The French Revolution: Liberté, Egalité, and Fraternité - History of Global
Democracies Series | Academy 4 Social Change
The French Revolution: Lesson Plan
Topic
The French Revolution was caused by growing unrest between the French estates,
poor economic situation, and scarcity of goods due to a famine. French
bourgeoisie rebelled both intellectually and violently to overthrow the King of
France and create a Republic. Unfortunately, the new government proved to be
fairly bloody and France eventually came under the control of Napoleon
Bonaparte, who declared himself emperor.
Possible subjects/classes Time needed
● History
● Government 40-45 minutes
● Philosophy
Video link:
https://academy4sc.org/topic/the-french-revolution-liberte-egalite-and-fraternite/
Objective: What will students know/be able to do at the end of class?
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to...
● List three reasons for the French Revolution.
● Describe key events during the French Revolution.
● Explain why the French Revolution was important, despite its new
government’s short existence.
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
Republic, Absolute monarchy
Materials Needed
Worksheet, Copies of a translated version of the Declaration of the Rights of Man
and US' Bill of Rights
Before you watch
Quick write: Imagine you had to create a new country. Write down what it might
The French Revolution: Liberté, Egalité, and Fraternité - History of Global
Democracies Series | Academy 4 Social Change
look like. Consider how it would be governed, what potential services citizens
would receive, what economic system would need to be put in place, how the
country would be divided, and how those in power would get their authority.
While you watch
Complete the Short Answer section of the Worksheet.
After you watch/discussion questions
1. To what extent was the French Revolution successful? What determines the
success of a revolution?
2. Could the French Revolution be considered a Civil War between the First
and Second Estates and the Third Estate?
3. Can elements of the Reign of Terror be seen today?
Activity Ideas
● Review a translated transcript of the Declaration of the Rights of Man. Have
students compare and contrast different clauses with the US' Bill of Rights.
What’s similar? What’s different?
● Assign each student a different important figure in the French Revolution
(ex. Marie Antoinette, Louis XVI, Robespierre, Danton, Napoleon). After
doing research, have each student do a journal reflection on how their
figure affected the French Revolution.
● Have students individually complete the Worksheets and then review
answers in groups.
Sources/places to learn more
1. de Tocqueville, Alexis. Old Regime and the Revolution. Trans. John Bonner.
New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers, 1856.
2. Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “French Revolution.” Encyclopædia
Britannica, 15 May 2020. Web. 29 May 2020.
3. “The French Revolution.” American Experience. PBS, n.d. Web. 29 May 2020.
