Causes of the French Revolution [[

Area ruled by Rome 51 BC to 486 Conquered by Germanic tribes – 486 Hundred Years’ War 1337 – 1453 England vs. France England lost most possessions in Europe France became largest kingdom in Western Europe Spread of French culture – 1500s French Renaissance (art, literature, poetry) Standardization of French language Official language of Europe’s aristocracy

Louis XIV (1638-1715) “L’etat c’est moi.” Louis XIII (1601 – 1643) King at 9 years old 1617 – at 16, exiled his Mom French domination in Europe Louis XIV (1638-1715) “L’etat c’est moi.” Feudal lords became attendees at Versailles Courtiers, valets, maids of honor, lady-in-waiting Companion, dress, bathe, clothes/jewelry, scholars, doctors, artists, musicians, messengers France became Europe’s dominant political and military power Population of France increased significantly Most populated region in Europe Language used in diplomacy internationally Louis XIII’s mom had his dad (Henry IV) assassinated – allowed her to rule as regent for Louis – but mismanaged so he exiled her – XIII died of TB and intestinal problems Louis XIV –first son that survived birth (4 stillborn) – younger bro Philippe

Louis XIV died 1715 Louis XV (1710-1774) Louis XVI??? Son Louis died in 1711 Grandson Louis died of smallpox in 1715 along with wife and Louis (oldest son) Great-grandson Louis XV Louis XV (1710-1774) Survived because his attendant would not allow blood letting King at 5 years old Lost Seven Years’ War and several others Resigned – 1774 Louis XVI??? Son of Louis XV died of TB in 1765 His son Louis died at age 9 of TB

I. Social Factors A. population increased significantly 1 I. Social Factors A. population increased significantly 1. low mortality rates B. food supplies – insufficient to feed the large population C. famines - common in 3rd Estate 1. 1st & 2nd Estates hoarded resources D. land for farmers & peasants - divided into tiny parcels 1. too small for survival purposes

II. Political Factors A. Louis XVI (1774 – 92) – ineffective king 1 II. Political Factors A. Louis XVI (1774 – 92) – ineffective king 1. Marie Antoinette played, partied, shopped B. churches and nobility controlled all political / economic rights & privileges 1. gave king little freedom to reform laws C. ranks of nobility could be bought by wealthy & powerful elite 1. could give as property to children D. clergy and nobles were against any changes that affected power 1. may have weakened their power & wealth 2. prevented monarchy from raising taxes to cover the costs of government & war E. Enlightenment & American Revolution created ideas of reform

III. Economic Factors A. expense of helping the American Revolution increased taxation after 1783 B. tried to tax all landowners 1. blocked by the nobles and the church C. government already taxed peasantry to point of starvation & rich refused to pay anything D. rich occupied all profitable jobs 1. even if incompetent – not based on merit