Revolution breaks out in France in 1789 – Many injustices existed in France before the Revolution

Causes of the French Revolution Absolute Monarchy Enlightenment Ideas Economic Problems Social Inequalities Inspiration from the American Revolution

King Louis XVI – Married to Marie-Antoinette Austrian Austria had been an enemy of France Weak leadership failed to address problems in France Most people denied basic rights and did not have a say in gov’t policy

3 social classes – The First Estate Roman Catholic Church clergy – The Second Estate Wealthy nobles Held highest gov’t offices – The Third Estate Bourgeoisie (middle class), poor city workers, artisans, peasants No power to influence government

The First and Second Estates – did not have to pay taxes – controlled most of the wealth Third Estate resented heavy tax burden and lack of rights

Many Bourgeoisie began to question French social structure and absolute monarchy – Enlightenment ideas – Success of the American Revolution Inspired by enlightenment ideas – Natural rights, democracy, equality – British attempts to limit the power of the monarch

France was in debt because it had to borrow money to support government – Costly wars going back to Louis XIV – Lavish Lifestyle of the monarchs and Versailles – Financial and military support of the American Revolution Increased taxes on the Third Estate – King tried to tax Second Estate but they refused

Drought and hailstorm led to bad harvest and food shortages in 1789 – Peasants and poor city workers did not have enough food Led to food riots Increased public anger towards the government

List the three classes that made up the French social structure before the French Revolution.

5/15 Focus: 5/15 Focus: – As conditions grew worse in France, demands for reforms increased and King Louis XVI was forced to take action. Important Terms: Important Terms: – Estates General, Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen Do Now: Do Now: – Identify one specific problem that contributed to the outbreak of the French Revolution.

The Estates General King called for a meeting of the Estates General in 1789 to address problems – A body with representatives from each of the three estates

The Estates General Third Estate declared themselves the National Assembly – Claimed the right to make laws – Wanted to draw up a constitution for France

The Tennis Court Oath 3 rd Estate believed they had been locked out of the meeting hall of the Estates General – Gathered at an indoor tennis court 3 rd Estate refused to disband until a constitution was created – Some nobles and clergy joined King Louis XVI forced to accept the National Assembly

Storming of the Bastille Louis XVI began moving troops to Paris – National Assembly and Parisians feared troops would break up the Assembly July 14, 1789 citizens storm the Bastille in search of weapons – prison used to jail critics of the monarchy – People took over the Bastille killed its commander and paraded his head on long stick through Paris

Rumors spread that the king and nobles would punish 3 rd Estate – Peasants attacked nobles and burned homes in the countryside Destroyed records of feudal dues and rents

6,000 women protesting food shortages marched on Versailles – Forced King to leave Versailles and return to Paris

Document laying out the basic principles of the Revolution – Liberty, Equality, Fraternity Inspired by Declaration of Independence and Enlightenment ideas – Protection of natural rights

Guaranteed citizens basic rights – Freedom of Religion, Press, Speech – Equality before the law

Seized Church lands – made clergy public employees – Sold lands to pay French debt Wrote a constitution that limited the monarch’s power King Louis XVI and Maria- Antoinette attempted to flee France but were caught

Many European rulers and nobles feared the revolution would spread to their countries – Threatened military intervention to protect French monarchy Austria and Prussia warned against harming the king

French Legislature declares war on Austria, Prussia, and Great Britain

fear that enemies of the revolution would try to restore the monarchy King placed on trial and executed for treason – Jan 21,1793 – Maria-Antoinette executed on Oct. 16, 1793

List the three classes that made up the French social structure before the French Revolution.