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French Revolution Perspectives Worksheet

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French Revolution Perspectives Worksheet

Read the two interpretations and their evidence. Then answer the questions using details from the worksheet.

Interpretation A: Napoleon brought the Revolution to an end

Some historians argue that Napoleon kept the language of the Revolution but weakened its political aims. In 1799, he helped remove the Directory government in a coup and became First Consul. Power was increasingly concentrated in his hands rather than shared through elected institutions. In 1804, he became Emperor of the French. To critics, replacing a king with a powerful emperor did not fulfil the promise of government by the people. Napoleon also made agreements with groups the Revolution had challenged. The 1801 Concordat restored the Catholic Church to a recognised place in French life, while keeping it under state influence. Napoleon later created titles of nobility for some supporters. Critics saw these choices as signs that privilege and one-person rule were returning in new forms.

Interpretation B: Napoleon changed the Revolution and preserved some of its reforms

Other historians argue that Napoleon kept important changes made during the Revolution, even as he limited political freedom. The Napoleonic Code, introduced in 1804, created a more consistent legal system and confirmed some important changes, including the end of many feudal privileges and equality of male citizens before the law. It also protected property rights. However, the Code did not give women equal rights, so its promise of equality had limits. Napoleon promoted some people for ability and service rather than noble birth. His armies also carried French laws and reforms into parts of Europe. Some people welcomed the weakening of feudal privileges; others resented French control. This interpretation sees Napoleon as both an authoritarian ruler and a leader who helped some revolutionary reforms last.

1.Which event most directly supports Interpretation A’s claim that political power became concentrated in Napoleon’s hands?

Napoleon became First Consul after the 1799 coup.
The Napoleonic Code set out a unified system of laws.
Napoleon promoted some people for ability.
French reforms reached parts of Europe.

2.In what year did Napoleon become Emperor of the French?

3.Name one change linked to the Napoleonic Code that supports Interpretation B.

4.True or false: The worksheet says the Napoleonic Code gave women equal rights.

TrueFalse

5.Complete the sentence: The 1801 agreement that restored the Catholic Church to a recognised place in French life was called the .

6.Match each event to the year it happened.

Napoleon’s coup and rise to First Consul
The Concordat with the Catholic Church
Napoleon became Emperor and the Napoleonic Code was introduced

1801
1799
1804

7.Choose the interpretation you find more convincing: Napoleon mainly ended the Revolution, or Napoleon changed it while preserving some reforms. Support your view with two specific pieces of evidence from the worksheet and explain how each supports your choice.