Dbq French Revolution

Assessment

In this lesson, you learned about the causes, events, and effects of the French Revolution. Today, the island of St. Helena remains an overseas territory of the United Kingdom. The house there where Napoleon spent his last days, however, was given to the French government. It is now a museum. For the lesson assessment, you will create an exhibit or pamphlet on the French Revolution that the museum would be proud to display.

Step 1: Determine which events to highlight.

Your pamphlet or exhibit should include the following features of the French Revolution:

• at least three causes the French Revolution

• Social and Political Inequality– The French had three social classes

I. Roman Catholic Clergy

II. Titled nobility and its main governor

III. Middle class, poor city workers, and rural peasants
The third and largest class was very resentful towards the heavy taxes they were forced to pay as well as the lack of rights. It was basically impossible for the third class to climb the social ladder due to all privileges were given by birth. Social rights could be purchased, but the price was too high for most to be able to afford.
Under Louis XVI France had an absolute monarchy where most people were denied basic rights and did not have any say so in the government while Louis XVI resided in a lavish palace at Versailles.
Enlightenment–An intellectual movement that dominated the world of ideas in Europe in the 18th century. France absolute monarch was criticized by Enlightenment thinkers concerning the tax burden on the Third Estate. Democratic reforms were also requested.

• at least three events during the French Revolution
o the Reign of Terror - The New National Convention was dominated by the Committee of Public Safety. One man in particular, Maximilien Robespierre came to dominate the Committee and established himself as the leader of the so-called Reign of Terror. Robespierre wanted to rid France of all enemies of the Revolution and to protect the “virtue” of the nation. From September 1793 to July 1794, an estimated 16,000 people were guillotined. Many radicals were executed along with moderates. Most leaders of the French Revolution were now either dead or had fled the republic. Opposition to Robespierre grew both in the Committee of Public Safety and within the National Convention. The execution of popular Committee member George-Jacques Danton and Robespierre proclaiming himself as the leader of a new religion of the Supreme Being caused much resentment. On July 27, 1794, Robespierre was arrested. He was guillotined the following day
• Meeting of the Estates General
In May of 1789 the Estates General was summoned by King Louis XVI reluctantly.

King Louis XVI intentions was to help solve the monarchy’s financial crisis. Three classes were represented by the Estates General: The First Estate was the nobles, Second Estate was clergy and the rest of the population made up the Third Estate. Each estate had only one vote. As a result, the nobility and clergy could always overrule the Third Estate. Fearing they would be forced to bear the burden of the financial crisis, the members of the Third Estate decided to form their own National Assembly. After being locked out of the meeting of the Estates General, they moved to an indoor tennis court where they pledged the so-called Tennis Court Oath, vowing to remain there until a new constitution had been

written
Dissolution of the National Assembly
The long awaited constitution finally came into effect on September 30, 1791. France was proclaimed a constitutional monarchy, while the National Assembly was dissolved and replaced by a new political body named the Legislative Assembly. No member of the National Assembly was elected to the new legislative body as it was agreed earlier that the members of the National Assembly would not be allowed to hold a seat in the new parliament. The result was the loss of everyone with valuable political experience. The Legislative Assembly was composed of various political factions, ranging from moderate royalists to radical republicans.
at least three effects from the French Revolution
o the rise and rule of Napoleon
 As France struggled under ineffective leadership that changed very little in the course of the daily lives of the peasants, Napoléon was able to return from a campaign in Egypt and, relatively easily, seize power with military help.

Napoléon established what is known as the Napoleonic Code. Perhaps the most far-reaching consequence of this was the establishment of the Napoleonic Code or Code civil des Français. Essentially, the Code made the legal system more fair to all in France regardless of religion or wealth.

o An Emerging Middle Class

 Since the Revolution essentially ended the feudal system in France, one effect that would greatly influence French culture was the emergence of a middle class or bourgeoisie.

Establishment of human rights. The French Revolution led to the Declaration of Rights of Man in France which led to much discussion and deliberations around the issue of human rights including the rights of slaves and women. It formed the basis of human rights recognition by creating movements to fight slavery and support feminism around the world.

Review your Travel Journal and the lesson to identify what you think are the most important elements to include.

Step 2: Write a summary for each

feature.
For each cause, event, and effect, write three to five sentences to explain what happened and why it is important. Use complete sentences and check your work for accuracy, spelling, and proper grammar.
Step 3: Organize your museum piece.
Collect your features and their summaries into one exhibit or pamphlet about the French Revolution. Include at least one picture to add interest to your piece. You may use the Web 2.0 tools area to complete the assignment.