France before the French Revolution

On the SURFACE: France in the 1700’s Considered most advanced country in Europe Palace of Versailles was world renowned Large population [26 million] Prosperous foreign trade French culture was widely “praised”

France Behind the Scenes Economic Problems in France very high debt, Interest consumed 50% of budget High taxes & high prices (inflation) were causing protests Absolute Monarchy ruled France French kings claimed “divine” right to rule Feudalism still remained from Middle Ages Little or no upward social mobility Enlightened ideas of the philosophes threatened France Ideas argued against absolute monarchy and favored equality

Economic woes of France widespread crop failures = price of bread doubled bad weather so bread shortage which = increase in bread prices. Bankers refuse to lend France more money because it cannot pay back original loans France bankrupt because of wars (losing 7 years war, supporting American Revolution) Loses colonies = losing tax money and natural resources.

How did it get to the point of a Revolution? Enlightenment Ideas Unfair Estate System Economic Woes of France Weak Leadership of Louis XVI

The Old Regime What: Social structure which remained from the system of feudalism (Middle Ages)

The Privileged Estates The 1st & 2nd estate were privileged estates They paid NO TAXES Had access to high office (in King’s Bureaucracy)

The Old Regime 2nd ESTATE 3rd Estate 1st ESTATE Clergy Nobles Peasants Workers Bourgeoisie <1% of Population 2% of Population 97% Population Owned some land, but paid high taxes Did most of work Owned 10% of land Disapproved of enlightened ideas Owned 20% Land Did little/no work

Causes of French Revolution

Assembly of Notables

The Estates-General 3 House Legislative Body Comprised of 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Estates They met May 5th, 1789 at Versailles Estates-General had not been called in 175 Years! (since 1614)