1. The French Revolution 1789-1799
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity

2. France in the 1700s
France was ruled by what is called, an authoritarian government.
This means that political authority is concentrated in a small group of people.

4. The First Estate The First Estate The Clergy (Church leaders)
1% of population
There were very wealthy abbots, members of the aristocracy who lived in luxury off of wealthy church lands
There were poor parish priests, who lived much like the peasants

5. The Second Estate The Second Estate The Nobles 2% of population
Inherited their titles and got their wealth from the land
Some members of the nobility had little money, but had all the privileges of noble rank
Most enjoyed both privileges and wealth

6. The Nobility
With the exception of a few liberals, the nobility wanted greater political influence for themselves but nothing for the Third Estate. 

7. The Third Estate The Third Estate  Common People.
The largest group in France- 97% of population (25,000,000)
Everyone who was not a member of the first or second estates was a member of the third
It included:
Merchants, some whose wealth was similar to the nobility
Doctors and lawyers
Shopkeepers
The urban poor
The peasants who worked the land

10. What does this contemporary political cartoon say about conditions in France under the Old Regime?

12. The Tennis Court Oath
The National Assembly swore an oath of allegiance not to disband until a constitution had been created for France 
The delegates agreed and all but one of the 578 delegates signed it
Their oath is known as the Tennis Court Oath 
It said: "The National Assembly, considering that it has been summoned to establish the constitution of the kingdom... decrees that all members of this assembly shall immediately take a solemn oath not to separate... until the constitution of the kingdom is established on firm foundations..."  June 20, 1789

13. “Let us swear to God and our country that we will not disperse until we have established a sound and just constitution, as instructed by those who nominated us.” M. Mounier

14. Tennis Court Oath

15. Revolution Spreads to Common People
The Revolution was set in motion by the bourgeoisie (merchants/middle class), and now spread to the common people!!

16. Mobs Search for Weapons
Mobs roamed in search of weapons
Although some muskets were found when they broke into a public hospital for wounded soldiers, there was no ammunition
The ammunition was stored in the Bastille

17. The Bastille as a medieval fortress

18. The Storming of the Bastille
On July 14, 1789, the mob, joined by some of the King's soldiers, stormed the Bastille
The commander of the Bastille, de Launay, attempted to surrender, but the mob would not accept it
He was killed as they poured through the gates
No guard was left alive

19. The Great Fear Riots in the countryside
Peasants burned their nobles' castles and destroyed documents which contained their feudal obligation (rent/taxes)
It was called "The Great Fear"