The French Revolution: Lesson One

 


Issues to consider when studying the French Revolution

Definition of the French revolution

Any definition must consider the following key words and phrases: sudden changes beginning in 1789 to about 1799, these changes were political, economic and social.

Therefore, we can define the French revolution as the sudden political, economic and political changes that took place in France from 1789 to 1799.

The definition is very important because it provides you with a reference point or point of departure as you tackle any essay.

 

The Advanced Level History Paper will test your knowledge of the following:

  • Causes of the French revolution
  • Key individuals in the revolution
  • Key groups in the revolution
  • Governments of the revolution
  • Principles of the revolution

 

 

Causes of the French Revolution

Note. When examining the causes of the French revolution, the student must consider the following:

  • Key debates/issues in the causes of the French Revolution
  • Key terms used in the topic
  • Timeline of events
  • Key individuals
  • Key groups

 

Key debates/issues in the causes of the French Revolution

  • Was Revolution inevitable in France?
  • How true is it that the Revolution was the result of errors of commission or of omission?
  • Was it the political or economic or social factors that contributed the most to the outbreak of the Revolution?
  • How important was the character of Louis XVI as a cause of the Revolution?
  • What was the role of each of the groups/classes in causing the revolution?
  • How important were the philosophes and the Enlightment Ideas in bringing about the Revolution?

Key terms used in the topic

Note. Before you go further, make sure you know what these words mean in the context of the French Revolution

  • cahiers estates-general peasants bourgeoisie nobles clergy first estate second estate third estate ancien regime absolute monarchy radical moderate Enlightment Ideas Philosophes Bastille Assembly of the Notables

 

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