a revolution is the forcible overthrow of a government, a great or complete change

the Enlightenment was a movement in the 1600s and 1700s that promoted the use of reason and questioned authority

a republic is a country without a king or queen

in this lesson, absolute refers to a monarch's absolute power meaning they don’t have to answer to anyone for their action

a colony is an area under the control of another country and occupied by settlers from that country

The impact of the French Revolution in the Atlantic world

History

In this unit, pupils learnt about the Enlightenment and its emphasis on reason, science and progress. This foundation will be crucial in ‘The Industrial Revolution: did industrialisation revolutionise people's lives?’, where pupils will examine how the intellectual shifts of the Enlightenment contributed to the dramatic changes brought about by industrialisation.

In ‘The Renaissance: what do the artefacts of the Renaissance tell us about it?’, pupils explored how Renaissance art and culture reflected new ways of thinking. Building on this, this unit introduces the Enlightenment, where pupils will examine how ideas of reason and progress further shaped European thought.

In this unit, pupils learn about the Enlightenment and its impact on America, France, and the Atlantic World. They develop knowledge of the Enlightenment's background and ideas and consider its links to the 'Age of Revolution'.

The Enlightenment: what was the Enlightenment?

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

The founders of the French Republic founded their new country along similar lines to the Americans, calling for freedom, {{ }} and fraternity.

Which European monarchies fought against the new French republic?

The Caribbean island known as Saint-Domingue was a __________ colony.

Enslaved Africans, European settlers, free people of African and Taíno origin

Free people of African and Taino origin alongside European settlers

Enslaved Africans alongside free people of African and Taino origin

Which of these statements best describes the population of Saint-Domingue in the 1790s?

The leader of the Haitian Revolution was Touissaint {{ }}.

The Haitian revolution did inspire other enslaved peoples to rise up and revolt in other Caribbean islands such as Jamaica and...

Who had the French government spent large amounts of money supporting in the 1770s and early 1780s?

In France, the peasants were required to pay the {{ }}, whereas nobles and the clergy were not.

Aware of his country's debts, he was careful not to overspend.

He spent a great deal, holding lavish banquets at Versailles.

Louis spent cautiously and continued to reduce his spending.

Which of these statements best describes Louis XVI's approach to spending?

To which 'estate' did the ordinary commoners of France belong?

A group of nobles that met regularly to advise the king.

A parliament that sat in order to make laws and raise taxes.

A gathering of representatives from all of French society.

A group of commoners who broke away to form their own assembly.

Which of these best describes the Estates-General?

When Louis and Marie Antoinette were executed in January 1793 it created a {{ }} in France.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

The impact of the French Revolution in the Atlantic world

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.