The French Revolution Why did the people of France revolt against the Monarchy?
Life in France The “Old Regime” in France divided the French people into three social classes which were called estates. First Estate Second Estate Third Estate Clergy of the Catholic Church Rich Nobles Middle class, business people, professionals, workers & peasants Owned 10% of land 2% of their income went to pay taxes Owned 20% of land, paid little to no taxes Owned little land, 50% of income went to pay taxes 1% of population 2% of population 97% of population (80% were peasants) Members of the first and second estate did not agree with Enlightenment ideas. Saw no need for change Members of the third estate agreed with Enlightenment ideas. They wanted CHANGE!
A Brewing Revolution The King of France was Louis XVI His wife was Marie Antoinette Reason #1 for Revolution – The Economy France was in debt and nearly bankrupt Heavy taxes made businesses less profitable Food shortages Bankers refused to loan anymore money to the government Reason #2 – Politics France was an Absolute Monarchy Enlightenment/American Revolution inspires third estate French people lost faith in the King & Government Rousseau tells French people: “Society is corrupt, time for change” Reason #3 – Social Issues People’s rights were based on which estate they belonged to Third estate was the largest and saw the least benefits Middle class want more power, poor want food!
Sorry Nobles, France needs more money! A Weak Leader King Louis was very indecisive and put things off He had little patience & seemed disinterested His wife, Marie Antoinette added to his problems She was a Hapsburg, a one-time enemy of France What do I do? Interfered w/ Govt advisors & gave poor advice Spent lots of money – Madame Deficit Instead of cutting their family expenses, Louis taxes the nobility Cut your spending! Sorry Nobles, France needs more money! Spend, baby spend!
Video Clips As the third estate is struggling describe what Marie Antoinette was doing? What was life like if you were a noble? Describe the queen’s birthday party. Does Louis seem like a strong leader when he meets with advisors?
A Demand For Change The nobles force Louis to call a meeting of the Estates-General Each estate got one vote in the meeting – Third estate wants change Third Estate votes for national assembly & constitutional monarchy Next day, Third estate members are locked out – they storm a nearby indoor tennis court Sign oath not to leave until new constitution & assembly are approved – strategy works! People think Louis may use the army to disband the Assembly People get weapons to defend themselves and storm the Bastille (Symbolic Gesture) – Revolution Begins!