Activity Overview
The Revolution turned French society on its ear, but more things changed beyond the execution of the king and queen. In this activity, students will create a spider map that explains the changes created as a result of the French Revolution and determine how far-reaching the transformations promised by the Revolution actually were.
Example Changes after the French Revolution
- Colonial Affairs
- Government
- Art
- Fashion
- Education
- Political Identity
As an extended activity, students can examine the changes after another revolution and create a storyboard that compares the two revolutions and their outcomes.
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 spider map that identifies the changes to society after the French Revolution.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify each category of revolutionary change.
- Write a summary of what changed in the description boxes.
- Create an illustration for each using appropriate scenes, characters, items, or photos from Photos for Class.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
The Revolution turned French society on its ear, but more things changed beyond the execution of the king and queen. In this activity, students will create a spider map that explains the changes created as a result of the French Revolution and determine how far-reaching the transformations promised by the Revolution actually were.
Example Changes after the French Revolution
- Colonial Affairs
- Government
- Art
- Fashion
- Education
- Political Identity
As an extended activity, students can examine the changes after another revolution and create a storyboard that compares the two revolutions and their outcomes.
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 spider map that identifies the changes to society after the French Revolution.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify each category of revolutionary change.
- Write a summary of what changed in the description boxes.
- Create an illustration for each using appropriate scenes, characters, items, or photos from Photos for Class.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Revolutionary Changes in French Society
Make Connections Between the French Revolution and Modern Events
Help students relate history to today by comparing revolutionary changes in France to current events or movements. This deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking about lasting impacts.
Choose a recent news event with similar themes
Select a modern event that involves social, political, or cultural change—such as a protest, policy reform, or movement for rights. Connecting historical and current events helps students see relevance in what they're learning.
Guide students to identify parallels and differences
Ask students to compare the revolutionary changes in France to those in the modern event. Encourage them to note both similarities and differences in causes, actions, and outcomes for a well-rounded analysis.
Facilitate a visual comparison activity
Have students create a Venn diagram, T-chart, or another graphic organizer to visually map the connections. This makes abstract concepts more concrete and accessible for grades 2–8.
Prompt discussion and reflection
Lead a class discussion or reflective writing activity on what history teaches about change. Encourage students to consider how lessons from the French Revolution apply to the modern world and their own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Revolutionary Changes in French Society
What are the main changes in French society after the French Revolution?
French society changed dramatically after the Revolution, including shifts in government structure, colonial policies, art and fashion trends, education reform, and a new political identity. These transformations affected daily life, social classes, and national values.
How can students create a spider map to show changes after the French Revolution?
To create a spider map, students should place "Changes After the French Revolution" at the center, and use branches for each key area (such as government, colonial affairs, art, fashion, education, and political identity), adding brief summaries and relevant visuals for each branch.
What is an example of a classroom activity for teaching about changes after the French Revolution?
A great classroom activity is having students develop a spider map that identifies and explains the different areas of change in French society post-Revolution, using summaries and illustrations for each category.
Why is it important for students to compare revolutions in history lessons?
Comparing revolutions helps students understand patterns of change, the impact of different historical events, and the unique or shared outcomes of revolutions, deepening critical thinking and historical analysis skills.
What subjects or categories should be included in a lesson on changes after the French Revolution?
Key categories to include are colonial affairs, government, art, fashion, education, and political identity, as these areas saw significant transformation following the French Revolution.
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