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Sources Analysis
The French Revolution Era, 1792. - A chained member of the Third Estate rises up against the clergy and nobility.
How does the source depict the identity and character of individuals during this era?
What perspective do you think the cartoonist had? How might the cartoon have been drawn differently if they had the opposite perspective?
Had France remained at peace, her peaceful citizens, her idle warriors would have observed the [emperor], would have judged him, and would have communicated their judgments to him. Truth would have passed through the ranks of the people. Usurpation* would not have long withstood the influence of truth. Thus [Napoleon] Bonaparte was compelled to distract public attention by [war]. War flung onto distant shores that part of the French nation that still had some real energy. It prompted the police harassment of the timid, whom it could not force abroad. It struck terror into men's hearts and left there a certain hope that chance would take responsibility for their deliverance: a hope agreeable to fear and convenient to [the current government]. How many times have I heard men who were pressed to resist tyranny postponing this, during wartime till the coming of peace, and in peacetime until war commences!
*Note that in this context, “usurpation” means “wrongfully taking power”
The Napoleonic Era, Benjamin Constant, excerpt from The Spirit of Conquest and Usurpation, 4th ed. (1814)
How does the source depict the identity and character of individuals during this era?
What do you think Benjamin Constant thought of Napoleon and why?
The Bourbon Restoration, July Revolution / Porte St. Martin France, July Revolution, 27-29 July 1830. Uprising of middle and working classes against the Bourbon royal family.
How does the source depict the identity and character of individuals during this era?
Does this artist seem to support the renewed revolution against the Bourbons in 1830? How might an artist of the opposite perspective have depicted this scene differently?
Step 2
Reflection question: Which part of the French Revolution do you think was the worst?
• The chaos before and after the Reign of Terror
• The governmental terrorism of the Reign of Terror
• The Napoleonic Wars
Whichever you select, explain why in one paragraph below, and refer to specific aspects of the event from the lesson in your explanation.
PLEASE HELP ASAP
