Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: The French Revolution
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Slogans and mottos often summarise the core ideals of important historical movements and revolutions. The phrase "Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity" is one of the most famous political slogans in world history and has been widely quoted in discussions of democracy and human rights. Identifying which revolution used this slogan as a guiding principle helps students connect key words with specific events and understand the values that motivated people to challenge old regimes.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The French Revolution, starting in 1789, aimed to overthrow the absolute monarchy and the privileges of the nobility and clergy in France. Revolutionaries adopted the slogan "Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity" to express their goals of political freedom, equal rights before the law, and a sense of brotherhood among citizens. The Industrial Revolution was an economic and technological transformation, not a political movement built around this slogan. The Russian Revolution had its own slogans, such as "Peace, Land, and Bread", rather than this French phrase. The modern Olympic Games promote international friendship and sport, but they are not associated with "Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity" as a central political motto. Therefore, the slogan clearly belongs to the French Revolution.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall where the slogan "Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity" is commonly mentioned in history textbooks.
Step 2: Connect the slogan with the fight against absolute monarchy and feudal privileges in eighteenth century France.
Step 3: Recognise that the Industrial Revolution was primarily an economic process, not a political revolution built around this slogan.
Step 4: Note that the Russian Revolution used other slogans and occurred in a different century.
Step 5: Choose the French Revolution as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
Descriptions of the French Revolution almost always highlight the slogan "Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity" as a summary of revolutionary ideals. Modern French institutions still refer to these words, and they appear on public buildings and official documents. In contrast, when reading about the Industrial Revolution or the Russian Revolution, other key terms and slogans appear, not this precise phrase. This repeated association confirms that the slogan belongs to the French Revolution.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The Industrial Revolution transformed industry and society but did not centre around a specific political slogan like this one. The Russian Revolution in 1917 focused on workers, peasants, and soviets, and used different slogans, so linking "Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity" to it is historically inaccurate. The modern Olympic Games movement promotes ideals such as fair play and international understanding, but this French revolutionary slogan is not its official motto. Thus, options A, B, and D do not correctly match the phrase given in the question.
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse different revolutionary slogans because they share similar themes of freedom and equality. Another pitfall is to assume that any event involving democracy or change could use this phrase. Being careful to match the exact wording "Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity" with its original French language context and the period of the late eighteenth century helps ensure the correct association with the French Revolution.
Final Answer:
The slogan "Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity" is most closely associated with the French Revolution.
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