CHY 4U1 – Image Analysis
The French Revolution – The Battle of Valmy
Discussing the Illustration:
1) Starting in 1792, the French Revolution was affected as much by war with other nations as
by events in France itself. Can you name some of the nations that France fought between
1792 and 1802?
2) France declared war on Austria in April 1792. At first it lost battles. But on September 20,
it won a key victory against Prussia and Austria in a battle shown above. Can you name the
location of this battle?
3) The nations that fought France did so partly because of their fears about the French
Revolution. And the thousands of French Emigres added to those fears. Why do you think
Europe’s rulers feared the French Revolution? Who were the émigrés, and why might their
views have added to Europe’s fears?
4) In time, France developed the most effective army in Europe, one that conquered and
occupied large areas outside of France. Historians say France was able to do this in part
because of its revolutionary spirit. Can you explain what they mean?