Students analyze a political cartoon from the period of the French Revolution. Then they watch a video and read an article, summarizing the stages of the revolution. Next they explain how the French Revolution applied Enlightenment ideas to the emerging modern nation. Finally they compare and contrast the French and American Revolutions.
Students read background information about French support for the American Revolution and how this preceded the French Revolution. They examine the print Parisian Fishwives (ca. 1794) and complete a three-column table by suggesting who the three women in the foreground might represent, using observation and inference.
Teacher MovesIntroduce the overall flow and objectives of the experience. Share the Library of Congress description of Parisian Fishwives to clarify the symbolism of the figures and connect the image to the role of women and working-class anger during the French Revolution.
Students view an image of the Storming of the Bastille and read an overview of the three estates and the influence of Enlightenment ideas on the Third Estate. They watch What caused the French Revolution? and read French Revolution to learn about the major causes and events of the revolution. Using this information, they complete a graphic organizer by describing key stages of the French Revolution, including the Rise of the Third Estate, the Tennis Court Oath, the Storming of the Bastille, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, and the Reign of Terror. They then answer a fill-in-the-blank question identifying the individual who seized power to end the French Revolution.
Teacher MovesPrompt students to summarize the key events and turning points of the French Revolution, using their graphic organizers and responses to the fill-in-the-blank question to reinforce a clear sequence of stages before moving on.
Students examine an image of a French Revolutionary coin bearing the motto “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” and read an explanation of how the French Revolution ended absolute monarchy and feudalism and helped shape modern states based on popular sovereignty. They learn defining characteristics of a modern state, including territorial claims, external and internal sovereignty, and constitutional government. Students then post to a class wall explaining how the French Revolution applied Enlightenment ideas to the emerging modern nation.
Teacher MovesIf needed, review core Enlightenment ideas such as the power of human reason, the possibility of improving social conditions, religious tolerance, and the pursuit of knowledge, freedom, and happiness. Highlight and share an exemplary student response, using it to discuss how Enlightenment concepts of human rights, equality, and constitutional government were reflected in the demands and achievements of the Third Estate.
Students view an image of The Surrender of Lord Cornwallis and, drawing on prior knowledge and optional reference links about the American Revolution, imagine themselves as a veteran of the American Revolution serving as a U.S. consul in France during the French Revolution. From this perspective, they post observations comparing and contrasting the two revolutions. They then review classmates’ posts and respond to at least two with a question or positive comment to extend the comparison.
Teacher MovesIf needed, review the causes and effects of the American Revolution and direct students to the Student Pack links for additional context. Use the provided similarities and differences between the American and French Revolutions to guide discussion, and explicitly ask students how the American Revolution affected the French Revolution, noting both its inspirational role and the limits of its influence.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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