Causes of the French Revolution 1789 1799 Immediate

Causes of the French Revolution (1789 -1799)

Immediate Causes: (Financial Problems) Other Causes: Abuses of the Old Regime: (Underlying causes) Political Problems Social Problems Economic Problems

Social Problems Unequal Class System: • 1 st Estate- Catholic Clergy • 2 nd Estate- Nobility 3% of population + • 3 rd Estate- Bourgeoisie, 97% of population common workers, peasants (80%) • The first two estates dominated the 3 rd Estate politically and economically

Economic Problems • 1 st and 2 nd Estates paid very little taxes (2% of income) • 3 rd Estate paid most of the taxes (50% of income) • Very high cost of living; less food due to bad weather (price of bread went up!)

Political Problems • King Louis XVI -absolute ruler, appointed government positions based on favoritism, not merit • Censorship of speech/press • People jailed without a trial

Immediate Causes Financial Problems (each bullet goes in a box at the top of volcano) • Hunger/unemployment (80% were poor) • Royal extravagance (spending on material things) • Large War Debt (from helping America defeat the British) • Inflation (high prices/cost of living )

Other Causes • French inspired by: • Enlightenment ideas of Locke, Voltaire, Montesquieu and Rousseau • Successful Revolutions in England America