The Old Regime

Platform for Revolution Enlightenment Ideas Unfair Estate System –Old Regime Economic Woes of France Weak Leadership of Louis XVI

The Old Regime What: Social structure which remained from the system of feudalism (Middle Ages) People of France were divided into 3-estates –1st, 2nd & 3rd Estates

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

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

3 Estates of France: an Analysis

Reading & Graphic Organizer

Road to Revolution The 3 rd estate resented the unfair social system of France –would not take much to spark revolution Louis XVI was a Weak Leader –Preferred personal interests over government –Often left work up to advisors. –Not capable of making tough decisions

Journal #1 Describe how this picture illustrates the social conditions in France in the 1700’s Explain why revolution appears inevitable?