2. BACKGROUND The Seven Years’ War put France into an economic crisis.
Their helping the U.S. with the American Revolution deepened their debt.
The Three Estate System
The First Estate- (Clergy) rich, control 15% of land, make up less than 1% of population, DID NOT have to pay taxes
The Second Estate- (Nobility) rich, paid few taxes, inherited high positions in the church, government, and military
The Third Estate- (Bourgeoisie) middle class, educated professionals
Below the Bourgeoisie- forced to pay a tithe to the church, very poor, city workers or peasants, paid heavy taxes

3. How Louis & Marie Lived

4. Issues with the Leaders
Louis XVI racked up debts at the expense of the French people for his expensive lifestyle.
Taxed people more & borrowed from bankers (created more debt)

5. The bourgeoisie rises
The Bourgeoisie begins to rally over the financial crisis.
They spoke of Liberty, Equality, & Natural Rights
The wanted a new French Constitution and said they would not stop meeting with the Estates until a new one had been adopted

6. Meeting for Change
In 1787, bankers refused to lend France any more money
To fix the issues the people called a meeting of the Estates General
BEGINNING OF THE WAR: The Third Estate delegates named themselves the National Assembly and wanted the others to work with them.
Louis XVI let the Estates General meet but he moved troops into Versailles & Paris.

7. Bastille Prison Captured by the commoners on July 14th, 1789.
War ensued.

8. National Assembly tries to Fix France
They tried to solve the problems with reforms.
Banned the forced tithe and took privileges away from the 1st & 2nd estate
Created the Declaration of the Rights of Man
Stated that all men are born equal and should remain equal
Gave men the right to Freedom of Speech, the press, Religion, and the right to a fair trial.
Did NOT give these rights to women

9. The End of a monarchy
King Louis XVI planned to overthrow the new Constitution & escape with help from foreign countries.
He and the entire family were imprisoned for treason.
He and his wife were guillotined.