Question

aim: what were the causes of the french revolution?
activity 1: do now
directions: answer the questions below.

1. recall the types of inequality that existed in france in 1789.
2. predict how the french people will address these types of inequality.
3. what types of inequality exist in the u.s. today? how have americans addressed these types of inequality?

activity 2: video analysis
directions: analyze the video below and complete the questions that follow.

1. how did the enlightenment impact the people of the third estate in france?
2. how did the economic situation in france contribute to unrest among the third estate?
3. what was the estates general? why was the estates general unfair?
4. what was the national assembly? why did the third estate respond to the unfairness of the estates general by creating this?
5. why were the king and queen executed?

Explanation:

1. In 1789 France, social - inequality was rife. The Third Estate carried the tax burden while having few rights. The clergy and nobility were exempt from most taxes.
2. The French people addressed inequality through political action, like forming the National Assembly, and eventually revolution.
3. In the U.S. today, there are racial, economic, and social inequalities. Americans have addressed these through protests, legal battles, and policy - making.

For Activity 2:

1. The Enlightenment inspired the Third Estate with ideas of liberty, equality, and democracy, fueling their desire for change.
2. France's economic crisis, with heavy debt and high food prices, hit the Third Estate hardest, causing unrest.
3. The Estates General was a legislative body. It was unfair as each estate had one vote, giving the privileged First and Second Estates an advantage over the Third.
4. The National Assembly was formed by the Third Estate. They created it to assert their power and counter the Estates General's unfairness.
5. The King and Queen were executed due to their association with the old regime, betrayal fears during the revolutionary turmoil, and as a symbol of the end of the monarchy.

Answer:

1. Social inequality with the Third Estate paying most taxes.
2. Through political organization and revolution.
3. Racial, economic, social inequalities; through protests, legal means, policy - making.

Activity 2:

1. Inspired with ideas of liberty, equality, democracy.
2. Economic crisis hit the Third Estate hard.
3. A legislative body; unfair voting system.
4. A body formed by the Third Estate; to assert power.
5. Association with old regime, betrayal fears, symbol of monarchy end.