Influence of the American Revolution on the French Revolution

Reading Passage http://libx.bsu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ConspectusH/id/243

Turn and Talk 5 minutes then Class Discussion

Richard Mackey Information The French thought that the problems existing in France had also existed in America. The French saw that the Enlightenment Based-ideas of America had guaranteed liberty and equality in a government that was by and for the people. The French compared the conflicts in their nation and saw the similarity of the conflicts in America. For example, the conflict between the King of England and the people of America over taxation which was similar to the conflict in France between the Kings of France and the people.

Objectives of Social Classes during the French Revolution: Church/Clergy

Kings Among the top of the social class structure Needed people to protect their land Paid nobles with land called fiefs The amount of land owned determined a persons wealth Control large areas Wanted to keep a constitutional monarchy as a form of government Did not want a Republic (by the people for the people) Less than 2% of the population

Lords AKA Nobles/Church officials Landowners (wealthy) Promised to fight for the King Kings Vassals-people who owed service to another person Lords could have vassals also if they had enough land (Knights) Keep the Feudal system in place because it is benefitting the upper class. Less than 2% of total population

Commoners Merchants, Farmers, Craftsmen, peasants, serfs. Tied to the land Could not marry or travel without permission of their Lords Slaves of the time period The only benefit was a safe place to live inside the estate Made up more than 97% of the total population Wanted less taxes where they could make some profit Wanted more rights

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