2. Chapter 23: The French Revolution 1700’s France was now the leading county of Europe Center of Enlightenment Problems People were divided into three classes First Estate: Roman Catholic Clergy (1%) Second Estate: Rich Nobles (1%) This 2% of the society owned about 20% of the land and paid no or very little taxes

3. Problems in France 3 rd Estate: The bourgeoisie – wealthy merchants and skilled workers (9%) City workers – cooks, servants (9%) Peasants – farm workers – 80% of the population This estate had few rights Paid high taxes Were very angry Eventually they would revolt

4. Revolution Three factors leading to the revolution 1 – Enlightenment spread the idea that everyone should be equal 2 - French economy was failing High Taxes kept profits low and food supply was short 3 – King Louis XVI was a weak unconcerned leader his wife, Marie Antoinette was a big spender and much disliked

5. Revolution A wave of violence occurred across the country and Great Fear swept into the land The third Estate had started a Revolution against the Monarchy

6. Revolution brings Reform and Terror 1789 The National Assembly took steps to change France A law ended all the special privileges that members of the first and second estates enjoyed Another law gave all French men equal rights The powers of the Catholic Church were cut The government overtook church lands hoping to sell them and make money The assembly worked on a plan for new government

7. New Government Louis was fearful for his safety One night he and his family tried to escape They were caught brought back to Paris and lived under guard Lost power and respect 1791 – the assembly drew up a new constitution dividing France into two groups those who wanted more radical changes and those who wanted to end the revolution

8. Louis XVI fate Another convention was formed and yet another new government They declared Louis a common citizen and then put him to death Ordered thousands of French men to join the army to fight against the countries who were attacking fearing revolution would come to their country

9. Maximilien Robes Pierre New leader of France Many changes Death to those who did not agree with him Reign of Terror Ended in 1794 when he put himself to death

10. Napoleon Napoleon Bonaparte became the master of France Class work: In your small Group Develop a “contract” that represents the goals and developments at the Congress of Vienna (p. 672-675) Place the countries Flags on the report that were represented Display the legacy of the Congress Hang the contract on the wall next to the Flag – include the last names of those in your group on the back Homework – Era 6 Packet: Chapter 24.1: Latin American Peoples with Independence (p.73)