The French Revolution

Worksheet Description

The worksheet titled “The French Revolution” is designed to inform students about the pivotal role of the Bastille in the French Revolution. It starts with a concise overview of the French Revolution as a watershed moment when the French populace rose against monarchical absolutism to establish a republic. The Bastille, which is central to this historical narrative, is introduced as a fortress and prison symbolizing the ancien régime’s despotism. Its storming on July 14, 1789, by the Third Estate—representing the common people—marks the climax of popular discontent and is presented as the revolution’s ignition point.

Students are then prompted to delve into the significance of the Bastille’s seizure, reflecting on how it catalyzed the revolution. This exercise aims to deepen their understanding of the direct causality between the fall of the Bastille and the revolutionary surge, fostering critical thinking about the dynamics of power, civil unrest, and the quest for democratic principles. By engaging with this historical event, students are encouraged to ponder the broader themes of freedom, equality, and citizen action that continue to resonate in contemporary civic discourse.