The French Revolution Why did the people of France revolt against the Monarchy?

Life in France estates. The “Old Regime” in France divided the French people into three social classes which were called estates. First EstateSecond EstateThird Estate Clergy of the Catholic Church NoblesMerchants, artisans, professionals, workers, & peasants Owned 10% of land, pay 2% income tax Owned 20% of land, paid little to no taxes Owned little land, pay 50% income tax 1% of population2% of population97% of population (80% were peasants) First and second estate see no need for change, they should not have to give up anything for the general will Third estate wanted CHANGE! According to Rousseau estate system is not in the best interest of the people (general will)

The Three Estates Political Cartoon 1. What do A,B, and C represent in the cartoon? 2. What action is happening in the cartoon? 3. What point is the cartoonist trying to make about the Estates System in France? A C B

Who Are You? Middle Class Clergy Nobles Peasants Workers

A Brewing Revolution The King of France was Louis XVI His wife was Marie Antoinette Reason #1 – The Economy France in debt, nearly bankrupt Bankers refused to loan money to govt Heavy taxes made businesses less profitable Food shortages Reason #2 – Politics France was an Absolute Monarchy, citizens have no representation French people lost faith in the King & Government Rousseau tells French people: “Society is corrupt, time for change” Reason #3 – Social Problems Third estate was 97% of population, paid the most taxes, saw the least benefits, had the least amount of rights

A Weak Leader Louis XVI was very indecisive, & disinterested 1. Was a Hapsburg, a one-time enemy of France 2. Interfered w/ Govt advisors & gave poor advice 3. Spent lots of money – Madame Deficit Instead of cutting their family expenses, Louis taxes the nobility What should I do? Spend, baby spend! Sorry Nobles, France needs more money! Cut your wife’s spending ! Marie Antoinette adds to his problems

Video Clips 1. Describe what Marie Antoinette was doing as people in the Third Estate are barely surviving? 2. What was life like if you were a noble? Describe the queen’s birthday party. 3. Does Louis seem like a decisive & interested when he meets with advisors? Describe his actions

A Demand For Change (1789) Nobles force Louis to call a meeting of the Estates-General (each estate sends reps but only get one vote in per estate) Third Estate demands a national assembly & constitutional monarchy Next day, Third estate reps are locked out – they storm a nearby indoor tennis court Sign Tennis Court Oath, pledge by the third estate not to leave until new constitution & National Assembly are created First and Second estates give into their demands 17 Days of Speeches!

French Revolution Begins  July 14: People get weapons to defend themselves and storm a medieval jail called the Bastille  Storming the Bastille is a symbolic gesture, signaling the start of the French Revolution  Great Fear sweeps France, looting & rioting ensues, royal family forced from Palace at Versailles  1791: Ntl Assembly adopts a new constitution, limits King’s power, Church power & includes Declaration of the Rights of Man  Louis XVI reluctantly accepts new constitution  Rumors spread Louis may use army to disband the Assembly