Bell Ringer  What are some ideas from the Enlightenment that might lead to Revolution in France?  Think about the idea’s from the Philosophes’ Ex. John Locke, Montesquieu, etc…

Chapter 11 The French Revolution and Napoleon

Causes of the Revolution 11-1

The Old Regime  Old Regime—social and political system in France during the 1770s  Estates—three social classes of France’s Old Regime

The Three Estates The Privileged Estates  First Estate—Catholic clergy –own 10 percent land, pay few taxes  Second Estate—rich nobles –2 percent population, own 20 percent land

The Third Estate  97 percent of people  Made up of 3 Groups –Bourgeoisie –Urban Workers –Peasants  Have few privileges, pay heavy taxes, want change

The French Society  Bourgeoisie: -Merchants, bankers, lawyers, doctors made up the bourgeoisie. -Resented the privileges of the nobility, but at the same time they shared a great deal with them.

French Society  The 3 rd estate had a multitude of peasants which made up the majority of the population.  Urban workers such as shopkeepers were also in the 3 rd estate

The Forces of Change  Enlightenment ideas inspire some in Third Estate.  A Weak Leader -King Louis XIV’s poor decisions and lack of patience add to France’s problems

Financial Crisis  High taxes and rising costs damage economy by 1780s  Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette known for extravagance  Louis doubles nation’s debt; banks refuse to lend more money

France’s Economic Problems  Causes – Heavy taxes against 3 rd Estate –Cost of Living steadily increasing –Bad Weather caused a severe grain shortage  Louis XVI borrowed lots of $ to help American colonists win independence

Un-Popularity Queen  Member of Austrian Royal Family –THE ENEMY  Interfered with government, gave Louis XVI bad advice  Marie Antoinette = “Madame Defecit”  Diamond Necklace Affair

Assignment  Causes of the Revolution Worksheet. Honors must complete one of the two extension activities from the worksheet!!!  Vocabulary