1. On the Eve of Revolution
Essential Question: What led to the storming of the Bastille, and therefore, to the start of the French Revolution?

2. The French Revolution and Napoleon
Section 1: On the Eve of Revolution
Witness History Audio: Inciting Revolution
French Society Divided
Before the French Revolution, France operated under a social system in which there were three classes of people. The highest was made up of the clergy, the next was composed of the nobility and the lowest was for everyone else. Members of this lowest class, called the Third Estate, paid most of the taxes.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What is the difference between a ‘revolt’ and a ‘revolution’?” (revolt: uprising, rebellion; revolution: overthrow of government or social system)
When showing Color Transparency 110, use the lesson suggested in the transparency book to guide discussion.
Note Taking Transparency 75
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3. The French Revolution and Napoleon
Section 1: On the Eve of Revolution
Financial Troubles
France suffered from soaring debt during the lavish reigns of Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI. Finally, Louis XVI was forced to summon the Estates-General in hopes of ending the crisis.
Louis XIV Calls the Estates-General
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What is the difference between a ‘revolt’ and a ‘revolution’?” (revolt: uprising, rebellion; revolution: overthrow of government or social system)
When showing Color Transparency 110, use the lesson suggested in the transparency book to guide discussion.
Delegates to the Estates-General could not agree on a fair way to vote. Members of the Third Estate finally declared that they constituted a National Assembly and were joined by some reform-minded clergy and nobles.
Color Transparency 110: Bastille Prison
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4. The French Revolution and Napoleon
Section 1: On the Eve of Revolution
Parisians Storm the Bastille
When rumors spread that royal troops were going to occupy the capital, a crowd of Parisians broke into the Bastille looking for weapons.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What is the difference between a ‘revolt’ and a ‘revolution’?” (revolt: uprising, rebellion; revolution: overthrow of government or social system)
When showing Color Transparency 110, use the lesson suggested in the transparency book to guide discussion.
QuickTake Section Quiz
Progress Monitoring Transparency
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5. The French Revolution and Napoleon: Section 1
Note Taking Transparency 75 Copy this on NTSG page 22
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6. The French Revolution and Napoleon: Section 1
Color Transparency 110: Bastille Prison
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7. The French Revolution and Napoleon: Section 1
Progress Monitoring Transparency
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