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

2. Life in France
The “Old Regime” in France divided the French people into three social classes which were called estates.
First Estate
Second Estate
Third Estate
Clergy of the Catholic Church
Nobles
Merchants, 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 population
2% of population
97% 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)

3. Who Are You?
Middle Class
Clergy
Nobles
Peasants
Workers

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

5. A Brewing Revolution
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, and people had lost faith in King Louis XVI & his wife Marie Antoinette
Rousseau tells French people: “Society is corrupt, time for change”
Reason #3 – Social Problems
Third estate was 97% of population, paid the most taxes & had the least amount of rights
Louis unwilling to make changes to help General Will of the people

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

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

8. 17 Days of Speeches! 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!

9. French Revolution Begins
Rumors spread Louis may use army to disband the Assembly
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