between the new elites and the traditional aristocracy, as well as between different regions of France.

Finally, the episode explores the impact of these economic changes on the rest of the world. We see how France's expansion into global commerce and colonization had far-reaching consequences, both positive and negative. On the one hand, France helped to create a more globalized world economy, bringing new goods and ideas to different corners of the world. On the other hand, French exploitation of colonial peoples and the environment also had disastrous consequences for many parts of the world.

Overall, "France, Global Commerce, and Colonization" is a fascinating and thought-provoking episode of Living the French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon. It offers a deep dive into the economic changes that shaped France and the world during this period, while also exploring the social and political implications of these changes. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about the past, this episode is sure to be an engaging and informative watch.