Most historians agree that the French Revolution is the most significant
event of modern western history. Historians point to different causes that led to
the French Revolution; the Enlightenment idea of popular sovereignty, the
excesses of the monarchy, excessive taxations, and the harsh living conditions of
the poor. This revolution has been divided by historians into four phases; the
constitutional monarchy, the reign of terror, the great terror, and the Napoleonic
era. The French Revolution redefined the way societies saw the role of
government as it inspired revolutions around the world. Most importantly, the
French Revolution helps people analyze the great philosophical question: “Does
the end justify the means?”
 Causes of the revolution
o American revolution funding
o Enlightenment ideas
o
 Does the end justify the means?
(conclusion)
 Events of the french revolution (phases)
 Effects
o End of the revolution
 Influential people of the revolution (as
we go)
 Explain the revolutions inspired by the
french revolution
