French Revolution Lesson Plan: Mock Trial of Marie Antoinette
Step into the Revolution and put a queen on trial.
This three-day lesson immerses high school students in the causes, events, and consequences of the French Revolution. Students analyze historical evidence, trace cause-and-effect connections, and participate in a mock trial of Marie Antoinette, weighing her guilt or innocence on three charges using primary sources. With scaffolded materials, guided notes, and extension opportunities, this lesson adapts to a range of learners while building deep understanding of one of history’s most pivotal revolutions.
 
Audience
High School Students
 
What Students Will Do
Read and analyze History Cat’s “French Revolution Part 1.”
Reflect and respond through Read & Reflect questions or scaffolded Guided Reading Notes.
Map cause-and-effect relationships between revolutionary events and outcomes.
Participate in a mock trial of Marie Antoinette using primary sources.
Debate her guilt or innocence with evidence-based reasoning.
 
What’s Included
Printable version of the History Cat article: “French Revolution Part 1”
Read & Reflect questions (on/above grade level)
Guided Reading Notes (emerging readers, scaffolded)
Cause-and-Effect Activity
Mock Trial of Marie Antoinette (with primary sources)
Answer Keys for all activities
Detailed Student Instructions
Extension Activity Suggestions
 
Estimated Duration
3 class periods (180 minutes total)
 
Standards Alignment
Aligned to the NCSS C3 Framework for Social Studies.