Unit 4 Essential Questions and Enduring Understandings
The French Revolution was an influential period of social and political upheaval in France that lasted from 1789 until 1799, and was partially carried forward by Napoleon during the later expansion of the French Empire. The Revolution overthrew the monarchy, established a republic, experienced violent periods of political turmoil, and finally culminated in a dictatorship by Napoleon that forcibly brought many of its principles to Western Europe. Inspired by liberal and radical ideas, the Revolution profoundly altered the course of modern history , triggering the decline of theocracies and absolute monarchies while replacing them with republics and democracies.
Our unit of inquiry will be focused around the French Revolution. Students will have just learned about the advancements in technology from the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment. This will show students how much more advanced weapons increased the ability to wage full scale wars. Students will also compare and contrast the America/French Revolutions. Students will understand what sparks Revolutions and how they can be both good and bad.
Our unit of inquiry will be focused around the French Revolution. Students will have just learned about the advancements in technology from the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment. This will show students how much more advanced weapons increased the ability to wage full scale wars. Students will also compare and contrast the America/French Revolutions. Students will understand what sparks Revolutions and how they can be both good and bad.
Essential Questions:
Enduring Understandings:
- How can ideas and revolutions inspire struggling nations to push for change?
- What is mob-mentality?
- How can monarchies fall?
- How do people rise from the shadows to the spot light?
- Why do people desire power?
Enduring Understandings:
- Understand that in difficult times, people are often willing to sacrifice democracy for a strong leader who offers security.
- Describe the factors that led up to the French Revolution.
- Discuss the violence that resulted in the overthrow of the French monarchy and the establishment of the Reign of Terror.
- Explain how Napoleon Bonaparte rose from the ranks of the military to become emperor of France.
- Explore events that led to Napoleon's fall from power.