1.103 Dechristianisation

About this episode

This episode explores the dechristianisation movement during the French Revolution, focusing on Joseph Fouché's campaign and its impact on the Catholic Church and society.

A new crusade! Determined to purge superstition and fanaticism in all its forms, anti-clerical zeal erupts across the French Republic. This episode uncovers how Joseph Fouché’s campaign in central France helped ignite a national movement. From the forced marriages of priests to the destruction of churches, we explore the many dimensions of dechristianisation. We also trace the rising tensions between constitutional clerics and the Jacobins, and how the Revolution turned against the Catholic faith in a bid to regenerate the nation. Episode Extras Rewriting Time: Naming The French Republican CalendarRenaming Republican France: From Towns To Babies Rural Calendar A horse? An apple tree? Find out what day were you born on here Paris Tour May 2026 Early Access Pass - More Info Here! Early Access Become a True Revolutionary and listen now to ⁠Episode 104 "The Cult of Reason" The Grey History Community Help keep Grey History on the air! Every revolution needs its supporters, and we need you! With an ad-free feed, a community discord, a reading club, and tonnes of exclusive bonus content, you're missing out! Do your part for as little as half a cup of coffee per episode! It's the best…

People in this episode

Host: William Clark

Topics covered

• dechristianisation
• French Revolution
• anti-clericalism
• Joseph Fouché
• religion and politics
• national movement

Keywords

• dechristianisation
• French Revolution
• Joseph Fouché
• anti-clericalism
• Catholic Church
• Jacobins
• forced marriages
• destruction of churches

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: French Republic, Jacobins, Catholic faith

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