1. Agenda 1. Rapid Fire Facts 2. Warm Up
2. Discussion: The Beginnings of Revolution in France
3. Estates Chart
4. Image interpretation: Revolutionary Views
5. Illustration of Revolution
HW: TJ and Storming of the Bastille

2. The French Revolution  was a period of far-reaching social and political upheaval in France that lasted from 1789 until 1799, and was partially carried forward by Napoleon during the later expansion of the French Empire. The Revolution overthrew the monarchy, established a republic, experienced violent periods of political turmoil, and finally culminated in a dictatorship under Napoleon that rapidly brought many of its principles to Western Europe and beyond. Inspired by liberal and radical ideas, the Revolution profoundly altered the course of modern history, triggering the global decline of absolute monarchies while replacing them with republics and liberal democracies. Through the Revolutionary Wars, it unleashed a wave of global conflicts that extended from the Caribbean to the Middle East. Historians widely regard the Revolution as one of the most important events in human history.

3. The Beginnings of the French Revolution

5. The Estates
The people of France were divided into Estates, a holdover from the Feudal system.
First Estate
Catholic Church and Clergy.
Second Estate
Nobles, made up 2% of the population.
Marie Antoinette
Louis XVI

6. Third Estate Constructed of several groups within the Estate
Varying economic status, 98% of the population.
Group 1- Bourgeoisie,
Merchants and Artisans
Well educated and believed in enlightenment ideas.
Group 2- skilled workers, cooks and servants.
Group 3- Peasants, 80% of the population

7. Reasons for Revolution
Enlightenment Ideas-
People looked at Voltaire and Montesquieu
Success of American Revolution.
Economic Woes
Heavy taxation led to little profit.
Crop shortages led to higher prices on food.
Debt by previous leaders.
Weak Leadership
Louis XVI was indecisive, Marie Antoinette was more worried about gambling…

8. The Estates-General France was facing bankruptcy
Attempts to tax the Second Estate led to a meeting of the Estates-General in 1789.
Each Estate had their own hall, and each had one vote.
Not exactly equal.
Third Estate wants to meet together to promote equality, king refuses.

9. Storming the Bastille
Third Estate forms the National Assembly, beginning the Revolution.
Form a new Constitution called the “Tennis Court Oath”
Fearing military action by the French royals, peasants storm the Bastille.
Bastille surrenders and the mob rushes in, kills and decapitates several soldiers, and parade their heads through town on spikes.

11. Image Interpretation

16. Illustration of the Revolution
Imagine you are trying to get the word about the Revolution to everyone in France. Literacy is severely limited, so it must be an illustration. Create an illustration showing the “need” for a Revolution against Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.