The French Revolution and Napoleon 1789-1815 Social unrest, government debt and food shortage contributed to the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789.

France had three social classes called Estates. The first and second Estate belonged to the Nobles and the Clergy. These two groups were very rich and powerful. They had many special privileges: They did not have to pay taxes.

Third Estate The third estate belonged to most of the French people. Nine out of ten people in the third estate were peasants . Their tax burden WAS HUGE!!

1789 France faced several crises. The government had spent more money than it had earned. The poor could not pay their taxes and since the rich were allowed not to pay, the government fund went into a decline. A bad harvest caused food prices to rise. Many peasants or third estates did not have enough food to eat. Soon Starving people began to riot.

Louis XVI Was the king of France. He met with leaders from all three estates. The Third estate wanted government reform. After weeks of meetings and getting nowhere the third party decided to create their own government.

The National Assembly Formed by mostly third estate, with some nobles and clergy. They promised to write a new constitution for France. The problem could not be solved because: Increasing food shortages An attack on the Bastille which is a political prison.

The 1789 Famine Hits France Starving peasants began to attack the homes of nobles. Revolutionary groups took over Paris and demanded an end to the Monarchy (The King’s rule.) The Nobles finally decided to give up their special privileges.