The French Revolution Begins The Three Estates Society

The French Revolution Begins

The Three Estates �Society divided into three groups. �First Estate=The Church less than 1% of population �Second Estate=Rich Nobles 2% of population �Third Estate=Everyone Else 97% of population

Taxes and the Estates � The Roman Catholic Church paid 2% of its earnings in taxes. � The Second Estate paid no taxes. � The Third Estate paid 50% in taxes!

Discussion Question �Do you think it is fair for the people of the Third Estate to pay the highest taxes even though they make the least amount of money? Why or why not?

Issues in France � Enlightenment ideas about government. � Economic � Weak problems. leadership.

Enlightenment Ideas � The Third Estate is inspired by the success of the Americans Revolution. � They begin to question the structure of their own society. � Quoting Rousseau and Voltaire, Third Estate demand equality, liberty, and democracy.

Economic Troubles � Heavy taxes hurt businesses. � High cost of living. � Bad weather and crop failures in 1780’s double price of bread. � Marie Antoinette and King Louie XVI spend lots!

King Louie XVI � Weak Leader � King Louie XVI is indecisive. � He ignores his advisors. � Marie gives him bad advice. � Tries to impose taxes to solve financial problems.

Discussion Question �How might a strong ruler have solved France’s problems?

Estates-General �In response to Louie XVI’s call for taxes, the Second Estate makes him call the Estates General to approve. �Members from each estate vote to approve taxes.

The National Assembly � Third Estate influenced by Enlightenment ideas. � They want the estates to vote together instead of in private. � King Louie says no.

National Assembly Continued � Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyes suggests that the Third Estate becomes the law makers of France. � On June 17, 1789 they vote to create the National Assembly. � This is the first step to revolution

Tennis Court Oath � The National Assembly is locked out. � They meet on a tennis court and swear to stay until they have created a new constitution. � Becomes known as the Tennis Court Oath.

Do Now �If you were the king, how would you have handled the National Assembly and the Tennis Court Oath?

Storming the Bastille � Rumors say King Louis wants to use the army to stop the National Assembly. � People gather weapons. � A mob attacks the Bastille on July 14 th and take control of it. � Several guards and their commander are killed.

The Great Fear � Rebellion spreads. � Panic called the Great Fear. � Farmers burn down the nobles houses.

Bread Riots/Women’s March on Versailles � October 1789 thousands riot over rising bread prices. � They march on Versailles. � Break into the palace killing some guards.

Versailles

King Louis Returns � Peasants demand the king and queen return to Paris. � Louis agrees. � Signals the change in power in France.