Causes of the French Revolution Learning Target: Describe the factors, that led to the French Revolution

What were the causes? Three estates Unfair tax system Social inequality Nobility 2% of Pop Owned 25% of land Held all govt. and military positions Paid no taxes Received Feudal Dues Catholic Clergy 1% of Pop. Owned 5-10% of Land Received 10% Tithe Paid no taxes 1st 2nd Estate Estate 3rd Estate 1st estate - about 100,000 Roman Catholic clergy 2nd Estate Bourgeoisie Artisans Peasants 97% of Population Paid all of the taxes No Voice in Government Inspired by Enlightenment Ideas

The Three Estates

What were the causes? 2. Enlightenment Ideas/American Rev. Belief all men should have natural rights Right to overthrow an unjust gov’t Equality for all American Revolution Dec. of Independence Constitution

What were the causes? 3. King Louis XVI’s Weak Leadership 19 years old Indecisive

What were the causes 4. Economic Problems Wars: 7 Years War/French & Indian, American Revolution Louis XVI lifestyle Economic Depression Crop failures Unemployment

Which of the following is not a cause of the French Revolution? Unfair class system Unfair taxes Ignoring the Magna Carta Expenses from the American Revolution Excessive spending by the King 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

France’s Situation France’s Government is in extreme debt. Half of France’s debt is contributed to war, especially money owed for helping the US gain independence. The Government is near bankruptcy and the banks are refusing to lend money to the troubled country. Recent crop failures have caused a shortage in food, making famine a real possibility. Yet the newspapers publish stories about King Louis’ lash parties and his wife’s extreme spending habits. Assuming the role you were assigned yesterday, what would you do to solve the problems in France?

King Called the Estates General to “convince” the 1st and 2nd Estate to pay taxes

What is the Estates General? Legislative body, similar to parliament Had not met since 1614 ( 179 years!) Made up of members from all 3 Estates Each Estate has one Vote

Estates General Voting Each estate only received one vote 1 Vote First Estate Clergy 1 Vote Second Estate Nobles Third Estate 1 Vote Commoners

Estates General Situation . The Estates General has members from each Estate but each only has one vote regardless of the population. The Nobles and the clergy plan to force the third estate to pay even more taxes so they don’t have to. 2 votes against 1 Is there another alternative?

1 Vote per Representative Another Solution 300 Members 1st Estate 300 Members 2nd Estate 648 Members 3rd Estate 1 Vote per Representative

Third Estate outvoted - what should they do? Established the National Assembly – a new legislative body One vote per representative Members of the 3rd Estate, later joined by other estates Pledged the Tennis Court Oath Marks the beginning of the Moderate Phase of the Revolution

What is the Tennis Court Oath? National Assembly’s pledge to write a new constitution making France a ____________________

The Tennis Court Oath was when: A. Robespierre vowed to form a republic in France B. The 3rd estate vowed to make a constitution C. The National Assembly issued a document giving equal rights to men D. Napoleon vowed to blockade England until it suffered 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

What was the Spark? King Mobilized Troops 3rd Estate feared King would dissolve the National Assembly The Spark: The Bastille is stormed

What is the Storming of The Bastille? Bastille – a prison where weapons and prisoners were held A mob charged the prison to steal weapons and free 7 prisoners 97 rioters killed Symbol of French Independence July 14, 1789

A. Creation of the National Assembly B. Tennis Court Oath Which of the following events is the symbolic beginning of the French Revolution? A. Creation of the National Assembly B. Tennis Court Oath C. Storming of the Bastille D. March on Versailles 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30