Lussier History Fair NHD Senior Division Individual Website Process Paper: During Modern World History in sophomore

year, we studied Marie Antoinette and the French Revolution. The way my teacher taught this unit truly made the French Revolution come alive. I first chose to study Marie Antoinettes role in the French Revolution but ultimately narrowed in on the Diamond Necklace Affairs effects on the French Revolution and fall of French monarchy as it was a turning point in history. To start things off, I dug out my history binder from sophomore year to find some basic information on the subject. Then, I found impressive sources from the Smithsonian as well as PBS. Both sources are clearly recognizable and of good quality and I learned more about why the French people despised Antoinette and ultimately why she led to revolution. I consulted my sophomore history teacher, Ms. Kornfeld, and we agreed that The Diamond Necklace Affair would be the best option for my narrowed topic. I then found a primary source from the jeweler who made/sold the infamous diamond necklace. Later, I read Antonia Frasers Marie Antoinette: The Journey; Fraser is a leading expert on Antoinette and her book is very detailed. Next, I discovered a passage written by a friend of Antoinette that showed how they warned the king about recognizing the third. I also, watched an Interview conducted by PBS to Lady Antonia Fraser. Next, I read Marie Antoinette: The Portrait of an Average Woman by Stefan Zweig. This novel helped me formulate my argument as it shows more distinct causes and effects. Next, I drafted my argument overview and this gave me a direction that I wanted to go with my project. I used the argument overview to draft my website and get a feel for how I want to structure it and make my argument as to how it is a turning point. Lastly, I polished my draft to zone in on specifics. During freshman year, I did an individual website and absolutely loved it. On the contrary, last year, I did a group documentary and absolutely hated it. I like having the control and minimizing the drama so I chose to do an individual website once again. The Diamond Necklace Affairs effects on the French Revolution definitely relates to the NHD theme as it is a major turning point in history. This controversial episode of Marie Antoinettes life was the driving point of the French Revolution as hatred to Antoinette reached its breaking point. Although the event actually did occur, the implications that Antoinette was at fault and trying to ruin France were untrue because Jeanne de Lamotte concocted a scheme to rise in Frances social hierarchy. The result of the Revolution was the end of a major monarchy prevalent in the world for centuries because of the fight for the freedom and equality brought about during the Enlightenment. The Diamond Necklace Affair and the ensuing trial were the principle causes of the French Revolution. Ultimately, The Diamond Necklace Affair was definitely a turning point in history.