18thC Changes in France Economic Cost of Living rose by 45% Wages rose by 22% Population increased by 36% Impact Greater demand for food Food more expensive Wage increase does not meet living cost Taxes Peasants taxes had to pay for the army, navy, Kings Court, Civil Service & Debt interest. Direct taxes = 28%, Indirect = 67%

Middle Class Becoming richer, wanted more say in the government in France. Resented influence and privilege of nobles – expressed this openly in pamphlets and newspapers. Debt The Royal’s extravagances at court increased France’s debt. Marie Antoinette was known as ‘Madame Deficit’. Some blamed the poorly run (private collectors) and unfair tax system. Solution The government wanted to tax the nobles. They resisted. They forced Louis to sack the Ministers who suggested this. With no solution, desperate measures were considered.

I shall be asking you questions. Watch the following video clips carefully!

New Ideas France assisted in the American War of Independence of 1776 when Americans wanted independence from Britain. Many French remembered the principles of the war. Declaration The Declaration of Independence suggested: Everyone is born equal, had rights which could not be taken away. Governments should act for the people’s interests. Government France wanted a government chosen by the people. At this point, they still wanted their King, especially as Louis was credited with helping the Americans.

Task 1 Read pages 110 – 112 from your textbook which cover this presentation. Task 2 Draw Source 9 from page 113 into your exercise books.