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French Revolution Lesson Plans

Facilitated by enlightened thinking and the terrible violence in the late 18th century, the French Revolution of 1789 brought major political and social change to France. It paved the way for the beginning of the end of monarchies and France found itself trying on different governments during and after the revolution. The uprising of the common people to overthrow a broken political system demonstrates the spread of democratic principles in Europe and the New World.


Student Activities for French Revolution



The activities in this lesson plan focus on different aspects of the French Revolution and Napoleon. The theme connecting these activities is analytical thinking. Since the French Revolution is about people making changes to their own society, students will be reflecting on what motivated the French people to act. In addition, they will analyze both the long and short-term ramifications of these “revolutionary” actions.


Essential Questions for The French Revolution

  1. What conditions lead to revolution?
  2. What were the causes of the French Revolution? To what extent do similar situations exist in our world today?
  3. Why did French citizens resort to using terror to keep their revolution going?
  4. How did Maximilien Robespierre gain and lose political power?
  5. What were the social and political changes caused by the French Revolution?
  6. What role did women play in the French Revolution?
  7. What perceptions did foreign nations have of Napoleon?

French Revolution Summary

Monarchy was not only very common in Europe in the 1700s, but the norm. As ideas on science and social issues evolved during the Enlightenment, many people questioned the validity of the "divine right of kings" and the ruling of a very privileged few over the masses. The American Revolution, both as an example of rebellion and as a financial cause, helped pave the way for French revolutionaries to abolish the unjust absolute monarchy of the "Ancien Régime".

Poor harvests and high spending created incredibly high taxes on the Third Estate. The people could not afford to feed themselves, let alone support the costs of the military and the spending of "Madame Déficit". Extreme poverty and outrage over the availability of bread pushed many to action in the Women's March on Versailles and the storming of the Bastille. The people demanded to be heard and, left with few viable options, some turned to violence.

Thousands of people, including King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, lost their lives to the guillotine, a device for efficient executions by beheading, at the behest of a populace in uproar. Political and civil unrest continued during the Reign of Terror. The French government took on many forms as the ideas of equality, liberty, and fraternity permeated the nation: absolute monarchy, constitutional monarchy, republic, and dictatorship. Napoleon Bonaparte, a commander in the French military, eventually established himself as a leader for France, and became the first emperor.


How Tos about The French Revolution

1

Create a dynamic classroom timeline of the French Revolution

Choose key events and dates from the French Revolution and assign each one to a student or small group. Encourage students to research their event, create a short summary, and prepare a visual (such as a drawing or symbol). This builds engagement and context.

2

Guide students to present their timeline moments

Have each student or group present their event in chronological order. Ask them to explain why their event was important and how it affected the revolution overall. This supports learning and public speaking skills.

3

Facilitate student discussion on cause and effect

Prompt students to connect each timeline event to previous and subsequent events. Encourage them to discuss how one action led to another and highlight patterns of change. This deepens historical understanding.

4

Incorporate creative reflection activities

Invite students to write a brief journal entry or create a comic strip from the perspective of someone living through a timeline event. This fosters empathy and helps students synthesize the impact of revolution.

5

Assess learning and celebrate participation

Review the completed timeline as a class and discuss major themes or lessons learned. Highlight student contributions and encourage questions about the events. This reinforces knowledge and celebrates effort.

Frequently Asked Questions about The French Revolution

What are quick and easy lesson ideas for teaching the French Revolution in middle or high school?

Some quick and easy lesson ideas for teaching the French Revolution include analyzing primary sources, creating timelines of key events, role-playing debates between revolutionaries, and using graphic organizers to compare causes and effects. Activities like storyboard creation and short group presentations help students engage with the material efficiently.

How can I help students understand why the French Revolution happened?

To help students understand why the French Revolution happened, focus on discussing the social, economic, and political factors such as the Enlightenment, high taxes on the Third Estate, poor harvests, and dissatisfaction with monarchy. Use real-life analogies, cause-and-effect charts, and discussion questions to encourage analytical thinking.

What are the main impacts of the French Revolution on modern society?

The main impacts of the French Revolution on modern society include the spread of democratic principles, the rise of nationalism, and the idea of equality before the law. Its legacy influenced constitutions, human rights, and inspired future revolutions around the world.

What are some effective classroom activities for teaching about Napoleon’s role in the French Revolution?

Effective classroom activities for teaching about Napoleon’s role include creating character profiles, mapping his military campaigns, analyzing his speeches, and comparing his leadership style to other revolutionary figures. Group discussions and mock trials can help students critically evaluate his impact.

What conditions lead to revolutions, and how can I connect these to today’s world for my students?

Common conditions that lead to revolutions are economic inequality, political oppression, and social injustice. To connect these to today’s world, encourage students to compare historical causes with current events, fostering discussions about change, leadership, and citizen action.

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