Exploring the Roots of Revolution: A Student Journey into 18th-Century France
Submitted by Francesca Romani, French Teacher at South Kent School
Over the course of the school year, three French classes at South Kent School have brought history to life through a collaborative project on the French Revolution. The students explored the everyday lives of commoners, merchants, jugglers, farmers, small artisans—and, of course, King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette.
Each student portrayed one of these figures, helping to illustrate the deep social and economic tensions of the time. By 1789, France was the most populous country in Europe. Daily life centered around bread, and when flour prices rose, hunger and unrest followed. Meanwhile, the country was drowning in debt, with half the government’s income going to pay interest, while the wealthiest avoided taxes under a system of privilege.
The final product—a student-produced video*—features a historical introduction, satirical images from the era, and lively performances that bring the Revolution’s key players to life. All of the actors were in their first year of French, and their courage and enthusiasm were truly impressive. One unforgettable highlight: la tricoteuse, the knitting woman who watched executions at the guillotine, was played by a towering hockey player with a fantastic sense of humor—and absolutely no knitting skills. As another student jokingly warned, “If this goes on YouTube, it will haunt me for the rest of my life!”
It’s a vivid, creative, and at times hilariously unexpected exploration of how inequality and hardship sparked one of history’s most transformative events.
We invite the South Kent community to watch and enjoy this student-led journey into the roots of revolution.
*(Please send an email to the Comms Team for the private link to view the video – thank you!)