Chapter 19.1 On the Eve of Revolution Mr. Marsh Columbus North High School

Old Regime France was broken into 3 classes The Clergy (.5%) Makes up the 1st Estate, enjoyed many privileges The Nobles (1.5%) Second estate was titled the Nobility. During the reign of Louis XIV he crushed the Nobles armies but in return gave them more privileged rights The Third Estate (98%) Broken into two group Bourgeoisie – Middle Class Peasants make up 90% of this group

Discontent Grows From the Bourgeoisie to the peasants there was growing discontent for the privileges given to the 1st and 2nd Estates Smallest price rise or tax increase could lead many into starvation As the Enlightenment grows and spreads across France so does the call for change

Economic Troubles add to the Problem Deficit spending has but France between a rock and a hard place Wars The 7 Years War and the American Revolution strained the French treasury By 1789 half of the tax income went to pay on the interest on this enormous debt Poor Harvest Early crop decline began in the 1770s’ but by the late 1780s’ bad harvests sent food prices soaring Brought hunger and starvation to many peasants and city dwellers

Failure to Reform lead to the Estates General After the death of Louis XIV France took a downward spiral Louis XV liked to spend money by throwing big parties Louis XVI was well meaning in his reforms but too weak and indecisive to carry them forward

Jacques Necker Financial Advisor under Louis XVI Urged the King to reduce spending on military, extravagant court spending and reform the government including the tax system Necker pushed for taxes on the 1st and 2nd estates

The Estates General Called to order for the first time in over 175 Years Each Estate sent delegates Each Estate was given one vote 99% of the time the 1st and 2nd Estates voted together beating the 3rd Estate every time

The Third Estate Represented the outlook of the elite 25 percent lawyers 43 percent government officials Strong sense of common grievance and common purpose

The Dead Lock and the National Assembly May 5, 1789: Estates General convened at Versailles Dead lock began because of voting rights In the past the Delegates meet separately to vote 1st Estate voted with the 1st Estate and etc.. Also Each Estate was granted one overall vote The Third Estate wanted to change to everyone voting together and the votes to be proportional to the size (population) of the Estate June 17, 1789: the delegates of the Third Estate declared themselves to be the National Assembly

the Oath of the Tennis Court (June 20, 1789)