4º British: The Umbrella’s Revolution at Hong Kong, 2014

As I usually tell you in class, History is always repeated. This is the reason why is so important to have a good knowledge about our past. As an example, you will start a comparaison between the French Revolution (1789) and the so-called "Umbrella’s revolution" (2014). I am sure you will find this up-to-date activity quite different and interesting.

It is a triple-task activity. Read carefully the instructions and answer ALL the questions as completely as possible. It can be done individually or in pairs. When finish (deadline: Monday, 17 October), send your answers in PDF format as attached file to acarriles@educa.jcyl.es This activity is mandatory and you will receive a mark for it.

Task 1. Research. Use information from the BBC article “Hong Kong’s Democracy Debate” to answer the following questions:

1.1. In what year did China take control of Hong Kong?

1.2. How was the leader of Hong Kong elected before the Revolt?

1.3. What change to Hong Kong’s election process did the Chinese government announce in August 2014?

1.4. Why did this upset democracy activists in Hong Kong?

1.5. How has China responded to the protests?

Task 2. Photo analysis. From this collection of photos, choose 2 of them and explain their meaning. Maybe you need also to read this BBC explanation of symbols.  

Add the chosen photo in your document with each comment. Did you find something specially interesting or surprising in the photos? (What? Why?). Keep in mind that a photograph cannot give you a complete picture of the protests, and you should be careful about drawing conclusions from the photographs.

Task 3. Comparaison with the French Revolution. Use your own knowledge to answer the following questions:

3.1. What were the similarities and differences between both Revolutions? Name, at least, 3 similarities and 3 differences.

3.2. Did the Umbrella’s Revolt get through the same steps that the French revolution? Why?

3.3. Do you think that they (both) were a success or not? Why?

3.4. Why do YOU think people is still revolting in different parts of the world?

Ready? 3, 2, 1...