NB#6: Political Cartoons – Was the French Revolution Success or a Failure?
Recently we have learned about the causes that sparked revolution in France in 1789 as well as the turmoil that followed. Despite democratic ideals, the revolution
sparked a bloody “reign of terror” and eventually allowed a military dictator to assume control of France. For this assignment, consider the beginning of the French
Revolution to be the “Tennis Court Oath” at the meeting of the Estates General in 1789 and the end of the revolution as the final defeat of Napoleon in 1815. Clearly,
there were many ups and downs during the more than 25 years of turmoil in France…was it all worth it?
Assignment: You are to create a visual image that addresses if the people of France were better off after the revolution than the
had been under absolute monarchy and what can be learned from the French Revolution.
1. See Notebook Assignments, textbook and internet for help with ideas. Consider creating an illustration that addresses one or more of the
questions below:
What were the original goals of the revolution and how were they or weren’t they fulfilled?
How did the revolution improve or not improve average people’s lives?
What rights were gained or lost during the revolution?
How was Robespierre a hero for France? How was he a villain?
How was Napoleon a hero for France? How was he a villain?
Was the violence of the revolution justified given the outcomes?
2. Create an image either by hand or digitally. Include labels, captions and thought bubbles as needed to convey ideas being expressed. Include
direct or indirect references to concepts discussed in HW #6 and/or HW #7.
3. Artistic ability is not the main criteria for success. Creatively addressing the questions above with historical accuracy, not the quality of the art is
what will be assessed.
Positive and negative depictions of the
average people of France during the Revolution
Positive and negative depictions of Napoleon
French Revolution Cartoon Sharing & Analysis
- Get the cartoon out you created in class on Friday
- Move into groups of 4 or 5 and face each other
- Each person in small group will take a turn sharing their cartoon with peers
- When sharing, you should explain what point you were making about either the successes or the failures of
the revolution. Point out specific details/terms that are directly or indirectly mentioned in your cartoon.
- After all 4 or 5 people have discussed their cartoons, individually answer the prompt below in a paragraph
on back of your cartoon:
Describe several images that you saw that grabbed your attention. Explain
how these images demonstrated aspects of the French Revolution that
demonstrated successes and/or failures.
- Turn in cartoon & analysis paragraph when done.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTTvKwCylFY
Watch 12 minute Crash Course World History Video as a review
Consider what details in the video were reflected in the cartoons you just saw and discussed