The French Revolution: & The Fall of the Monarchy. The Rise of the People “Those above us look powerful only because we are on our knees. Let’s Stand Up!”

Areas of Tension Absolutism: Above all, the Revolution was a revolt against the ‘Tyranny’ or ‘Despotism’ of the Monarchy. In place of this, they demanded a Representative Government. eg: The Royal Parlement Economic Strife: The Monarchy had been unable to balance its income with its expenditure. External Defense = big $$$. Not much left over for social aids. “Let Them Eat Cake.” Social Structure: The Three Estates. France was structured on the principle of corporate privileges. eg: Tax exemptions. The Clergy and Nobility were the two most privileged groups.

The Three Estates Clergy Nobles Peasants

Clergy Nobles More Nobles Peasants

Jean-Jacques Rousseau By nature, Man is Free By nature, Man is Free Everyone has an equal share in the state, in making laws, etc. Everyone has an equal share in the state, in making laws, etc. Thus, each person obeys his own rules, and therefore is Free. Thus, each person obeys his own rules, and therefore is Free. Each person is an indivisible part of the whole. Each person is needed. If someone does not want to take part in the state, the state has the right to coerce that person into participating. Each person is an indivisible part of the whole. Each person is needed. If someone does not want to take part in the state, the state has the right to coerce that person into participating. This has a later importance in the Terror.This has a later importance in the Terror. The Social Contract:

All men are FREE and EQUAL Man’s rights are Liberty, Property, Security, and resistance to Oppression Voted by the National Assembly August 26, 1789 Freedom of Speech and the Press Innocent Until Proven Guilty

Now that we have an idea of what the Revolution was attempting to do...

Louis XVI: Where did he go Wrong?

He Hesitated Louis had to convince the National Assembly that he supported the Revolution. Since he was not, this was a difficult task.Louis had to convince the National Assembly that he supported the Revolution. Since he was not, this was a difficult task. When he hesitated at certain requests from the National Assembly, he showed that he did not completely support the Revolution.When he hesitated at certain requests from the National Assembly, he showed that he did not completely support the Revolution. BUT more importantly…BUT more importantly…

June 20, 1791 In an attempt to get out of his increasingly awkward situation, the King Flees from Paris.

His flight shows just how far removed he was from the goals of the Revolution. When louis returned from his botched flight, he was no longer able to hide behind his false support of the Revolution (because of his Manifesto). Two Years Later, after much debate about what to do with him, it was decided that he would be beheaded. His manifesto What did this mean?