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
Middle class:merchants & 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, disagree w/ Enlightenment
Third estate wanted CHANGE! Agree with Enlightenment

3. A Brewing Revolution
The King of France was Louis XVI
His wife was Marie Antoinette
Reason #1 – The Economy
France in debt , nearly bankrupt
Heavy taxes made businesses less profitable
Food shortages
Bankers refused to loan money to govt
Reason #2 – Politics
France was an Absolute Monarchy
French people lost faith in the King & Government
Rousseau tells French people: “Society is corrupt, time for change”
Reason #3 – Social Issues
People’s rights were based on which estate they belonged to
Third estate was the largest and saw the least benefits

4. Cut your wife’s spending!
A Weak Leader
Louis XVI was very indecisive, & disinterested
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 do 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!

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

6. 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

7. 17 Days of Speeches! A Demand For Change (1789)
Nobles force Louis to call a meeting of the Estates-General
Each estate sends several 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 - will not to leave until new constitution & assembly are approved, strategy works, Estates-General approves plan
Rumors spread Louis may use the army to disband the new Assembly
July 14: People get weapons to defend themselves and storm the Bastille (Symbolic Gesture) – French Revolution Begins!
17 Days of Speeches!