7 1 Revolution Threatens the French King Setting

7. 1 Revolution Threatens the French King

Setting the Stage § France is the cultural center of Europe, thanks to the Enlightenment!!!! § French culture = good. § French Government = bad (according to the French people).

The Old Regime § Old Regime - The system of Feudalism still used in France. § Estates - Social Classes. The people of France were divided into 3. § The Privileged Estates. § The Third Estate.

The French Estates § First Estate § Roman Catholic Clergy. § Owned 10% of land in France. § Provided education/relief services to poor. § 2% of income went to gov. § Second estate § Rich nobles whose wealth comes from land. § Made up 2% of population. § Owned 20% of Land in France. § Pay almost no taxes.

The third Estate § Bourgeoisie § 98% of pop. § Made up of 3 classes. § Merchants/Artisans. § Well Educated, LOVE Enlightenment! § Some are rich, ALL pay HIGH taxes. § No privileges. § Believe they should have some power.

The Third Estate § Urban Lower Class. § Poorer than Bourgeoisie. § Cooks, servants, city workers. § Paid low wages, usually out of work. § Often hungry. § Peasants § 80% of Third Estate. § 50% of income is paid to nobles for ‘dues’, tithes to church, or taxes to king. § Resent clergy and nobles!!

Forces of Change § Enlightenment Ideas. § Economic Woes. Louis XVI - (1774 -1792) § A Weak Leader. § Marie Antoinette. § Estates-General - reps from the three estates.

Revolution Dawns § Each estate has 1 vote - third Estate can be out voted!! § The National Assembly. § Tennis Court Oath. § Storming the Bastille. (7/14/1789)

A Great Fear Sweeps France § Rumor! § Great Fear. § Women take charge.