Key Ideas of the French Revolution Factual information drawn from McKay, John P. A History of World Societies. 7th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, Print. Image from:

Why study it? The nature of politics Human response to oppression

Abandonment of Absolute Monarchy When the economy faltered, the King’s lavish lifestyle dealt a blow to his claim of divine right Top Image found at: Image to the left found at: Present day connection: Has the economy been a key issue in a recent or upcoming election?

The Estates General Top image is from: Chart comes from: Three groups with varying interests

Privileges of the First Two Estates Representation Financial opportunities Image from:

Why would the first two Estates oppose the Third Estate on most issues? *hint* look at the chart Population of each Estate

National Assembly Third Estate creates their own club Image from: The Tennis Court Oath Of 1789

The Great Fear Large scale rebellion Led to improved peasant conditions Image from:

Declaration of the Rights of Man Similar to U.S. Declaration of Independence Inspired further revolutionary thought Image from:

Highlights of the Declaration Men are born free Protection from acts that do not harm others Representative government How do these rights compare to the U.S. Declaration of Independence?

A Different Revolution A women’s movement emerged Top image from: Image to left from:

The Second Revolution The most radical phase of the revolution Executed King Declared France a republic Translation: Unity, Indivisibility of the French Republic, Liberty, Equality and Brotherhood – or death. Image and translation from:

Reign of Terror Opposition was suppressed Up to 40,000 executed Top Image from: Left image from: Maximilien Robespierre, head of The Committee of Public Safety

A Moderate Swing Eventually, the killing stopped Conservative attitudes began to return Napoleon claimed the throne Image from: