1. Causes of the French Revolution

2. Began with the unhappy 3rd Estate rising against the dominant 2nd and 1st Estates
Complete shift in society, government and culture in France
Took advantage of Enlightenment ideals

3. Estates General First Estate Second Estate Third Estate Nobility
Roman Catholic clergy
1% of the population
Exempt from taxes
Owned 10 percent of the land
First Estate
Nobility
<2% percent of the population
Paid few taxes
Held key positions
Government
Military
Second Estate
97% of the population
Bourgeoisie—city-dwelling merchants, factory owners, and professionals
Sans culottes—artisans and workers
Peasants—poor with little hope, paid rents and fees
Third Estate

4. Enlightenment Ideas
Inspiring new ideas from Enlightenment philosophers
John Locke- Rights of life, liberty and property
Jean Jacques Rousseau- Social Contract (government functions based on the consent of the people)
Baron de Montesquieu- separation of powers so no one is too powerful
Liberté, égalité, fraternité
motto of the French Revolution
Embodiment of Enlightenment ideals
“Ou la mort” – means go along with these new ideas or death (eventually will refer to literal death)

5. Financial Crisis
The government of France was bankrupt and facing a serious financial crisis
An inefficient and unfair tax structure (placed the burden of taxation on those least able to pay)
Outdated, medieval bureaucratic institutions (Estate System)
A empty treasury:
Aiding the Americans during the American Revolution
Long wars with England
Overspending by Louis XIV
Bad weather ruined harvest, harsh winter limited flour production

6. Resentments against the Monarchy
Louis XVI
Shy and indecisive
Not interested in becoming King
Symbol of Ancient Regime- feudal society that oppressed millions of French common folk
Marie Antoinette
Spent excessive amounts of money
Austrian Princess- France and Austria were rivals
Tried to influence her husband in government affairs
Had extramarital affairs