Question

activity 3: text analysis
directions: analyze the text below and complete the questions that follow.
enlightenment
famine & economic depression
inequality
the enlightenment began thanks to the invention of the printing press, which philosophers used to write books to spread their ideas about freedom and equality. as a result, more people began to learn how to read. this led to dramatic changes in the world, particularly in governments where people revolted against absolute leaders who believed in divine right and suppression of people in lower classes. pictured above are the american founding fathers signing the declaration of independence — the document that formally broke them from british rule. this moment inspired the french, who helped the u.s. defeat britain.
extreme spending by the second estate (king louis and queen marie antoinette) on parties and luxurious items brought the country into financial ruin. further damages were caused by intense spending to help americans defeat britain in the american revolution. ultimately, this all led to a major economic depression in the 1770s - 1780s which led to a downturn in jobs and money made from trade (since nobody could work to produce items to trade). a famine also contributed to a lack of food, so bread became expensive since it was hard to come by. with no jobs and therefore no money, the third estate couldnt afford to eat.
the estates system was one of the last remaining segments of feudalism in an increasingly modernizing world. tired of oppression by the rich, the third estate began revolting against the class system. they were particularly infuriated that king louis and his wife, marie antoinette, enjoyed lavish foods and parties while the rest of the nation suffered in poverty and starved to death. when the king was forced to publish records of his transactions in 1790, the french saw that the royal family spent tens of millions on gifts to their friends and on \personal expenses\. they were both beheaded a couple of years later.

1. how did enlightenment ideas contribute to the french revolution?
2. why was there an economic depression during the 1770s - 80s? do you think this was necessarily the kings fault?
3. how did the economic depression contribute to hunger among the poor?
4. how did the estates system contribute to the french revolution?
5. why were the people of france unhappy with king louis and marie antoinette?

activity 4: assessment
directions: choose an option below and complete on looseleaf for an assessment grade.
option a
create a political cartoon that clarifies the differences between king louis and marie antoinette and members of the third estate. your cartoon should show the reasons why the third estate eventually will rise to overthrow them.
option b
in a paragraph of 6 - 8 sentences, answer the aim: \what were the causes of the french revolution?\ provide at least two pieces of evidence from todays activities.

Explanation:

1. Enlightenment ideas of freedom and equality spread via the printing - press, inspiring people to revolt against absolute leaders, thus fueling the French Revolution.
2. Economic depression in the 1770s - 80s was due to excessive royal spending, aiding Americans in the Revolution and famine. While the king's spending contributed, external factors also played a part.
3. Economic depression led to job losses, reducing the Third Estate's income, and with famine causing food shortages and price - hikes, the poor couldn't afford food.
4. The Estates System was a feudal relic. The Third Estate, oppressed by the rich, revolted against the class system, contributing to the French Revolution.
5. The French people were unhappy as the royal couple enjoyed lavish lifestyles while the nation suffered poverty and starvation, and the revelation of their excessive spending angered the public.

For Option A: A political cartoon could depict King Louis and Marie Antoinette feasting at a large table while the Third Estate, represented by thin, ragged figures, looks on hungrily, with signs of poverty around them.
For Option B: The causes of the French Revolution included Enlightenment ideas that inspired a desire for freedom and equality. Philosophers' works spread via the printing - press, making people question absolute rule. Additionally, the economic depression in the 1770s - 80s, caused by royal over - spending and famine, led to job losses and hunger among the Third Estate. The unfair Estates System, where the Third Estate was oppressed, also contributed. For example, the Third Estate couldn't afford food due to economic hardships while the royal family lived extravagantly.

Answer:

1. Enlightenment ideas inspired people to revolt against absolute leaders by spreading concepts of freedom and equality.
2. Economic depression was due to royal over - spending, aiding Americans, and famine. It may not be entirely the King's fault as external factors were involved.
3. Job losses from economic depression and food price - hikes due to famine left the poor unable to afford food.
4. The Estates System oppressed the Third Estate, leading them to revolt and contribute to the French Revolution.
5. The royal couple's lavish lifestyle while the nation starved and their excessive spending made the French people unhappy.

Option A: A visual representation showing the contrast between the royal couple's luxury and the Third Estate's poverty.
Option B: Enlightenment ideas, economic depression, and the Estates System were causes of the French Revolution with evidence as described above.