FREV - French Revolution Module Overview
French Revolution
Introduction
The French Revolution was truly a benchmark event in European history as it brought to the surface the ideals of the Enlightenment. From the 14th through the 18th centuries Europe evolved from a system dominated by decentralized, vaguely defined states to a continent of highly centralized nations which competed with each other for territory, power, and influence. By far, the "king of the hill" was France, a nation which had gained the respect and fear of its fellow nations due largely to the unrestricted power Louis XIV had exercised during his remarkably long tenure as king. The system of absolutism in France, which by definition assumed the king to be "the state," gave no consideration as to whether his actions resulted in a positive impact for his people. This circumstance resulted in a very few from the privileged class who benefitted from the actions of the French government. Despite the economic and social hardship on the people, which was inherent in this system, they accepted their fate for centuries. Ultimately, the economic misery of the lower classes and the lack of position and recognition for the growing middle class became unbearable and unacceptable resulting in revolution.
Based off the ideals of the Enlightenment, the French Revolution sparked similar uprisings in almost every other European nation and is often seen as THE event that defines European History. Within the next several pages, we'll explore the causes of the French Revolution, trace how it began as well as how and why it entered a radical phase. We'll evaluate the successes and failures of the Revolution and see how the actions of the people drove this revolution.
Painting - Death of Marat by Jacques Louis David. Marat was a French Revolutionary who was murdered by Charlotte Corday. Find out more about the painting and its subjects by downloading this article from Art Guides. Links to an external site.
Essential Questions
- How did French absolutism lead to the French Revolution?
- How did the Enlightenment philosophies as well as the American Revolution promote the French Revolution?
- What were the political, social, and economic characteristics of the Old Regime which led to revolution?
- What were the social, economic, and political concepts which led to the outbreak of the French Revolution?
- Identify the revolutionary phases as well as the events and philosophies which promoted them.
- Identify the various revolutionary governments and why each failed.
Textbook Assignment and Unit Review Form
As you work through this module, be certain to read the French Revolution chapter in your textbook. As you are reading, you may wish to jot down notes in the unit review form. Please pay close attention to the societal changes that take place during the Revolution - the demands of the third estate and the changes resulting from the Revolution are major components on the AP Exam. Also, be certain to note the role of women during the Revolution. Women step up in a big way during this time and the AP Exam likes to have you examine that change. This is for your notes, not to submit.
Click here to download a copy of the unit review form. Links to an external site.
Key Terms and People
There are several people and items you need to look over for this module. Be sure to download the ID list (linked below) - EVEN if you do not plan on defining them for your notes. This is for your notes, not to submit. You need to look over the list of terms to see what you will need to pay particular attention to in this module.
Click here to download a copy of the ID List for this module. Links to an external site.
The presentation below is helpful in seeing some of the more important people and terms, but is by no means a definitive list.
RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.
DEATH OF MARAT BY JACQUES LOUIS DAVID, PUBLIC DOMAIN VIA ARTCHIVE.COM