The storming of the Bastille, on 14 July, 1789; painting by Jean-Pierre Houël

In this learning pathway you will learn about the French Revolution, the American Revolution and other political revolutions during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Enlightenment ideas contributed to a period of political revolutions that sought to overthrow Absolutist monarchical political rulers and institute democratically elected governments. The American Revolution in 1776 and the French Revolution in 1789 had a global impact and contributed encouraged further political revolutions in Europe and the Americas.

During this learning pathway students will watch four video lectures about the French Revolution, and complete a number of readings about the French, American and other revolutions during this period. Students will examine a primary source document challenging pre-revolutionary modes of rule, and review the definitions of key concepts from this period.

Objectives

• Learn about the American and French Revolutions.

• Explore the causes and impacts of the revolutions in this period.

• Develop an understanding of liberalism and nationalism.