I REALLLY NEED HELP!?

Question

today is the third day of school and we're already doing research for a speech. we're about to read a tale of two cities or something like that, and before we do, we're researching a topic of the french revolution... and i have to research the enlightenment. It's all good and well but I can't come up with a thesis... HOW IS ONE SUPPOSED TO FORM AN OPINION OFF OF A HISTORICAL TIME PERIOD? so if you could give me any good ideas for a thesis that would be lovely... and also if you know any interesting facts about the the enlightenment that would be great too...

also, my friend got "debt as the cause of the revolution" and she can't find any information on that so if you could or give me any websites that have information on that that would be nice (even though i'm sure it's of big enough importance to find on her own if she would look a little harder)

Answer 1

I read that book my freshman year, its very boring and confusing,ugh Charles Dickens,good luck but i just remember it begin about the storming of the bastille and spies,so maybe for your friend some debt could come from the country as a whole because of the storming of the bastille and everyone tearing up the buildings and city,to rebuild

sorry on your topic,i dont remember

good luck again on that book it is a challenge:)

Answer 2

Possible Thesis you can use:

Enlightenment ideas about religion, politics, and society shaped the policies of The French Revolution.

"Liberty, Equality, Fraternity," the popular slogan of The French Revolution, powerfully reflects the influence of The Enlightenment and its emphasis on citizenship, democracy, and human rights.

Who's to say that The French Revolution would have even occurred if it hadn't been for The Enlightenment and the ideas of change it brought about?

These websites should get you started, but the one listed under sources, which is the third one on this page, will probably help the most in helping you get ideas for your speech.  Anyway, good luck.

http://www.mrdowling.com/705-enlightenme...

http://library.thinkquest.org/C006257/re...

This website features a student paper on The Enlightenment and the French Revolution by a student.  It is a really good paper; you should check it out using the following link:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/42597/The-Enli...

Concerning your friend's topic, have her check out these websites:

http://www.cyberessays.com/History/108.h...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Causes_of_t...

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/lect/...

Possible Thesis statements your friend can use for her topic (debt...):

The causes of the French Revolution, being provoked by the collision of powers ( the monarchy and the aristocracy), was the financial debt of the government and the long-standing political differences in the government.

The deteriorating finances of the French government is what triggered the prolonged differences between the Bourgeoisie and the aristocracy, thus igniting (or, resulting in) The French Revolution.

The French government's debt and its resulting fall of the monarchy  caused great unrest leading to the French Revolution.

The French Revolution was caused by the escalating rivalry

between the monarchy and the aristocracy, fueled by the government's unsuccessful attempts to restore the country's depleted finances.

Answer 3

When you ask how one forms a thesis off of a historical period try looking at your resources as opinions instead of facts. Remember that history is based off of PEOPLE's memories, so there should be some different opinions here and there through your research. Ask yourself what's so important about th enlightenment? Why do people call it the enlightenment? Ask your self questions as you read, and you'll come up with a good thesis. When it comes to information I would look on MSN Encarta, they have lots of good information. Also try National Geographic web page, they have different articles that really help. Here are some more website that you can use for information. Good Luck!

factmonster.com

ipl.org/div/kidspace

kidinfo.com

Hopefully some of these will help!