The French Revolution

Political Causes Absolutism - French Kings ruled with absolute power. The Enlightenment - The Philosophers of the Enlightenment promoted democracy and wrote about the abuses of French Kings. The success of the Puritan and American Revolutions inspired the French to challenge the king.

Social Causes The First and Second Estates had rights and privileges denied to the Third Estate. A rigid class system created inequality. The rise of the Bourgeoisie: 1. The wealthy and educated middle class resented their status. 2. The Bourgeoisie became the leaders of the revolution.

Economic Causes Taxation - The First and Second Estate did not pay taxes. Bad Harvests - led to severe food shortages. France was bankrupt.

Louis XVI Reigned from 1774 to 1793. A financial crisis forced Louis to call a meeting of the Estates General.

Marie Antoinette Marie Antoinette was the daughter of Maria Theresa of Austria. Her marriage to Louis served to seal an alliance between France and the Hapsburgs.

The Hamlet The Hamlet was built by Marie Antoinette at Versailles. At the Hamlet Marie Antoinette could play-act the role of a peasant.

The Third Estate At the meeting of the Estates General the Third Estate demands a more democratic National Assembly. Louis rejects their demands and locls them out.

The Tennis Court Oath The Third Estate reconvenes on a tennis court. The Third Estate vows to stay together until a constitution is created.

The Bastille On July 14, 1789 a mob storms and captures the Bastille. The old regime ends and the French Revolution has begun.

The National Assembly The National Assembly is created. Temporary Gov’t. Suspends the privileges of the 1st and 2nd estates. A constitution is written with a limited monarchy.

Declaration of the Rights of Man The National Assembly adopts the Declaration of the Rights of Man. Guaranteed all men: Were born free and with equal rights, liberty, property, and security.

Political Groups Girondins were the moderates. Supported a Limited monarchy. Jacobins were the radicals. Favored a republic.

The Flight to Varennes On June 20, 1791 Louis and his family attempt to flee France. Louis was caught and returned to Paris on June 25, 1791.

The Execution of Louis XVI Neighboring countries invade France. Believing Louis conspired with the invasion and fearing a return to absolutism Louis is executed on January 21, 1793.

Life, Liberty, and Fraternity became the rallying cry of the French Revolution.

Maximilien Robespierre Robespierre became a powerful force within the Jacobins. Robespierre’s and the Jacobins controlled France during The Terror. The Jacobins formed The Committee of Public Safety

The Terror The Committee of Public Safety virtually governed France for a year. During this time anyone suspected of being disloyal to the revolution were hunted down, tried, and executed.

Marie Antoinette Marie Antoinette was accused of conspiring with Austria to overthrow the revolution. She was found guilty of treason and guillotined in October 1793.

The Terror In fear for their own lives members of the Committee eventually turn against Robespierre and he is guillotined in July 1794.

The Directory 1795-1799 After the death the Jacobins are overthrown. Moderates again control France. France recieves a new government called The Directory.

Results of the French Revolution Democratic ideals of: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. Nationalism Influenced other people to seek democratic governments.