The French Revolution

Week 1 - France in the 1780s: This module provides an in-depth exploration of the societal and intellectual landscape of 18th-century France, setting the stage for the revolutionary fervor that would soon engulf the nation. Participants will gain insights into the hierarchical structures, Enlightenment influences, and regional dynamics that underpinned the Old Regime, laying the groundwork for the subsequent upheavals.

Week 2 - The Revolution of 1789: Delving into the pivotal year of 1789, this module examines the cascading events that marked the onset of the Revolution. Learners will analyze the economic, social, and political catalysts that fueled the revolutionary fervor, exploring the roles of different societal strata and the iconic Declaration of the Rights of Man and the August Decrees.

Week 3 - The Reconstruction of France, 1789-92: This module delves into the tumultuous period of reconstruction, marked by pivotal turning points and societal divisions. Participants will examine the transformative reforms, church-state tensions, and the outbreak of war, gaining insights into the challenges of nation-building amidst internal and external pressures.

Week 4 - The Republic in crisis 1792-93: This module navigates the Republic's descent into crisis, marked by internal discord and external threats. Learners will explore the dynamics of revolutionary violence, emergency measures, and the ideological underpinnings of the era, engaging with expert interviews to gain multifaceted perspectives on this pivotal phase.

Week 5 - Ending the Terror and Ending the Revolution: Participants will dissect the waning phase of the Revolution, scrutinizing the ideologies, alliances, and events that culminated in the termination of the Terror and the Revolution. Analyzing the roles of key figures and the shifting societal dynamics, learners will gain a nuanced understanding of the Revolution's denouement.

Week 6 - Change and continuity: How revolutionary was the Revolution?: This module invites learners to critically assess the revolutionary nature of the Revolution, considering its lasting impacts and global reverberations. Participants will delve into the experiences of marginalized groups, the international repercussions, and differing interpretations of the Revolution's significance, fostering a multifaceted understanding of this transformative epoch.