Directions: Though chronology is an important historical concept, it is not the only way to organize events of the past. Historians also organize these events in terms of their significance. When examining violent conflicts, such as revolutions, historians often look for the “spark,” the event that lights the long-simmering problems of society; the “beginning of the revolution,” the event that makes it clear that the revolutionaries are working to transform, not simply reform, society; and the “point of no return,” the event after which it is impossible to return to society as it was. These events may or may not appear in chronological order. It may help to think of revolution as a bomb in which the “spark” is the match, the “beginning” is the bomb itself, and the wick is the “point at no return.” Below, place one of the six events from the French Revolution that you think serves as the “spark,” “beginning,” and “point of no return” next to the corresponding spot on the bomb. Then explain why you think the event goes there.

The Spark: The event that ignites long simmering problems in society and sets the revolution in motion

Event:

Explanation:

The Point of No Return: The point after which the revolution cannot be stopped

Event:

Explanation:

The Beginning: The event that makes it clear that the revolutionaries are working to transform, not just reform, society

Event:

Explanation: