The Storming of the Bastille: Causes and Consequences

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores the causes leading to the Storming of the Bastille and its consequences in the context of the French Revolution. Students will analyze primary and secondary sources, compare perspectives, and explain the significance of this event.

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The Storming of the Bastille: Causes and Consequences

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Introduction to the Storming of the Bastille

Source A: Excerpt from a French revolutionary pamphlet, 1789

'The Bastille symbolized the tyranny of the monarchy. Its fall marked the beginning of a new era of freedom and justice for the people of France.' Provenance: Published by revolutionaries in 1789.

1.
Explain why the Storming of the Bastille was considered a significant event in the French Revolution. (3 marks)
[3 marks]
2.
Compare the views of the pamphlet in Source A with other perspectives on the event's importance. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
B

Causes of the Storming of the Bastille

Source B: Excerpt from a letter by a French noble, 1789

'The unrest in Paris is fueled by food shortages, economic hardship, and fear of royal oppression. The people are desperate for change.' Provenance: Written by a noble observing the unrest.

1.
Outline the main causes that led to the storming of the Bastille based on Source B. (3 marks)
[3 marks]
2.
Analyse how economic hardship contributed to the storming of the Bastille. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
C

Consequences of the Storming of the Bastille

Source C: A historian's view, 1900

'The fall of the Bastille was a catalyst that accelerated the revolution, leading to the abolition of the monarchy and the rise of republican ideas.' Provenance: Written by a modern historian.

1.
Explain the immediate consequences of the storming of the Bastille. (3 marks)
[3 marks]
2.
Analyse how the event influenced the future of France. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
D

Evaluation of the Significance

Source D: A modern historian's assessment, 2000

'While the Storming of the Bastille was symbolic, its actual military significance was limited. Its real importance lay in its political and psychological impact.' Provenance: Modern historical analysis.

1.
Compare the symbolic and strategic importance of the Storming of the Bastille. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Write a short paragraph explaining why the Storming of the Bastille is often seen as a turning point in history. (4 marks)
[4 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet