Liberty! Equality! Fraternity!
In Liberty! Equality! Fraternity!, host Andrew Marr explains how the ideals and events of the American Revolution inspired the French. From the storming of the Bastille to the execution of Louis XVI, the brutal French Revolution changed the course of history. This video is excerpted from BBC’s A History of the World, a story of human history that uses reenactments, modern footage, and storytelling to explain history’s greatest achievements.
Lesson Express
Q: What were the economic challenges faced by Louis XVI of France? How did they contribute to the French revolution?
A: Louis XVI could not collect enough money so he kept trying to increase taxes on the poor and middle class. This resulted in people fighting back and starting the revolution.
Q: What is the significance of the storming of the Bastille in 1789?
A: When the French people stormed the Bastille, it demonstrated that they could stand up to power. It also inspired other people across France to engage in rebellion.
Q: How might the outcome of the French Revolution have been different if the king had not been charged and killed?
A: Student responses may vary. Students may speculate that France may still have maintained a monarchy after the Revolution, like England does.