GRADE LEVEL SECTION SUB-SECTION DURATION
8 WORLD HISTORY CHANGING WORLDS:
THE FRENCH REVOLUTION		 6 LESSONS

French Revolution
What did the French Revolution mean?

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Even though Napoleon was an autocratic leader, the ideas of the French Revolution did not end when he took power. He did not give his people political freedom, but he kept many of the changes that the Revolution brought. People were still equal before the law and jobs were open to men with talent raher than depending on their class of birth. After the Revolution, the Old Order was destroyed along with feudal practices. The aristocracy and clergy were no longer the most important people in the country. The bourgeoisie became the group with the most influence.

Today, long after Napoleon’s time, the ideas of the French Revolution have made an impact on how we live. It has especially influenced European countries, the United States of America, Canada and Australia to run democratically. Citizens have a say in how they are governed and can choose who their leaders are. Everyone has equal rights and people are free to express themselves. Many people see the French Revolution as the main event that made these ideas so important. The Revolution ended the Middle Ages with its Old Order and feudal system and ushered in a modern time with democracy and civil freedoms.

Learning Outcome 2: Historical knowledge and understanding

Assessment Standards: Showing historical knowledge and understanding

Activity

1. Why do you think the French Revolution was important for the way we live today?
Name 5 things that the modern world took over from the Revolution.

2. Write a short paragraph (6-8 lines) about each of these things, saying why they are important.

Learning Outcome 2: Historical knowledge and understanding

Assessment Standards: Showing historical knowledge and understanding

Activity

Have a class discussion on the following:

Do you think that South Africa’s change to a new government in 1994 can be compared to the French Revolution?

When you answer this, you might look at the following things:

  • What was it like in South Africa before 1994?
  • Would you say it was like the Old Order?
  • Why?
  • How did things change – was there a revolution like in France?
  • What were the changes that were made?
  • How is South Africa governed today?

 

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