On 14 July 1789 hundreds of French city workers stormed the Bastille fortress in Paris. This marked the beginning of the French Revolution, which would last for 10 years. The Revolution destroyed the Old Order in France that determined every single person's position and rights. Workers who had long been denied rights and privileges grew frustrated and angry that the higher classes would never be fair to them. They decided to challenge the ruling order to force change.

There may be minor changes to the curriculum from year to year, teachers always check with your Curriculum Advisor and students, check with your teacher.

References

• Brits, J. P. (1995). The Penguin Concise Dictionary of Historical and Political Terms, Johannesburg: Penguin Books.Perry, M. (1996). Western Civilization. A Brief History, Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
• Wright, E. (1992). An illustrated history of the Modern World, London: Chancellor Press.
• Moore, R (date unknown) The French Revolution [online], available at: www.napoleonguide.com
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