About the
The French Revolution: The Bastille and the Reign of Terror
Lesson
Summary
This lesson teaches what the Bastille was and its role in the French Revolution.
Lesson Objectives
• To be able to identify the some of the key points of the French Revolution.
•
To be able to describe the Reign of Terror.
Suggested Grades
4th Grade
5th Grade
6th Grade
Lesson Excerpt
The Bastille was a jail in Paris. The mob of Parisians demanded weapons from the commander of the Bastille. When he refused, the people stormed the Bastille, killing the commander in charge and several soldiers. Later, they also killed the mayor of the city. To show their victory, the Parisians mounted the heads of the mayor and the commander on poles and paraded them through the city.
The fall of the Bastille is considered the beginning of the French Revolution. Today, the French still celebrate Bastille Day to commemorate their independence from the Old Regime.
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