Onset of the French Revolution

Agenda 1. Bell Ringer: Why do people revolt? Use evidence from your notes to answer the question 2. Lecture: Onset of Revolution in France (20 minutes) 3. Estates Chart (10 minutes) 4. Image interpretation: Revolutionary Views (10 minutes) 5. Illustration of Revolution (15 minutes) 6. Storming of the Bastille (15 minutes) 7. Objectives HW: Test on Thursday!!

The Estates The people of France were divided into Estates, a holdover from the Feudal system. First Estate –Catholic Church and Clergy. Second Estate –Nobles, made up 2% of the population.

Third Estate Constructed of several groups within the Estate Varying economic status, 98% of the population. Group 1- Bourgeoisie, –Merchants and Artisans –Well educated and believed in enlightenment ideas. Group 2- skilled workers, cooks and servants. Group 3- Peasants, 80% of the population

Reasons for Revolution Enlightenment Ideas- –People looked at Voltaire and Montesquieu –Success of American Revolution. Economic Woes –Heavy taxation led to little profit. –Crop shortages led to higher prices on food. –Debt by previous leaders. Weak Leadership –Louis XVI was indecisive, Marie Antoinette was more worried about gambling…

The Estates-General France was facing bankruptcy Attempts to tax the Second Estate led to a meeting of the Estates- General in Each Estate had their own hall, and each one had one vote. –Not exactly equal. Third Estate wants to meet together to promote equality, king refuses.

Storming the Bastille They form the National Assembly, beginning the Revolution. Form a new Constitution called the “Tennis Court Oath” Fearing military action by the French royals, peasants storm the Bastille. Bastille surrenders and the mob rushes in, kills and decapitates several soldiers, and parade their heads through town on spikes.

Illustration of the Revolution Imagine you are trying to get the word about the Revolution to everyone in France. Literacy is severely limited, so it must be an illustration. Create an illustration showing the “need” for a Revolution against Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

Image Interpretation