Unit Four – Political Revolutions
While reason and logic flourished during the Enlightenment, many kings were confronted with the pressure of forming new political systems that limited the power of an absolute monarch. Although they resisted this change, their stubbornness eventually lead to several national revolutions in Europe, North America and Latin America. These political revolutions set important precedents for the foundations of modern democratic governments around the world.
In this unit we explore the nature of political change by examining the political revolution in France. We first encounter revolution in 18th century France where we see Europe’s richest, most powerful reigning monarchs (Louis XVI) stripped of his power. Absolute monarchy is challenged by Enlightenment ideas and the reign of Louis XVI is replaced by a representative democracy. The first French Republic endures a period of democratic despotism (Reign of Terror) and is ultimately replaced by the Napoleonic Empire.
Enlightened ideas of self worth and natural human rights would help foster the development of written documents that would grant and guaranteed citizens particular civil liberties. The principles behind the Magna Carta (1215), English Bill of Rights (1688), Declaration of Independence (1776), Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (1789), and Bill of Rights (1791) can all be connected to show the enduring effects of worldwide political revolutions.
Themes
· What factors can spark a violent political revolution?
· What makes a political revolution a success or failure?
· What does it take for oppressed people to get power, influence government and change society?
· What social and economic issues led France to revolution?
· What impact did the scientific revolution and enlightenment have on the French?
· Did the French Revolution succeed in its goals?
· What is the lasting legacy of the French Revolution?
· Can we identify economic, social, political and/or cultural conditions that are necessary to true and successful revolutions?
· How did the themes of the Enlightenment encourage massive political change in Europe, America and Latin America?
French Revolution
1st Estate
2nd Estate
3rd Estate
Bourgeoisie
King Louis XVI
Marie Antoinette
Meeting of Estates General
National Assembly
Tennis Court Oath
Storming of the Bastille
Declaration of Rights of Man
Constitution of 1791
Legislative Assembly
Political Spectrum: Left, Right, and Center
Committee of Public Safety
Jacobins
Robespierre
Marat
Reign of Terror
National Convention
Coup d’Etat
3 Consuls
Napoleon crowned emperor
Napoleonic Code
Napoleon’s Empire
Congress of Vienna
While reason and logic flourished during the Enlightenment, many kings were confronted with the pressure of forming new political systems that limited the power of an absolute monarch. Although they resisted this change, their stubbornness eventually lead to several national revolutions in Europe, North America and Latin America. These political revolutions set important precedents for the foundations of modern democratic governments around the world.
In this unit we explore the nature of political change by examining the political revolution in France. We first encounter revolution in 18th century France where we see Europe’s richest, most powerful reigning monarchs (Louis XVI) stripped of his power. Absolute monarchy is challenged by Enlightenment ideas and the reign of Louis XVI is replaced by a representative democracy. The first French Republic endures a period of democratic despotism (Reign of Terror) and is ultimately replaced by the Napoleonic Empire.
Enlightened ideas of self worth and natural human rights would help foster the development of written documents that would grant and guaranteed citizens particular civil liberties. The principles behind the Magna Carta (1215), English Bill of Rights (1688), Declaration of Independence (1776), Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (1789), and Bill of Rights (1791) can all be connected to show the enduring effects of worldwide political revolutions.
Themes
· What factors can spark a violent political revolution?
· What makes a political revolution a success or failure?
· What does it take for oppressed people to get power, influence government and change society?
· What social and economic issues led France to revolution?
· What impact did the scientific revolution and enlightenment have on the French?
· Did the French Revolution succeed in its goals?
· What is the lasting legacy of the French Revolution?
· Can we identify economic, social, political and/or cultural conditions that are necessary to true and successful revolutions?
· How did the themes of the Enlightenment encourage massive political change in Europe, America and Latin America?
French Revolution
1st Estate
2nd Estate
3rd Estate
Bourgeoisie
King Louis XVI
Marie Antoinette
Meeting of Estates General
National Assembly
Tennis Court Oath
Storming of the Bastille
Declaration of Rights of Man
Constitution of 1791
Legislative Assembly
Political Spectrum: Left, Right, and Center
Committee of Public Safety
Jacobins
Robespierre
Marat
Reign of Terror
National Convention
Coup d’Etat
3 Consuls
Napoleon crowned emperor
Napoleonic Code
Napoleon’s Empire
Congress of Vienna