What are some of the forms a revolution can take? What is a Revolution? What are some of the forms a revolution can take? What are the major characteristics of revolution? What are some of the reasons a revolution can occur? What are the major causes of a revolution? What are the pros and cons of a revolution?

Welcome to: The French Revolution

Louis XV was the grandson of Louis XIV, “The Sun King” France under Louis XV In the late 18th century, France was ruled by an absolute monarchy under Louis XV Louis XV was the grandson of Louis XIV, “The Sun King” Young, but very involved in the politics of the court Pronounced King in 1715, but too young to rule Duke of Orleans (1715-1723) Cardinal de Fleury (1726-1743) Diplomatic alliances in Europe Anglo-Austrian Alliance Franco-Prussian Alliance

France under Louis XV continued… War of Austrian succession and the Treaty Aix- la-Chappelle (1668) Diplomatic re-alliance: Treaty of Westminster (1756) (Anglo-Prussian alliance) Westminster Convention British assistance in exchange for Prussia’s protection of France’s European interests Treaty of Versailles (1756): Franco-Austrian alliance mutual assistance if attacked by other powers

Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette Louis XVI was the grandson of Louis XV Absolute monarchy 16 May 1770 - Louis XVI was married to Marie Antoinette in a lavish ceremony at Versailles to cement the alliance between France and Austria Marie Antoinette was the daughter of Austrian Monarch Maria Teresa Both were very young at the time of marriage How did the French people respond? Acceptance Uncertainty

Versailles and Life in the Court… Court Life Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette lived in the luxury created by Louis XIV at Versailles. While Marie Antoinette enjoyed the lavish lifestyle of the court, her husband Louis XVI was very reserved Parties, balls, and festivities characterized courtyard life in the late 18th century Cultural influence: On the eve of the French Revolution, the French Empire was the strongest in Europe and dominated economically, socially, and culturally. “France was the first power of Europe and the World.” (Metcalf, 10). Language Art: late Baroque/Roccoco period Thomas R. Metcalf. Revolutionary Era in Europe. Toronto: Forum House Publishing, 1970, 10.

In fact, life outside the court told quite a different story… Financial Crisis Despite the lavish lifestyle of the court, the French Monarch was in severe debt Expenses of Seven Years War and American Revolution In fact, life outside the court told quite a different story…