Causes of the French Revolution Recipe for Revolution

Causes of the French Revolution

Recipe for Revolution t h g u o h ip on T h om e s iv er In i s c d s eq Un a e r e ua c g L e lity o or rta r int P Po y Ec Revolution Soup

Causes of the Revolution Long-standing resentments against the monarchy • Inequalities in society • Existing social and political structure • Called the Old Order, or ancient régime • Group Assignment

The Three Estates Varied widely in what they contributed in terms of work and taxes First Estate Second Estate • Roman Catholic clergy • Nobility • One percent of the population • Less than 2 percent of the population • Exempt from taxes • Paid few taxes • Owned 10 percent of the land – Collected rents and fees – Bishops and other clergy grew wealthy • Controlled much wealth • Held key positions – Government – Military • Lived on country estates Third Estate • Largest group— 97% of the population • Bourgeoisie—citydwelling merchants, factory owners, and professionals • Sans culottes— artisans and workers • Peasants—poor with little hope, paid rents and fees

So, What’s the Big Deal? • First & second estate many privileges • No taxes but richest • Lived in luxury • Hold positions of importance • No military service • Was this fair?

The Three Estates What does this political cartoon say about the economic and political conditions in France? • Why would the 1 st and 2 nd Estate be opposed to change or enlightenment ideas? •

Inequality Today

Enlightenment Ideas • Inspiring new ideas from Enlightenment philosophers • Great Britain’s government limiting the king’s power • American colonists rebelled successfully against British king • New ideas changed government and society in other countries

Economic Problems • Debt = $700 million • War Debt (Louis XIV) • Money spent on luxuries • Tax system corrupt • Banks would not lend France money • Reform tax system? • Bad Harvest

Weak Leaders? • Louis XIV’s Wars and Palace • Slide 10 • Louis XVI Versailles • Louis XVI • 19 when he took over • Cared more about self than nation • Marriage to Marie Antoinette • From Austria • Big spender

The Estates General

The Estates General • Law making body of France • Had not met since 1614 • Louis hope to approve new tax plan • 1 st and 2 nd hoped to continue priv. • 3 rd estate wanted new style of gov and solutions to their problems • ? Of procedures

National Assembly Established • Created by members of 3 rd estate • Goal = new constitution for France

Tennis Court Oath • June 20 th 1789 at royal tennis court • Oath = would not stop until King met their demands • Result = King gave in and 1 st and 2 nd estate became part of National Assembly

Storming of the Bastille July 14, 1789 • Old prison-fortress in Paris • Initial reason was to get ammunition • The seven inmates, none of them political prisoners, were freed. • The governor, Launay, and was dragged through Paris to the City Hall and killed • The Bastille only had 110 men to fight and there were 300 people in the mob • July 14 is French Independence Day • The attack is considered the beginning of the French Revolution • Adopt tricolor flag – vertical red, white, blue • “Great Fear” • French_Revolution__The__Part_I__April__1789___September__1791__

Weak Leaders?

The Bastille • Old prison-fortress in Paris • Symbol • July 14 1789 search for weapons to defend against Kings troops • French Independence Day • Adopt tricolor flag – vertical red, white, blue • “Great Fear” • French_Revolution__The__Part_I__April__1789___September__1791__