Ch. 7 Sec. 1 The French Revolution Begins I. The Old Order A Ch. 7 Sec. 1 The French Revolution Begins I. The Old Order A. The Privileged Estates The First Estate-The Roman Catholic Church, the Clergy, they owned 10 percent of the land. They provided education and relief services to the poor but only contributed to 2 percent of its income to the government

A. The Privileged Estates 2. Second Estate-Rich nobles-only 2 percent of the population but owned 20 percent of the land and paid almost zero taxes. Did not support the Enlightenment

B. The Third Estate 97 percent of the population fell into this category Three groups within this estate Bourgeoisie-middle class-educated and believed in the Enlightenment ideas if life and liberty

B. The Third Estate 4. The Workers –The poorest group-trades people, apprentices, laborers, and servants 5. Peasants-80 percent of Frances 26 million people-they paid half their income to taxes

II. The Forces of Change A. Enlightenment Ideas The Third Estate had new views about power and authority in government Demanding equality, liberty, and democracy

B. Economic Troubles Crop failures, and the cost of living caused economic problems France helping the Americans in their revolution also contributed to Frances economic woes

C. A Weak Leader Louis XVI was indecisive and paid little attention to the affairs of the govt. or advisors

III. Dawn of the Revolution A. The National Assembly The Third Estate wanted all three estates to meet Third Estate also wanted a single vote for each delegate which would give them more votes then the first two Estates combined

A. The National Assembly 3. Sieyes idea takes hold and the 3rd Estate forms the National Assembly which passes laws and reforms in the name of the French people-July 17th 1789 4. This is the end of absolute monarchy and the beginning of a representative govt. 5. Tennis Court Oath-was a pledge by the 3rd Estate to stay on the tennis court until a new constitution was created

B. Storming the Bastille 1. Rumors strike fear in Paris that either Louis XVI or foreign troops are on their way to destroy the National Assembly 2. 7/14/1789-citizens storm the Bastille searching for gunpowder

B. Storming the Bastille 3. Attackers hack the prison commander & guards to death parading their heads on a stick 4. The fall of the Bastille becomes a symbolic act of revolution called Bastille Day