Ch. 6.1--The Revolution Begins Main Idea Problems in French society led to a revolution, the formation of a new government, and the end of the monarchy.

Causes of the Revolution Long-standing resentments against the monarchy Inequalities in society Existing social and political structure Called the Old Order, or ancient régime King at the top and estates under him King Louis XVI, shy and indecisive Unpopular, self-indulgent queen, Marie-Antoinette Rest of French society divided into three classes, called estates

Old Order Estates under Estates-General Roman Catholic clergy 1% of the population Exempt from taxes Owned 10 percent of the land Collected rents and fees Bishops and other clergy grew wealthy First Estate Nobility Less than 2% of pop. Paid few taxes Controlled much wealth Held key positions Government Military Lived on country estates Second Estate Largest group—97% of the population Bourgeoisie—city-dwelling merchants, factory owners, and professionals Sans culottes—artisans and workers Peasants—poor with little hope, paid rents and fees Third Estate

Further Causes 4. Enlightenment Ideas 5. A Financial Crisis Inspiring new ideas from Enlightenment philosophers Great Britain’s government limiting the king’s power American colonists rebelled successfully against British king New ideas changed government and society in other countries 4. Enlightenment Ideas Severe economic problems France in debt, spending lavishly, borrowing money, and facing bankruptcy Hailstorm and drought ruined harvest; harsh winter limited flour production People hungry and angry; clergy and nobility no help 5. A Financial Crisis

First Events of the Revolution 1789 Clergy and nobility lost power to monarchy--> no one happy Estates General meets for first time in 175 years Desire for reforms Unfair voting as each estate gets only 1 vote (especially for 3rd estate) 3rd Estate protests the voting and forms the National Assembly Tennis Court Oath- meeting to force King Louis to change votes Members would not leave until new govt is formed

Creating a New Nation under National Assembly Feudal dues eliminated Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen laid out “liberty, equality, fraternity” Inspired by the English Bill of Rights, American Declaration of Independence, and the writings of Enlightenment philosophers Men are born equal and remain equal under the law The rights did not extend to women Legislating New Rights Louis tried to protect his throne with troops Angered the common people Mob of 7000 angry women broke into the palace King signs Dec of Rights of Man Royal family seized by mob and moved to France National Assembly passed laws against the church, clergy, and public employees Restrictions on Power

Storming of the Bastille People of Paris armed themselves Great Fear rumors of soldiers cause reactions from peasants Searching for weapons, a mob stormed the Bastille King to punish the Third Estate with foreign soldiers Peasants destroyed records and burned nobles’ houses Violence acts led to continued violence during revolution

Formation of a New Government In 1791, the Legislative Assembly is formed (by National Assembly) Citizens gained broad voting rights, but rights were not universal. 25 yrs old, land owners, male Constitution restricted power of king Ended distinctions of birth. King Louis and Marie-Antoinette dress up and try to escape to Austria but are caught

Reaction to a New Government Austria and Prussia warned against harming monarchs Austrian defeats France in war Financial strain of war, food shortages, and high prices Foreign Powers August 10, 1792 royal family imprisoned by mob New National Convention run by radical faction Monarchy abolished France declared a republic End of Monarchy