1. France before the French Revolution

2. What is a Revolution?
Why do they occur?

3. On the SURFACE: France in the 1700’s
Considered most advanced country in Europe
Palace of Versailles was world renowned
Large population [26 million]
Prosperous foreign trade
French culture was widely “praised”

6. Backyard Of
Versailles

7. Hall of Mirrors--Versailles

8. Where Louis XIV went
to Church

9. France Behind the Scenes
Economic Problems in France
very high debt, Interest consumed 50% of budget
High taxes & high prices (inflation) were causing protests
Absolute Monarchy ruled France
French kings claimed “divine” right to rule
Feudalism still remained from Middle Ages
Little or no upward social mobility
Enlightened ideas of the philosophes threatened France
Voltaire & Rousseau argued against absolute monarchy

10. Video Clip: Life in France