Paragraph 5.3 - The French Revolution II - 2021

• Geschiedenis
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 2

TODAY

Paragraph 5.3 - The French Revolution - II

What event ended the Ancien Regime?

1. The declaration of the Rights of Men and Citizen
2. La Nuit de Sacrifics

Explain why the March on Versailles is seen as one of the most significant events of the French Revolution?

Think, pair and share

1. A failed escape from Paris

In 1791, the French royal family tried to escape from Paris. With loyal troops they wanted to start a counter-revolution. However, the royals were caught in the township of Varennes after being recognised. They seemed to have forgotten that the king’s face was on every coin in France. The National Convention charged Louis XVI with ‘treason’ and classified him as an enemy to the nation. Despite his pleas of innocence, 387 members voted for the death penalty. The king was almost saved, because 334 people voted against his conviction. Eventually Louis XVI was executed on the Place de la Revolution in 1793.

2. Imagine that you're a member of the National Convention in 1791. Give one argument in favour of the death penalty for Louis XVI and one argument against it. 

Pair

1. Discuss your arguments with your partner

SHARE
Imagine that you're a member of the National Convention
in 1791. Give one argument in favour of the death penalty
for Louis XVI and one argument against it. Let one partner
fill the argument against and the other in favour
of the death penalty

The Reign of Terror

In 1792, the National Assembly officially ended the monarchy, which was replaced by the French Republic with a new government. This started a violent chapter in French history, known as the Reign of Terror. The leader of this movement was Maxime Robespierre. He was a lawyer working in the Estates- General, who was strongly influenced by the Enlightenment thinkers. This made Robespierre a strong opponent of the French monarchy.

Robespierre also believed that everyone who did not agree with the ideals of the revolution should be executed. His fanaticism did not make him very popular. Some people thought he was too extreme, and eventually they proved to be right. Robespierre was supported by a political group called the Jacobines. Soon they dominated the National Assembly and started their Reign of Terror. This led to the death of thousands of people. Still, Robespierre enjoyed great popularity among the people of France. He had a gift for public speaking and could convince people quite easily.

14 July 1789

17 June 1789

5 May 1789

5 October 1789

20 June 1791

21 January 1793

16 October 1793

28 July 1794

4/5 August 1789

La Nuit de Sacrifices

Execution of Robbespierre

Execution of Louis XXI

Women's March on Versailles 

National Assembly formed

Execution Marie- Antionette

Flight to Varennes 

Storming of the Bastille

Esates General

What is the most interesting fact you learned today?