Unit 5: Changes in European Society

Unit Rationale:
During the 1500-1800s, major changes in the form of revolutions took place across Europe
resulting in lasting repercussions both internally and abroad. This Unit encompasses changes in
Europe during this era, tracing the developments leading up to the Scientific Revolution through the
Napoleonic years. In addition to the Unit Goals and Outcomes outlined below, this Unit is intended to
get students thinking about the meaning of change and revolution in society. This Unit centers on the
student's role in identifying, relating and expanding on the causes and effects of revolutions in
European society, seeking to answer the essential Unit question: what are revolutions and why do they
happen? Finally, students will be asked to question and discuss the relevance of change and revolution
in the world today.

Unit Goals:
• Analyze how the Renaissance, Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment contributed to
transformations in European society. (WHG 5.3.5)
• Use historical and modern maps to describe how the wars of the French Revolutionary and
Napoleonic periods and growing nationalism changed the political geography of Europe and
other regions (i.e. Louisiana Purchase) (WHG 5.3.5)
• Analyze the economic, political and social transformations in Europe by explaining how
Democratic ideas and Revolutionary conflicts influenced European society, noting their
influence on education, family life and the legal position of women. (WHG 6.3.1)
Unit Objectives:
Students will be able to:
• Identify and describe how science and technology during 1500s-1800s led to the development
of new ways to study the world through the use of observation and reason.
• Comprehend and expand on enlightenment ideas that led to new ways of thinking about
personal freedoms and rights and about the progress of humanity.
• Interpret,explain and critique how Enlightenment thought also influenced the structure of
democratic governments in the United States and France.
• Draw parallels between Revolutionary France and current issues in the United States.
 Unit Five: Changes in European Society

Lesson One Lesson Two Lesson Three Lesson Four

Topic: Topic: Topic: Topic:

The Scientific The Enlightenment American Revolution Introduction to the
Revolution. Revolution in France

Description of Lesson: Description of Lesson: Description of Lesson: Description of Lesson:

Accessing student's Researching major Relating Enlightenment Identifying major causes
prerequisite knowledge Enlightenment thinkers Ideas to the changes that and events of the
of European exploration and ideas and relating led up to the American revolution in France.
and expansion prior to ideals to social issues Revolution. Recognizing the
the 1500s & relating it today. components that
to developments leading characterize the Old
up to the Scientific Order and absolutism
Revolution. rule.

Lesson Five Lesson Six Lesson Seven Lesson Eight

Topic: Topic: Topic: Topic:

The Republic in France The Republic, continued Napoleon and France Napoleon's Fall and
Europe's Reaction.

Description of Lesson: Description of Lesson: Description of Lesson: Description of Lesson:

Recall the inequalities Drawing parallels Recall the struggle of Using maps and
happening in France that between the French government in France creating timelines to
led to the Revolution Revolution and issues and relating it to the comprehend the political
and look at the creation happening today. emergence of it's new transformation of
of the Republic. ruler, Napoleon Europe from the
Recognizing the Bonaparte. Revolution to the
changes in society that Congress of Vienna.
were created by the
Republic through the
Reign of Terror to it's
demise.