Why did the people of France revolt against the Monarchy? The French Revolution Why did the people of France revolt against the Monarchy?

I. Life in France A. The “Old Regime” in France divided the French people into three social classes which were called estates. First Estate Second Estate Third Estate Clergy of the Catholic Church Nobles Merchants, artisans, professionals, workers, & peasants Owned 10% of land, pay 2% income tax Owned 20% of land, paid little to no taxes Owned little land, pay 50% income tax 1% of population 2% of population 97% of population (80% were peasants) B. First and second estate see no need for change, they should not have to give up anything for the general will C. Third estate wanted CHANGE! According to Rousseau, estate system is not in the best interest of the people (general will)

Who Are You? Middle Class Clergy Nobles Peasants Workers

II. A Brewing Revolution The King of France was Louis XVI His wife was Marie Antoinette A. Reason #1 – The Economy 1. France in debt , nearly bankrupt 2. Heavy taxes made businesses less profitable 3. Food shortages 4. Bankers refused to loan money to govt B. Reason #2 – Politics 1. France was an Absolute Monarchy 2. French people lost faith in the King & Government 3. Rousseau tells French people: “Society is corrupt, time for change” C. Reason #3 – Social Issues 1. Third estate was the largest and saw the least benefits 2. People’s rights were based on which estate they belonged to

Cut your wife’s spending! III. A Weak Leader A. Louis XVI was very indecisive, & disinterested B. Marie Antoinette adds to his problems 1. Was a Hapsburg, a one-time enemy of France 2. Interfered w/ Govt advisors & gave poor advice What do I do? 3. Spent lots of money – “Madame Deficit” C. Instead of cutting their family expenses, Louis taxes the nobility Cut your wife’s spending! Sorry Nobles, France needs more money! Spend, baby spend!

Video Clips Describe what Marie Antoinette was doing as people in the Third Estate are barely surviving? What was life like if you were a noble? Describe the queen’s birthday party. Does Louis seem like a decisive & interested when he meets with advisors? Describe his actions

IV. A Demand For Change (1789) A. Nobles force Louis to call a meeting of the Estates-General (each estate sends reps but only get one vote per estate) B. Third Estate demands a national assembly & constitutional monarchy C. Next day, Third estate reps are locked out – they storm a nearby indoor tennis court D. Sign Tennis Court Oath: pledge by the third estate not to leave until new constitution & National Assembly are created E. First and Second estates give into their demands! 17 Days of Speeches!

V. French Revolution Begins A. Rumors spread Louis may use army to disband the Assembly B. July 14: People get weapons to defend themselves and storm a medieval jail called the “Bastille” 1. Storming the Bastille is a symbolic gesture, signaling the start of the French Revolution C. Great Fear sweeps France, looting, rioting ensues D. 1791: Ntl Assembly adopts a new constitution, limits King’s power, Church power & includes Declaration of the Rights of Man 1. Louis XVI reluctantly accepts new constitution