SS9 – Crossroads
-FrnchRv5 –The Revolution Grows and a King Returns to Paris
The Revolution Grows and a King Returns to Paris
The meeting of the three estates (the 1st time since 1614) fuelled the
revolutionary spirit of the French people
The 3rd Estate, which represented the ordinary people of France,
quickly became frustrated with the lack of progress towards
democracy and broke away to form the National Assembly
Locked out of their meeting place by the king, they moved to the royal
tennis courts and swore not to leave until they had created a new fair,
and just, constitution and democratic government for France.
King Louis backed down to the will of the National Assembly and it
seemed to all that this Revolution was a success, however, on the
streets people were anxious for immediate change and where still
rioting over the high cost of bread.
In Paris, riot mobs turned on the famous Bastille prison which held
political prisoners. When Louis responded with more troops, they only
joined the mob.
The Bastille was captured by the citizens of Paris, and they soon
formed their own army called the National Guard and their leader was
Marquis de Lafayette who was a hero of the American Revolution.
The revolution started and focused on the major cities of Versailles
and Paris, but the news of ordinary people taking power spread quickly
to the countryside resulting in panic and attacks directed against the
rural French Aristocrats. This was called the “Great Fear”.
On August 4, 1789 the National Assembly met in Versailles and
abolished feudal rights and serfdom and declared all people equal
before the law.
Women played an important role in the revolution and even marched
upon the National Assembly and the King’s palace in Versailles so that
they could force the King and Queen to come to Paris to see the
problems associated with the shortages of food.
KEY
SS9 – Crossroads
- FrnchRv5 –The Revolution Grows and a King Returns to Paris
The Revolution Grows and a King Returns to Paris
Directions: Read pages 74-76 in your text Crossroads – A Meeting of Nations.
1. On a separate piece of paper, provide definitions for the following terms;
Bloc
a group
Mercenary a paid soldier
Chateaux
the mansions and great estates of the rich
Lafayette (who was he?) commander of the National Guard. He was a hero of the American Revolution
and was called to be the new leader of the National Guard.
2. On a separate piece of paper, answer the following questions using COMPLETE
SENTENCES;
a) What was the National Assembly and how did it form? (2 mks for quality
of answer)
It was the new government formed by the Third Estate. They broke with the other
Estates and declared themselves the new government.
b) Describe what happened on July 14, 1789. (2 mks for quality of answer)
A mob attacked the royal prison called “the Bastille”. They were joined by the troops sent by
the King to disperse the mob. They released all 7 prisoners in the Bastille. The mob cut off
the governor’s head and paraded it in the streets. This frightened Louis and he decided to
send his mercenary soldiers away because he couldn’t trust them.
c) Explain what the “National Guard” was and describe how it came about.
(2 mks for quality of answer)
the National Guard was a new army formed by citizens to keep order in Paris
d) What was the “Great Fear” and what areas of France were not affected?
(2 mks for quality of answer)
Peasants in the rural areas heard of the revolution and afraid that the King would be
able to stop the revolution and restore the powerful aristocrats, the peasants panicked and
destroyed the chateauxs of the wealthy. They burned the feudal certificates and paper
records of their obligations to their Lords.
e) Why did hundreds of women from Paris march to the King in Versailles?
What happened once they got there? (2 mks)
The people felt that the King was out of touch with the conditions of the common people.
The women marched to Versailles to meet the king. The stormed the palace. The queen and king
appeared and agreed to go back to Paris.
3. Often art is used to inspire political action. This was true of the French
revolution as well as conflicts that arise today.
On the space provided on the back, create a heroic depiction of the ordinary
people of Paris attacking the symbol of the King’s authority
– the Bastille prison. You will be marked on quality of effort and the inclusion of
details such as clothing styles, the tower, cockades, mercenary soldiers, etc.., not
on artistic ability.
3 marks for details, 3 marks for evidence of effort, for a total of 6 marks.
Total: ____ / 20