French Revolution France in 1700 s Ruled by

French Revolution

France in 1700 s • • • Ruled by King Louis XVI An absolute monarch Divine right of Kings Rest of population split into 3 groups 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd Estate

1 st Estate • • The Clergy – bishops, archbishops Wealthy and very powerful Owned loads of land Paid no taxes

2 nd Estate • • • The Nobles 100, 000 only Wealthy and powerful Got all the best jobs in government Paid no taxes

3 rd Estate • Everyone else – From middle class shopkeepers to poor country peasants • 80% of the population • Had no rights • Paid huge taxes

What was the French Rev? • When the Third Estate revolted against the King • Took over running the government • Totally changed the whole country

What were the causes? • 4 main causes – – Unfair tax system The Enlightenment Ideals of the American Revolution France in debt

Unfair Tax System • The 1 st and 2 nd Estates paid no tax • 3 rd Estate paid ALL the tax • It went to the King, the nobles and the clergy! • Tax to King on all goods • E. g. Gabelle • Tithes – tax to the Church (10%) • Feudal Dues – Tax to the nobles • 85% of a peasant’s wages went on tax • This caused great anger

Enlightenment • Ideas of the Enlightenment started in France • Philosophers such as Rousseau and Voltaire • Argued that the power should belong to the people • Not the King • Argued that all people are equal • Ideas spread

Ideals of the American Rev • The American Revolution inspired ideas of freedom and democracy • Ordinary people could rise up and take power • Society could be democratic and fair • French soldiers brought these ideas back to France

France in debt • Huge debt after helping American Revolution • Government of Louis almost bankrupt • Needed to raise taxes • This is the spark that starts the French Revolution

Estates General • Louis called a government together in Versailles – The Estates General • To decide on taxes • Members of the 3 estates formed the government • But voting unfair • Block voting • The 1 st and 2 nd Estates would always join together • They would refuse to pay tax • They would make 3 rd Estate pay more

Danger • • • 3 rd Estate refused to accept this King Louis got worried Disbanded the estates general Locked the 3 rd estate out The 3 rd estate were very angry Went to a nearby tennis court

TENNIS Court Oath • Called themselves National Assembly • Took the T. C Oath – June 1789 • Promised never to leave until France got a fair constitution

Tennis Court Oath

King’s Response • Scared – gave in • Ordered the other 2 estates to join them • France now had a government • And it was run by the 3 rd Estate! • Began drawing up new rules for France • Ordinary people delighted