Tag Archives: revolution

Overview of Britain 1750-1900: the first industrial nation?
An overview of the causes and consequences of the Industrial Revolution in Britain taken from the BBC’s History File programme. Most suitable for KS3 but provides a good background for GCSE.

Technology in the Industrial Revolution documentary clip
An extract from a BBC documentary “What the Industrial Revolution Did for Us” presented by Dan Cruickshank. This clip explores the ideas and inventions of the Industrial Revolution and shows how they changed the nature of working life.

Why was there a revolution in Iran in 1979?
This revision podcast is relevant to both GCSE and IGCSE History students, , although AS and IB students may find it a helpful introduction to events in the Gulf in the later 20th Century. The aim is to present an explanation of the factors that led to the Iranian Revolution in 1979.
The podcast explores three key factors:
- Dissatisfaction with Shah’s government and his handling of the economic and social problems in Iran
- A widespread anti-Western attitude as a result of the Shah’s close relationship with Britain and the USA
- The role and impact of Ayatollah Khomeini
The revision guide aims to give clear examples for each of these factors, and explain how they contributed to the revolution that transformed Iran into a theocracy.

The overthrow of the Shah in the Iranian Revolution, 1979
On the 11th February 1979 Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, was overthrown as a result of the Iranian Revolution. His overthrow saw the end of the 2,500 year old monarchy in Iran and ushered in a theocracy overseen by the Ayatollah Khomeini.

The Origins of the French Revolution
This revision podcast presents the background to the French Revolution. Beginning with the impact of the Enlightenment on 18th Century Europe, it goes on to examine a variety of factors that led to the Revolution. Long-term issues that are covered include the Estates System, the emergence of the bourgeoisie and the changing economy, taxation and financial problems, and the effect of the population increase. Shorter term causes that are explained include the impact of King Louis XVI, the Assembly of the Notables, the Estates General, and the Tennis Court Oath. Factors are explained thematically to make it easier to organise ideas during revision, and it’s hoped that this will in turn help you create a well-structured answer.

What was life like in pre-Revolutionary France?
First-hand accounts from 18th Century writer Arthur Young, who travelled through France in the years before the revolution. Excellent overview of the inequality of life between the French peasantry compared to that of the nobility. Extract from Curriculum Bites.