1. Chapter 19.1 On the Eve of Revolution
Mr. Marsh
Columbus North High School

2. Old Regime France was broken into 3 classes The Clergy (.5%)
Makes up the 1st Estate, enjoyed many privileges
The Nobles (1.5%)
Second estate was titled the Nobility. During the reign of Louis XIV he crushed the Nobles armies but in return gave them more privileged rights
The Third Estate (98%)
Broken into two group
Bourgeoisie – Middle Class
Peasants make up 90% of this group

3. Discontent Grows
From the Bourgeoisie to the peasants there was growing discontent for the privileges given to the 1st and 2nd Estates
Smallest price rise or tax increase could lead many into starvation
As the Enlightenment grows and spreads across France so does the call for change

4. Economic Troubles add to the Problem
Deficit spending has but France between a rock and a hard place
Wars
The 7 Years War and the American Revolution strained the French treasury
By 1789 half of the tax income went to pay on the interest on this enormous debt
Poor Harvest
Early crop decline began in the 1770s’ but by the late 1780s’ bad harvests sent food prices soaring
Brought hunger and starvation to many peasants and city dwellers

5. Failure to Reform lead to the Estates General
After the death of Louis XIV France took a downward spiral
Louis XV liked to spend money by throwing big parties
Louis XVI was well meaning in his reforms but too weak and indecisive to carry them forward

6. Jacques Necker Financial Advisor under Louis XVI
Urged the King to reduce spending on military, extravagant court spending and reform the government including the tax system
Necker pushed for taxes on the 1st and 2nd estates

7. The Estates General
Called to order for the first time in over 175 Years
Each Estate sent delegates
Each Estate was given one vote
99% of the time the 1st and 2nd Estates voted together beating the 3rd Estate every time

8. The Third Estate Represented the outlook of the elite
25 percent lawyers
43 percent government officials
Strong sense of common grievance and common purpose

9. The Dead Lock and the National Assembly
May 5, 1789: Estates General convened at Versailles
Dead lock began because of voting rights
In the past the Delegates meet separately to vote 1st Estate voted with the 1st Estate and etc..
Also Each Estate was granted one overall vote
The Third Estate wanted to change to everyone voting together and the votes to be proportional to the size (population) of the Estate
June 17, 1789: the delegates of the Third Estate declared themselves to be the National Assembly

10. the Oath of the Tennis Court (June 20, 1789)