The French Revolution Why did the people of France revolt against the Monarchy?
Life in France estates. The “Old Regime” in France divided the French people into three social classes which were called estates. First EstateSecond EstateThird Estate Clergy of the Catholic Church NoblesMerchants, artisans, professionals, workers, & peasants Owned 10% of land, pay 2% income tax Owned 20% of land, paid little to no taxes Owned little land, pay 50% income tax 1% of population2% of population97% of population (80% were peasants) First and second estate see no need for change, they should not have to give up anything for the general will Third estate wanted CHANGE! According to Rousseau estate system is not in the best interest of the people (general will)
Who Are You? Middle Class Clergy Nobles Peasants Workers
A Brewing Revolution The King of France was Louis XVI His wife was Marie Antoinette Reason #1 – The Economy France in debt, nearly bankrupt Heavy taxes made businesses less profitable Food shortages Bankers refused to loan money to govt Reason #2 – Politics France was an Absolute Monarchy French people lost faith in the King & Government Rousseau tells French people: “Society is corrupt, time for change” Reason #3 – Social Issues Third estate was the largest and saw the least benefits People’s rights were based on which estate they belonged to
A 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
Video Clips Describe 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) Nobles force Louis to call a meeting of the Estates-General Each estate sends several reps but only get one vote in per estate Third Estate demands a national assembly & constitutional monarchy Next 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!