Interpretations of the Execution of Louis XVI

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
7 questions
~14 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet examines different historical interpretations of the execution of Louis XVI during the French Revolution, encouraging students to compare perspectives and evaluate their validity.

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Interpretations of the Execution of Louis XVI

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

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Contrasting Historian Perspectives on the Execution of Louis XVI

Historian A: Robert Darnton – Political Perspective

'The execution of Louis XVI was a pivotal act that symbolized the radical turn of the Revolution. Darnton argues that it was driven by political necessity, as the revolutionaries sought to eradicate monarchy and establish a republic. He emphasizes the importance of the political climate, including fears of counter-revolution, which justified the king's execution as a means of securing revolutionary gains and ensuring the survival of the new regime.'

Historian B: Lynn Hunt – Social Perspective

'The execution of Louis XVI reflected deeper social upheavals and the breakdown of traditional social hierarchies. Hunt views it as a symbol of the revolutionary desire to reshape society, not just politically but socially. The king’s death was a sign of the populist rejection of monarchy and aristocracy, representing a broader social transformation aimed at creating equality and justice for ordinary citizens.'

B

Questions

1.
Summarize each historian's view on why Louis XVI was executed. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Compare the perspectives of Darnton and Hunt. Why do their views differ? (5 marks)
[5 marks]
3.
Evaluate which historian's interpretation is more convincing, providing reasons for your choice. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
4.
Outline how the social upheaval during the Revolution might have influenced the decision to execute Louis XVI. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
5.
Explain why understanding both perspectives helps us gain a complete picture of the event. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
6.
Compare the possible biases of Darnton and Hunt based on their perspectives. (5 marks)
[5 marks]
7.
Write a brief conclusion discussing which interpretation you find more convincing and why. (4 marks)
[4 marks]

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Details

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