The French RevolutionThe French RevolutionWhy did the people of France revolt against the Monarchy?

Life in FranceLife in France

The “Old Regime” in France divided the French people into three social classes which were called estatesestates..

First Estate Second Estate Third Estate

Clergy of the Catholic Church

Nobles Middle class:merchants & professionals, workers, peasantsOwned 10% of land,

pay 2% income taxOwned 20% of land, paid little to no taxes

Owned little land, pay 50% income tax

1% of population 2% of population 97% of population (80% were peasants)

First and second estate see no need for change, disagree w/ Enlightenment

Third estate wanted CHANGE! Agree with Enlightenment

A Brewing RevolutionA Brewing Revolution

The King of France was Louis XVI His wife was Marie Antoinette

Reason #1 – The EconomyFrance in debt , nearly bankruptHeavy taxes made businesses less profitableFood shortagesBankers refused to loan money to govt

Reason #2 – PoliticsFrance was an Absolute MonarchyFrench people lost faith in the King & Government Rousseau tells French people: “Society is corrupt, time for change”

Reason #3 – Social IssuesPeople’s rights were based on which estate they belonged toThird estate was the largest and saw the least benefits

A Weak LeaderA Weak Leader

Louis XVI was very indecisive, & disinterested

1. Was a Hapsburg, a one-time enemy of France

2. Interfered w/ Govt advisors & gave poor advice

3. Spent lots of money – Madame Deficit

Instead of cutting their family expenses, Louis taxes the nobility

What do I do?

Spend, baby

spend!

Sorry Nobles, France needs more money!

Cut your wife’s

spending!

Marie Antoinette adds to his problems

Who Are You?Middle ClassClergyNoblesPeasantsWorkers

Video ClipsDescribe what Marie Antoinette was doing as people in the Third Estate are barely surviving?What was life like if you were a noble? Describe the queen’s birthday party.Does Louis seem like a decisive & interested when he meets with advisors? Describe his actions

A Demand For Change (1789)A Demand For Change (1789)

Nobles force Louis to call a meeting of the Estates-GeneralEach estate sends several reps but only get one vote in per estateThird Estate demands a national assembly & constitutional monarchyNext day, Third estate reps are locked out – they storm a nearby indoor tennis court

Sign Tennis Court Oath - will not to leave until new constitution & assembly are approved, strategy works, Estates-General approves plan Rumors spread Louis may use the army to disband the new Assembly July 14: People get weapons to defend themselves and storm the Bastille (Symbolic Gesture) – French Revolution Begins!

17 Days of Speeches!