The French Revolution
Main Idea: The revolutionary government of France made reforms
but also used terror and violence to retain power.
Why It Matters Now: Some governments that lack the support of
a majority of their people still use terrorism to control their citizens.
Part One: The Assembly Reforms France
State the historical significance (importance) of the following dates of the French Revolution:
Date
Historical Significance (Importance)
May 5th, 1789
June 17th, 1789
July 14th, 1789
August 4th, 1789
On August 27th, 1789 the National Assembly adopted the ______________________________________.
This revolutionary document was influence by the _____________________________________ and the
_________________________________. It stated that _______________________________________
_________________________________. It also stated that the purpose of government was to preserve
the natural rights of man. According to the French, these rights were:
1)
3)
2)
4)
In addition to these natural rights, this document guaranteed ___________________________________,
_________________________________ and _____________________________ to all men. As a result,
______________________________________________ became the battle cry of the French Revolution.
French Revolution -- DLJ
What did the National Assembly do in regard to the Church? What was the intended result of these actions?
What was the main motive behind the
National Assembly’s actions? Explain.
A StateControlled
Church
What were the unintended consequences of the National Assembly’s actions. Explain.
Part Two: Conflicting Goals Cause Divisions

By 1791, the National Assembly created a limited constitutional monarchy. This meant _______
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
As a result, the __________________________________ replaced the National Assembly as the
law-making branch of the French Government.

Despite this success, the French government still faced the problem of _____________________
and _______________________. There were angry cries for more ____________________,
more _____________________ and more _______________________. This caused the leaders
of the new government to turn against each other.

On the extreme right were the _______________________ who wanted ___________________
______________________________________________________________________________.

On the extreme left were the ________________________ who wanted ____________________
______________________________________________________________________________.
French Revolution -- DLJ
Summarize the events that lead to the formation of the National Convention.
Once in power, what did the National Convention do?
Personal Response (p. 201): In your opinion, was the guillotine a form of cruel and unusual punishment?
What was the purpose of holding public executions then and now?
Before his execution, Louis XVI said, “I am
innocent and shall die without fear. I would
that my death might bring happiness to the
French, and ward off the dangers which I
forsee.” King Louis was one of the first
persons to be executed by the guillotine.
Part Three: The Terror Grips France; End of Terror
On a separate sheet of paper, create a formal outline of the Reign of Terror (p. 202-203); Underline
important terms/names.
French Revolution -- DLJ