Knowledge of how society works
This unit is full of material based around how government and society at large function, separately and in conjunction with one another. Students should know why some forms of government work and why some don’t and by looking at this French Revolution unit they get a chance to explore multiple types, weighing the pros and cons of them all. Students also learn what is to be expected of an active citizen in this unit; the forming of the National Assembly and the Tennis Court Oath are perfect example of citizens taking action in order to better their country and bring about reforms. Students will also debate see how dysfunctional a government can be if not properly administrated; the Reign of Terror shows how a revolution with good intentions can quickly be taken over by the overzealous and irrational, turning what was supposed to be positive change into a new form of oppression. This unit gives students a chance to think about society in a broader scope, allowing them to see that the world is not always clear cut with easy solutions to problems; sometimes things get messy in the pursuit of a just world.
Preventing Inequality, Fear-based Decisions, and Dictators
During the French Revolution social and economic inequalities became so pronounced within society that it caused the people revolt against their government. By studying this time period students will be able to distinguish what inequality looks like, helping to prevent it in their own society. Students also benefit from studying these events because they can get a better idea of what power the government should have as well as what power the people should have; without this knowledge their freedom and lives can come into jeopardy. Students will also learn how fear based governing and ruling by fear is a great detriment to society, the reign of terror may have brought about the end of the monarchy but it also opened the door for a dictator like Napoleon. In the end, students will become more socially aware, empathetic, better voters, and overall better citizens as a result of studying this time period; this is what is hoped to be accomplished in the general study of history, and it does not change here.
Connection to Current Times
Though we may have democracy here in America there are still inequalities within the fabric of society; by studying this unit it is hoped that students will be able to better recognize and correct these in the future. This unit also helps students understand the constant struggle for democracy throughout the world, even today there are countries in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond that are looking to end corruption and take power from the elites in their country. By knowing the French Revolution we have base knowledge to apply to problems we see in our current world, thus we have better understanding and empathy for those that we have never met and may never meet but can support through our own policies and aid.