The aim of this lesson is to investigate how rotten Robespierre really was and assess whether he should be remembered as an outstanding revolutionary leader or as a dangerous and ruthless dictator.
The lesson begins by asking students to consider what makes a good leader. Students discuss and suggest qualities they believe are important, with suggested answers provided to encourage discussion and establish criteria against which Robespierre can later be judged.
Students are then given some essential context about the French Revolution before being introduced to Maximilien Robespierre and his role in the revolutionary government.
The main task challenges students to decide whether Robespierre was an outstanding leader and ‘champion of democracy’ or ‘rotten to the core’ and a ‘depraved monster’. Students work through a range of evidence about Robespierre and his actions, with differentiated materials provided to support different abilities.
Students then use the evidence to complete an extended piece of historical writing, making a supported judgement about Robespierre. Argument words and a writing frame are provided where required to help students structure and develop their responses.
The lesson concludes with an engaging Odd One Out plenary, challenging students to apply what they have learned and identify connections between the key people, events and ideas explored during the lesson.
The lesson is fully enquiry-based, with a key question introduced at the beginning and revisited at the end, allowing students to demonstrate the progress they have made and reach a supported historical judgement.
The lesson is fully editable in PowerPoint format, allowing teachers to adapt the materials, activities and level of challenge to suit their students.
Included in this lesson:
Fully editable PowerPoint
‘What makes a good leader?’ starter activity
Robespierre: champion of democracy or depraved monster?
Differentiated evidence
Historical interpretations and extended writing task
Debate activity
Suggested teaching and learning strategies
Odd One Out plenary
Retrieval and consolidation activities
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