Another Revolution-Why the French Fought for Independence Seven Years War in France had devastated the economy Growing dissent among the people aimed at Louis XVI who would not have a ruling Parliament Louis XVI unwilling to change his rule to allow for people to flourish (the Enlightenment) People resisted notion that monarchs had divine rule and that all citizens could have “Natural Rights”

Mistakes by Louis XVI that Led to his Downfall HUGE Tax Increase Louis XVI built the Palace of Versailles (7-10% of the National Treasury was spent) 2) High taxes were paid by the French peasants 3) Corruption of Province officials (they could collect and raise taxes for no reason)

The French Revolution Began in 1793 after Louis XVI was executed Reign of Terror (17,000 people executed by the French Revolutionaries) “Reign of Terror” was a period of violence that occurred after the onset of the French Revolution incited by conflict between two rival political factions, the Girondins and the Jacobins, and marked by mass executions of "enemies of the revolution" Federalists in the United States opposed the violence in France Thomas Jefferson argued that this was to be expected when people were fighting for their freedom France and Great Britain were at war in 1793 (United Stated under George Washington, remained neutral) Began in 1793 after Louis XVI was executed Reign of Terror (17,000 people executed by the French Revolutionaries) “Reign of Terror” was a period of violence that occurred after the onset of the French Revolution incited by conflict between two rival political factions, the Girondins and the Jacobins, and marked by mass executions of "enemies of the revolution" Federalists in the United States opposed the violence in France Thomas Jefferson argued that this was to be expected when people were fighting for their freedom France and Great Britain were at war in 1793 (United Stated under George Washington, remained neutral)

The French and American Revolution's (What Did They Have in Common?) THE AMERICAN SIDE THE FRENCH SIDE The colonists did not trust King George III to act in their best interests Wrote the Declaration of Independence Most Americas supported the French Revolution Colonists were fighting against a monarch King George III wanted to unfairly tax the colonists British had a large debt from the French and Indian War The French people did not trust Louis XVI and his advisors Wrote the Declaration of Rights of the Man and Citizen French supported the American Revolution (anything to make the British look bad) French people fighting against a monarch Louis XVI wanted to unfairly tax the French peasants French had a huge debt to pay from the Seven Years War

Who Was Maximilien Robespierre? Was a Lawyer and Politician Defended the poorest people in French society Nicknamed “The Incorruptible” Encouraged the execution of Louis XVI and for the citizens to fight the Monarchy Beginning in September 1793, over 300,000 enemies of the Revolution were arrested 17,000 executed by the Guillotine

Robespierre: Friend or Foe? During this time period, Robespierre was able to eliminate his political opponents. “The secret of freedom lies in educating people, whereas the secret of tyranny is in keeping them ignorant.” -Maximilien Robespierre Basically, Robespierre became a Dictator Robespierre was arrested on July 27, 1784 Executed by the Guillotine on July 28, 1794