The French Revolution 1788-1799

The Three Estates France was divided into three classes, called Estates. The first Estate was the Clergy. Members of the Clergy and the churches: did not pay taxes collected tithes (taxes) owned 10% of all lands but only .5% of the population

The Three Estates not taxed to full extent The Second Estate consisted of the Nobility. The Nobility were not a cohesive group, but they were allowed certain privileges: not taxed to full extent given the best jobs hunting privilege They owned 20% of the land, but they were only 1.5% of the population.

The Three Estates The third estate represented the common people, or anyone not in the first two groups. It was the largest Estate, but it had the least amount of power. The third estate was also the poorest, but paid heavy taxes. Owned 70% of land, but 98% of population.

Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette At the top of Class system was the Royal Family. Louis XVI inherited the throne in 1774. He was weak and indecisive. The Royal family was accused of spending to much money.

Marie Antoinette When the poor were starving she was accused of having said in response to: “They have no bread.” “Then let them eat cake.” She did not actually say that, but it shows how the people felt about their Queen. They thought she spent too much money on jewels and treats, had many lovers, and did not care that most of the country was suffering.

France’s Economic Problems The biggest problem: Debt! The Seven Years’ War, The American Revolution, the tax system, economic decline, and poor harvests all contributed to the financial situation. The results were high bread prices and high unemployment. Also, the people of France were influenced by the American Revolution.

Reform? Necker-who is Necker? He proposed cutting Royal spending, reforming the government, and abolishing tariffs. However he was fired when he proposed that the land held by the Church and the Nobility should be taxed.

What should the King do? All we’ve discussed so far took place in 1788. At the end of 1788 the King has to make a decision. All classes are upset over the economic situation, but they each want very different solutions. The third estate is starting to get overtly angry, which in the future will lead to riots and a very violent future.

The King’s Decision After many urges the King finally summoned the Estates General to solve the nation’s problems, the Estates General met May 1789.

May-July 1789 The Estates General had not been called in 175 years. As an Absolute Monarch the King was the government, but Louis XVI gave in when the atmosphere was becoming more dangerous. The third Estate wanted the votes to be counted by head, or individually, as opposed to by body. When they voted by body the first two estates always won 2-1.

Tennis Court Oath The King agreed to double the Third Estate, but would not change the voting system. In response the delegates of the Third Estate walked out declaring themselves to be the National Assembly.

Tennis Court Oath However just a few days later they found their meeting place locked and guarded. So they went to a near-by tennis court and there they pledged to each other never to separate until they established a just constitution. The King had to accept the Assembly when members of the first two Estates joined. However as the Estates General could not solve the problem, uprisings in Paris were occurring and the King placed troops in Paris. As it turned into July the city was in turmoil.

July 12, 13, 14 1789 Responding to the new National Assembly and the rumors that the King was going to fire on Paris the people of Paris took to the streets. The Parisians rioted for two days searching for weapons, on the 14th of July they ended up at the Bastille. The Bastille was an eight tower fortress where the people believed a large cache of weapons was being held.