The French Revolution

1. What was the French Revolution? “ Revolution” has two definitions: Drastic change Things coming full circle

“ Revolution” has two definitions:

Drastic change

Things coming full circle

1/4. The Bastille: It started in 1789 when French peasants overran the Bastille prison in Paris

2/4. The Guillotine: The King and Queen were publicly executed by guillotine “ revolution” =“drastic change”

3/4. The Terror: The new rulers then executed hundreds of the Kings’ supporters – and each other!

4/4. The Corsican: Control of the country was then seized by Napoleon Bonaparte “ revolution” = come “full circle”

2. Why do I need to study it?

1/3: Because it fought for values we still hold dear today “ Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” The ideas of liberty, racial / sexual equality and fraternity are all shown here

“ Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”

The ideas of liberty, racial / sexual equality and fraternity are all shown here

2/3: Because it shows how ordinary people can make a difference Ancient dictatorship overthrown, democracy introduced

Ancient dictatorship overthrown, democracy introduced

3/3: Because we need to keep their revolutionary spirit alive: the fight for liberty, equality and fraternity still hasn’t been won! Chinese ruler in the 1970s was asked whether the French Revolution was a good thing. His reply: “It’s too soon to tell”. 1989: Student demonstrators are killed in Tiananmen Square, China. Chinese students lead the Bicentenary commemorations of the 1789 Revolution in Paris.

Chinese ruler in the 1970s was asked whether the French Revolution was a good thing. His reply: “It’s too soon to tell”.

1989: Student demonstrators are killed in Tiananmen Square, China. Chinese students lead the Bicentenary commemorations of the 1789 Revolution in Paris.