Activity Overview
The Reign of Terror is a well-known component of the French Revolution, mostly due to the excessive use of the guillotine to preserve the Revolution. This activity asks students to look beyond the “chopping block” to discover the political motivations of the man behind the Terror: Maximilien Robespierre.
Students will create a timeline of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. They should be sure to include the following information and events in their timeline:
- The motivations for the use of terror to preserve the Revolution
- Methods Robespierre used to consolidate his power
- When popular support turned against Robespierre
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options and adjust the instructions accordingly.
Reign of Terror Timeline Events
- September 5,1793 - Reign of Terror Begins
- October 16, 1793 - Death of a Queen
- October 31, 1793 - Execution of Girondins
- December 25, 1793 - Robespierre Justifies Authority
- June 8, 1794 - Festival of the Supreme Being
- June 10, 1794 - New Legislation for Counterrevolutionaries
- June 28, 1794 - Reign of Terror Ends
Extended Activity
Students can create other “rise and fall” timelines for figures including Napoleon, Louis XVI, or Marat. In addition, students can identify and analyze the times Robespierre overstepped his authority, and sowed the seeds for his demise.
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 timeline of the Reign of Terror in France.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify important events, policies, and actions taken during the Reign of Terror.
- Describe the events, policies, and actions in the description box.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
Activity Overview
The Reign of Terror is a well-known component of the French Revolution, mostly due to the excessive use of the guillotine to preserve the Revolution. This activity asks students to look beyond the “chopping block” to discover the political motivations of the man behind the Terror: Maximilien Robespierre.
Students will create a timeline of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. They should be sure to include the following information and events in their timeline:
- The motivations for the use of terror to preserve the Revolution
- Methods Robespierre used to consolidate his power
- When popular support turned against Robespierre
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options and adjust the instructions accordingly.
Reign of Terror Timeline Events
- September 5,1793 - Reign of Terror Begins
- October 16, 1793 - Death of a Queen
- October 31, 1793 - Execution of Girondins
- December 25, 1793 - Robespierre Justifies Authority
- June 8, 1794 - Festival of the Supreme Being
- June 10, 1794 - New Legislation for Counterrevolutionaries
- June 28, 1794 - Reign of Terror Ends
Extended Activity
Students can create other “rise and fall” timelines for figures including Napoleon, Louis XVI, or Marat. In addition, students can identify and analyze the times Robespierre overstepped his authority, and sowed the seeds for his demise.
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 timeline of the Reign of Terror in France.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify important events, policies, and actions taken during the Reign of Terror.
- Describe the events, policies, and actions in the description box.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
How Tos about Timeline of the Reign of Terror in France
Engage students with a creative role-play of key figures during the Reign of Terror
Role-playing helps students actively understand historical motivations and perspectives. Assign each student a historical figure and provide background info so they can debate and react to events as that character. This encourages critical thinking and empathy for complex decisions.
Assign roles and historical background information to students
Choose major figures from the Reign of Terror, such as Robespierre, Danton, and Marie Antoinette. Distribute character cards with key facts and motivations to help students prepare for the activity. This ensures everyone understands their role and feels confident participating.
Set up a classroom debate on a pivotal event or policy
Select a turning point, like the justification of the Terror or public reactions to executions. Invite students to debate or discuss from their character's viewpoint, using evidence from their research and the timeline. Active discussion makes history come alive!
Reflect and connect the debate to the timeline project
After the role-play, discuss as a class how the perspectives shared relate to the events on the timeline. Encourage students to update their timelines or add notes about how motivations and consequences shaped the Reign of Terror.
Frequently Asked Questions about Timeline of the Reign of Terror in France
What is the Reign of Terror timeline for students?
The Reign of Terror timeline highlights key events during the French Revolution from 1793 to 1794, including the rise of Robespierre, the execution of major figures, and the eventual end of the Terror. It's a useful tool for students to visualize important moments and understand the period's impact.
How can I teach the Reign of Terror with a timeline activity?
To teach the Reign of Terror using a timeline, have students identify major events, such as the beginning of the Terror, notable executions, key policies, and Robespierre's downfall. Let students illustrate each event and provide brief descriptions for a more engaging learning experience.
What were Robespierre's motivations during the Reign of Terror?
Robespierre aimed to preserve the French Revolution by eliminating enemies and consolidating power. He believed that using "terror" was necessary to protect revolutionary ideals and maintain order, even if it meant harsh measures like the guillotine.
What key events should be included in a Reign of Terror timeline?
Essential Reign of Terror timeline events include: the start of the Terror (September 5, 1793), execution of Marie Antoinette (October 16, 1793), execution of the Girondins (October 31, 1793), Robespierre justifying his actions (December 25, 1793), Festival of the Supreme Being (June 8, 1794), new laws against counterrevolutionaries (June 10, 1794), and the Terror's end (June 28, 1794).
What are some alternative ways to present a Reign of Terror timeline?
Besides a standard timeline, students can create a timeline poster for presentations, use digital tools for interactive timelines, or do a gallery walk displaying different perspectives. Offering multiple formats helps engage diverse learners.
More Storyboard That Activities
French Revolution
- Paris • Moyan_Brenn • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Supreme Court of the United States • Phil Roeder • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
