Tuesday, February 23 rd GOAL: Describe the social structure in 18 th century France and explain how it was a driving force for change. QOD: Is there an unequal distribution of wealth in the United States? Explain… HW : None. (Good time for index cards!)

French Revolution

France’s Old Regime The estates general was a legislative assembly of 3 sections:  1 st Estate: Clergy  2 nd Estate: Nobility  3 rd Estate: Commoners No real power…never called to meet  Became a symbol of oppression and hierarchy

1 st Estate Clergy or priests Made up less than 1% of population Owned 10% of the land Paid no direct taxes Collected tithes Helped the poor by providing education and relief services Gave sermons and performed religious duties for the nobility Condemned the Enlightenment

2 nd Estate Rich nobles Held highest offices of government Made up of 2% of the population Paid 0% in taxes Owned 20% of the land Wore the best clothing, had the most money, and enjoyed constant entertainment

3 rd Estate Didn’t have anything to offer the king  Made up 98% of population  Paid 50% of income to taxes and elaborate fees  Had no power or influence in government  Often went hungry A. Bourgeoisie  Well educated  Merchants, bankers, lawyers, doctors, etc. B. Rural peasants  Worked on farms  Some had people work for them C. Urban workers  Cooks, printing, cloth making, blacksmiths, etc.  Street sellers

“Everything conspires to render the present period in France critical: the [lack] of bread is terrible: accounts arrive every moment from the provinces of riots and disturbances, and calling in the military, to preserve the peace of the markets.” ~Travels in France During the Years

Picture prompt…