Comparing the American and French Revolutions
Student Guide
Assignment Summary
For this assignment, you will complete a graphic organizer that compares and contrasts the American and
French Revolutions. You will conduct research on both the American and French Revolutions. For your
research, you will examine and record details on the causes and events of both revolutions. You will then
use your research to answer a few short questions comparing and contrasting these revolutions.
Background Information
In the second half of the 18th century, many American colonists objected to new policies and practices of
the British government. Unhappy with these conditions, the colonists fought the American Revolution and
gained their independence from Great Britain. After the war, they made a peaceful transition to a new
democratic nation. A short while later, many French citizens became dissatisfied with life in France. They
rebelled and overthrew the French monarchy. After the revolution, the French saw a period of violence
known as the Reign of Terror as they tried to set up a new government.
Materials
Access to online research on the
American and French Revolutions
Writing utensil
Assignment Instructions
For this project, you are expected to submit:
1. A worksheet that includes a graphic organizer and responses to short-answer questions
Step 1: Prepare for the project.
a) Read through the guide before you begin so you know the expectations for this project.
b) If anything is not clear to you, ask your teacher for assistance.
Step 2: Conduct research on the American and French Revolutions.
a) Find information about the American and French Revolutions.
i. Use reliable resources for your research. Examples include Encyclopaedia Britannica,
Britannica Kids, National Geographic for Kids, the History Channel’s History Classroom,
BBC’s History for Kids, and Crash Course World History.
b) Take notes on the causes and outcomes of each revolution in the Graphic Organizer section of
this this document.
Step 3: Compare and contrast the causes and results of the revolutions.
a) Using your research, complete the Similarities and Differences columns in your graphic organizer.
Step 4: Answer the follow-up analysis questions.
a) Use your graphic organizer and the information in the worksheet to answer each question in the
Analysis section of this document.
Student Guide (continued)
Copyright © Edgenuity Inc.
Step 5: Use this checklist to evaluate your project.
If you can check each box below, you are ready to submit your project.
Did I conduct research about each of the revolutions?
Did I take notes about each revolution’s causes and events?
Did I compare and contrast the revolutions in the graphic organizer?
Did I use my graphic organizer to answer the analysis questions?
Step 6: Revise and submit your project.
a) If you were unable to check off all of the requirements on the checklist, go back and make
sure that your project is complete. Save your project before submitting it.
b) Turn in your worksheet to your teacher. Be sure that your name is on it.
c) Submit your worksheet through the Virtual Classroom.
d) Congratulations! You have completed your project.
Student Guide (continued)
Copyright © Edgenuity Inc.
Graphic Organizer
Use the graphic organizer below to record your research.
American
Revolution French Revolution Similarities Differences
Causes
Outcomes
Causes: The main cause of the American Revolution was the colonists' opposition to British taxes and policies. The French Revolution was caused by social inequality, economic hardship, and political corruption.
Outcomes: The American Revolution resulted in the colonists gaining independence from Great Britain and the establishment of a democratic nation. The French Revolution led to the overthrow of the French monarchy and the Reign of Terror, followed by the establishment of a new government.
Similarities: Both revolutions were a response to government policies and practices that the people found oppressive. Both resulted in significant changes in the political systems of their respective countries.
Differences: The American Revolution was largely peaceful, with the colonists using diplomatic and military means to achieve their goals. The French Revolution, on the other hand, was marked by violence and upheaval. Additionally, the American Revolution was mainly driven by a desire for independence, while the French Revolution aimed to address social and economic inequalities.