Activity Overview
When they study history, students should be able to draw parallels between historical events and modern day circumstances. History can help individuals see patterns in events over time – these patterns can help us make predictions about future events, based on current conditions. Identifying parallels is especially interesting during a unit on the French Revolution, as students assess whether or not certain circumstances in the world could potentially cause a revolution. The intent of this activity is to wrap-up study of the French Revolution’s opening sequences.
In this activity, students will use a grid to create a storyboard that links the conditions that caused the French revolution to modern day situations. Their storyboard should include three columns:
- Column 1: Four conditions that contributed to the French Revolution
- Column 2: A situation that resembles the conditions of pre-revolutionary France
- Column 3: A prediction about the situation based on their understanding of the French Revolution
This activity will require the teacher to help their students in researching “hotspots” around the globe to find pre-revolutionary conditions, similar to those described on the left hand side of the third column in the chart below. A great place to start researching is the Council on Foreign Relations.
For a scaffolding suggestion, the teacher can provide a partially filled template, with the four conditions that contributed to the French Revolution already in the left-most column. This will allow students to focus on the link to the present conditions.
Extended Activity
A fourth column could be added to this storyboard titled, “Policy Suggestions”. This column would identify policies that would improve the situation in Column Two. Captions for this column would identify the policy, and explain how and why it would work. Students can research policies that exist in other nations or propose their own and explain the reasoning behind their decision.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard identifying parallels between the French Revolution and modern day events and make a prediction about what could happen.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the first column, identify and describe the four conditions that led to the French Revolution.
- In the second column, research, identify, and describe different situations around the world that parallel each of the four conditions.
- In the third column, make a prediction of what you believe could happen based on your knowledge of the Revolution.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
When they study history, students should be able to draw parallels between historical events and modern day circumstances. History can help individuals see patterns in events over time – these patterns can help us make predictions about future events, based on current conditions. Identifying parallels is especially interesting during a unit on the French Revolution, as students assess whether or not certain circumstances in the world could potentially cause a revolution. The intent of this activity is to wrap-up study of the French Revolution’s opening sequences.
In this activity, students will use a grid to create a storyboard that links the conditions that caused the French revolution to modern day situations. Their storyboard should include three columns:
- Column 1: Four conditions that contributed to the French Revolution
- Column 2: A situation that resembles the conditions of pre-revolutionary France
- Column 3: A prediction about the situation based on their understanding of the French Revolution
This activity will require the teacher to help their students in researching “hotspots” around the globe to find pre-revolutionary conditions, similar to those described on the left hand side of the third column in the chart below. A great place to start researching is the Council on Foreign Relations.
For a scaffolding suggestion, the teacher can provide a partially filled template, with the four conditions that contributed to the French Revolution already in the left-most column. This will allow students to focus on the link to the present conditions.
Extended Activity
A fourth column could be added to this storyboard titled, “Policy Suggestions”. This column would identify policies that would improve the situation in Column Two. Captions for this column would identify the policy, and explain how and why it would work. Students can research policies that exist in other nations or propose their own and explain the reasoning behind their decision.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard identifying parallels between the French Revolution and modern day events and make a prediction about what could happen.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the first column, identify and describe the four conditions that led to the French Revolution.
- In the second column, research, identify, and describe different situations around the world that parallel each of the four conditions.
- In the third column, make a prediction of what you believe could happen based on your knowledge of the Revolution.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Analyzing Four Causes of the French Revolution
Create a collaborative timeline comparing revolutions across history
Having students work together to build timelines helps them visualize historical connections and deepen understanding. Comparing the French Revolution to events like the American, Haitian, or Russian Revolutions encourages critical thinking about patterns and causes of change.
Gather and assign key revolutions for timeline research
Choose several major revolutions (e.g., American, Haitian, Russian, Chinese) and assign each to small groups. This ensures students focus deeply on one revolution before sharing their findings.
Guide students to identify main causes and outcomes
Ask each group to research and record key causes, turning points, and results of their assigned revolution. This supports comparison to the French Revolution's causes and consequences.
Have groups build and present their timeline sections
Let students create timeline entries on poster paper or using digital tools. Encourage use of dates, visuals, and short captions for clarity and engagement.
Facilitate a class discussion to connect patterns across revolutions
Lead students in spotting shared causes, effects, and themes among revolutions. Help them draw parallels and reflect on how history can inform our understanding of current events.
Frequently Asked Questions about Analyzing Four Causes of the French Revolution
What are the four main causes of the French Revolution that students should know?
The four main causes of the French Revolution are: social inequality among the estates, financial crisis due to debt and heavy taxation, absolute monarchy with weak leadership, and the spread of Enlightenment ideas challenging traditional authority.
How can students connect the causes of the French Revolution to current world events?
Students can research modern situations that resemble pre-revolutionary France, such as countries facing economic hardship, social inequality, or lack of political voice, and draw parallels using a storyboard to predict potential outcomes.
What is an effective classroom activity for teaching the causes of the French Revolution?
A great activity is having students create a chart or storyboard that links each of the four causes of the French Revolution to a similar present-day situation, followed by a prediction of possible outcomes and policy suggestions.
Why is it important for students to compare historical revolutions with modern events?
Comparing historical revolutions with modern events helps students recognize patterns in history, develop critical thinking skills, and understand how past events can inform present and future decisions.
How can teachers scaffold a lesson on the French Revolution’s causes for high school students?
Teachers can provide a partially filled template with the four causes already listed, guiding students to focus on researching modern parallels and making predictions, which supports learning and makes the task more manageable.
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