VN201 Talk: The American Revolution in Paris - Part 5 of 7

Join WICE in a fascinating tour de force of the places in Paris that are intimately associated with the American Revolution.

Through a combination of four PowerPoint presentations and three walks—based on the book "Paris:  Birthplace of the U.S.A."—WICE members will gain an in-depth understanding of the critical role France played in the success of the American Revolution.

During this session we discuss and showcase important places where secret plans were hatched to support the American insurgents which helped lead to a successful outcome . . . and then pick up the thread of how the Americans continued to lean on and learn from experienced French connections during the early years of a new country. Topics include:

•  Hôtel Langeac, Avenue des Champs-Elysées, where Thomas Jefferson lived with this household entourage while he served as America’s second ambassador to the Court of Versailles.  We learn what he accomplished while here. 
• Rue de Richelieu, where four American presidents lived at some point during their careers during and after the American Revolution.
• La Bourse de Commerce, rue de Viarmes, where significant scenarios unfolded that were directly related to important figures in the American Revolution – Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson in particular.
• Café Procope, rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, a popular café patronized by Franklin, Jefferson, John Paul Jones, Voltaire and other significant figures, where plots were hatched, revolutions nurtured, and philosophies discussed.
• Quai des Grands Augustins – in the steps of Thomas Jefferson.  Booksellers and publishers lined this street where Jefferson bought many books which began the Library of Congress.
• Hôtel des Monnaies, quai de Conti, was a newly constructed Royal Mint when Franklin and Jefferson were in Paris.  This building, and its director, Marquis de Condorcet, were especially important to the young post-revolution United States.
  

About the Series

This series is open to WICE members, and registration is required. The cost is €10 apiece for individual talks / walks, or €50 for the entire series of seven talks / walks.

About the Organizer