The French Revolution

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/french-revolution

Introduction

### Course Review: The French Revolution on Coursera The French Revolution is often regarded as one of the turning points in world history, its tumultuous events shaping modern democracy and societal structures. If you are interested in understanding the intricate web of causes and effects that characterized this historical upheaval, then *The French Revolution* on Coursera is a course you should consider. #### Overview This course provides a comprehensive examination of the French Revolution, including its origins, progression, and lasting outcomes. Designed for self-paced learning, students are encouraged to engage deeply with the extensive materials and learning activities provided throughout the modules. Expect to dedicate a minimum of six hours to each week to wholly immerse yourself in the content, which is both enlightening and thought-provoking. #### Week-by-Week Breakdown 1. **Week 1 - France in the 1780s**: The course begins by establishing the context of France prior to the Revolution. It examines the social and institutional structures of the Old Regime, with a focus on the roles of the clergy and nobility. Additionally, it introduces the Enlightenment and encourages students to reflect on its revolutionary implications, setting a solid foundation for understanding the subsequent upheaval. 2. **Week 2 - The Revolution of 1789**: This module dives into the critical events that ignited the Revolution, focusing particularly on the tensions among the Third Estate. The week also explores the Declaration of the Rights of Man and its 'universal' significance, prompting learners to reflect on its profound philosophical and practical implications for democracy. 3. **Week 3 - The Reconstruction of France, 1789-92**: Here, students will explore the reforms enacted during the early years of the Revolution and pivotal moments such as the Civil Constitution of the Clergy and the King’s attempted escape. These events are critical in understanding the downfall of the monarchy, and learners are encouraged to consider both immediate and long-term consequences of these historical milestones. 4. **Week 4 - The Republic in Crisis, 1792-93**: This week covers the fractures within the National Convention and the emerging conflicts that led to turmoil. By examining the dynamics of revolutionary and counter-revolutionary forces, students gain insights into the civil war, especially in the Vendee region, and the subsequent rise of the 'Terror.' 5. **Week 5 - Ending the Terror and the Revolution**: This module focuses on the violent ideologies that defined the 'Terror,' along with the Jacobin and sans-culottes alliance. Students will reflect on whether the extreme violence was justified as an emergency response and will delve into the political aftermath, including the overthrow of Robespierre and the complexities of the 'Thermidorian reaction.' 6. **Week 6 - Change and Continuity: How Revolutionary was the Revolution?**: In the final week, the course invites students to contemplate the long-term impacts of the Revolution under leaders like Napoleon Bonaparte, as well as its effects on women and enslaved individuals. The discussion of the Revolution's global context and its classification as part of an 'Age of Revolution' provides a fitting conclusion to this sweeping narrative. #### Personal Recommendations This course is highly recommended for anyone interested in history, political science, or social movements. The well-structured modules, coupled with thought-provoking activities, make it an engaging and informative experience. The course material is rich and well-researched, providing not just historical facts but encouraging critical thinking about the implications of those events. The flexibility of online learning means you can progress at your own pace, allowing time for reflection on complex concepts. Whether you are a student, educator, or simply a history enthusiast, you will find substantial value in the insightful analyses provided throughout this course. #### Conclusion *The French Revolution* course on Coursera is an excellent opportunity for learners who wish to understand one of the most pivotal events in history. With its well-organized structure and engaging content, it will undoubtedly deepen your appreciation for the evolution of modern governance and social justice. Don’t miss the chance to uncover the profound lessons of the French Revolution—enroll today!

Syllabus

Week 1 - France in the 1780s

We begin this course with an introduction to the French Revolution. We will examine the social and institutional structures of the Old Regime. We will look at the main occupational groups and the roles of the First and Second estates (the clergy and nobility) in particular. We will also consider the relationship between Paris and the provinces in Old Regime France. Finally, you will be introduced to the Enlightenment and we will reflect on its significance and its possible revolutionary implications.

This week we look at the Revolution of 1789 and its causes. We will explore the tensions and conflicts that led to the crisis of the Old Regime. The focus will be on the Third Estate and the revolt of the bourgeoisie, the 'menu peuple' and the peasantry. We will look at the Declaration of the Rights of Man and citizen and you will be asked to reflect on its 'universal' significance.

Week three of this MOOC deals with the reforms introduced in 1789-91. We look at the institutional and administrative reorganisation of France. We will then consider three critical turning points of the Revolution: the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, the King's attempted flight in 1791 and the outbreak of war in 1792. Finally we will look at the fate of the King and the ultimate failure of the monarchy. You will be asked to reflect on the immediate effects and longer-term consequences of these events.

Week four deals with the crisis of the Republic in 1792-93. We will examine the conflicts and disunity within the National Convention and consider the balance between revolutionary and counter-revolutionary forces by mid-1793. We will explore the civil war in the Vendee region of Western France and attempt to make sense of the growing revolutionary violence. We will look at the origins of the 'Terror', its institutions and its ideology, and students will be asked to reflect more broadly on the role of violence during the Revolution.

This week we look at the ideology and culture of the 'Terror' and the nature of the Jacobin and sans-culottes alliance. We will consider possible explanations for the increasing intensity of revolutionary violence and ask whether such violence was a proportionate, emergency response to the growing counter-revolutionary threat. This module also deals with the end of the 'Terror', and the overthrow of Robespierre and the ensuing 'Thermidorian reaction'. Finally we look at the 'settlement' of 1795 and ask whether the Revolution was indeed over.

This final week of the course offers you the opportunity to reflect broadly on the significance of the Revolution. We begin by looking at Napoleon Bonaparte and the Restoration of the monarchy in 1814-15. We then consider the ways in which the revolutionary experience affected the lives of women and slaves. We will discuss the Revolution's global implications and ask whether or not 1789 can be understood more broadly, as part of an international 'Age of Revolution'. Finally we explore the 'minimalist' and 'maximalist' approaches to the significance of the Revolution and you will be asked to reflect on the impact of the Revolution on the lives of French citizens.