French Revolution Begins
The Old Regime Social and political system in 1770’s France People were divided into social classes called Estates
The First Estate Clergy of the Catholic Church Owned 10% of land Provided education and relief services for the poor Contributed 2% of income to government
The Second Estate Rich nobles (2% of population) Owned 20% of the land Paid almost no taxes
The Third Estate 97% of population
Bourgeoisie middle class bankers, factory owners, merchants, professionals, skilled artisans educated, believers of Enlightenment ideas some wealthy as nobles but paid high taxes
Workers Poorest group, often hungry and out of work Trades people, apprentices, laborers, domestic servants
Peasants Largest group of 3rd estate 80% of population Largest group of 3rd estate 80% of population Paid half of income to nobles, tithes to Church, & taxes
Enlightenment ideas Equality, liberty and democracy helped push the forces of change in France
Economic Woes Crops failures past debt Weak Leader Louis XVI: king of France did nothing Marie Antoinette: queen of France spent tax money all on her lavish lifestyle
Supersizers clips
Estates-General France’s legislative body Delegates (representatives) from all three estates Each estate has 1 vote The wealthy two top estates could easily out vote the third estate representative
National Assembly 3rd Estate delegates decided to pass laws & reforms for all French people June 17, 1789: Nat’l Assembly voted to end absolute monarchy & start a representative government Seen as an act of revolution & were locked out of Estates-General meetings
Tennis Court Oath June 20, 1789: National Assembly meets in indoor tennis court A pledge is taken by members to draw up a new constitution for France Some nobles and clergy joined
Rumors lead to Revolution King Louis would use military to disband the National Assembly Troops headed to Paris to massacre citizens Fear & anger lead population to defend itself
Storming of the Bastille July 14, 1789 France’s independence day The Bastille-a Parisian prison & armory Citizens overwhelmed the king’s troops & raid the armory
The Great Fear a period of panic and riot by peasants and others Peasants burned their nobles' chateaux, monasteries and buildings which housed public records targeted records of feudal obligations