Revolutions excursion

French Revolution from a French perspective

The Year 12 Revolutions class were lucky enough to travel to Bendigo on the 4th September to hear about the French Revolution from a French perspective. 

Marion, a native of Lyon, provided context for the key events that occurred in 1789 such as the Storming of the Bastille and the Women’s March to Versailles. Marion used primary source material as well as recent photos to demonstrate the changes that have occurred in France as a result of the events of 1789, and the symbols that can still be seen on monuments today. Marion provided a cultural understanding of how the French people felt then and now about the Revolution, with reference to songs like Coldplay’s ‘Viva La Vida’, an imagining of what King Louis XVI’s last words might have been before being guillotined, and the important practice of airing grievances in the ‘Cahiers de Doleances’ – something the French people continue to do to this day. 

Marion was also kind enough to provide delicious fresh brioche and French lollies to keep everyone energised. After a stroll in the Botanic Gardens, lunch was served at Harvest Food & Wine, which included delicious ham & cheese croissants and fresh pastries to round off our Francophile day.