Louis XIV,The Three Louis XIV,The Three Estates, and Estates, and InequalitiesInequalities

Can you smell a revolution?

Absolute Monarchy – King Louis XIV (1643-

1715) • The French monarchy was strongest

during the reign of King Louis XIV. He alone made all decisions. He had absolute control over his subjects (all inhabitants).

• His deal with the Church – People believed the King was chosen by God. The clergy confirmed King Louis’ divine right to rule in return for his protection of the Catholic Church’s interests.

France – Louis XIVFrance – Louis XIVRuled 1643 - 1715Ruled 1643 - 1715

Called himself the Called himself the Sun King Believed in divine right. Believed in divine right.

“L’etat, c’est moi.” I am the “L’etat, c’est moi.” I am the state. Made French army the state. Made French army the strongest in Europestrongest in Europe

France was the wealthiest France was the wealthiest country in Europe under country in Europe under Louis XIVLouis XIV

Louis XIV spent huge Louis XIV spent huge amounts of moneyamounts of money

Built Versailles. Built Versailles. (You do not need to copy (You do not need to copy

the next slide)the next slide)

France – Louis XIVFrance – Louis XIVVersaillesVersailles

Expanded from a Expanded from a hunting lodge in 1669.hunting lodge in 1669.

Became the symbol to Became the symbol to European monarchs of European monarchs of the wealth and power the wealth and power of the king of France.of the king of France.

Seat of French Seat of French government for nearly government for nearly over 100 years.over 100 years.

Its upkeep consumed Its upkeep consumed as much as 25% of the as much as 25% of the income of France.income of France.

The Ancien RegimeFrench society consisting of 3 estates and an absolute

monarchy • NobilityNobility1  Nobility was hereditary2 Upper nobility were members of

the King’s court3 Upper nobility were administrators

and commanders4 Lower nobility - Landowners i.e.

Seigneurs (this allowed them to not have to work)

ClergyClergy

• 1     Higher clergy were members of the king’s court

• 2   They lived in luxury• 3 Lower clergy were parish

priests who lived simple lives

The Third Estate (Common People)

1-Most were peasants living in poverty

2- Bourgeois professionals (merchants, bankers, lawyers) were part of this group

3- Could buy titles and become noblemen if they had $$$

4- Could become priests to move up (lower clergy)

Inequality

• Members of the third estate were:

1) required to pay taxes. 2) not trusted as much. Their word

in a trial was counted for less 3) sentenced to harsher

punishments for an identical crime.

Conflict

• Nobility took pride in not working, looked down on those who worked, liked their privileges, and did not want the social organizations to change.

• Bourgeoisie (third estate) took pride in working, did not agree with wealth and privilege being inherited and believed in EARNING your social status.

This cartoon was produced in the 1780s and is a comment on the social situation in France at that time. It can be used to help explain the causes of the French Revolution of 1789.

A Change of Mindset A Change of Mindset

The Enlightenment

What Led to the French Revolution?

• French philosophers looked to the English political system for inspiration and change!• England had a Parliament – Power was

shared between the classes.• Parliament limited the control of the

Monarchy.• Britain had a BILL OF RIGHTS.• HABEAS CORPUS – You can’t be

imprisoned without just cause

The Enlightened!

• Philosophers all over Europe questioned the system of absolute monarchy and admired the English political system. They believed in:

- Progress -Tolerance

- Reason- Education - Freedom

Changes Caused by the Enlightenment

• The right to choose one’s leaders

• The separation of powers

• Freedom of religion

• Freedom of thought & expression

• Other basic human rights