French Revolution

France in 1700s Ruled by King Louis XVI An absolute monarch Divine right of Kings Rest of population split into 3 groups 1st, 2nd and 3rd Estate

1st Estate The Clergy – bishops, archbishops Wealthy and very powerful Owned loads of land Paid no taxes

2nd Estate The Nobles 100,000 only Wealthy and powerful Got all the best jobs in government Paid no taxes

3rd Estate Everyone else – From middle class shopkeepers to poor country peasants 80% of the population Had no rights Paid huge taxes

What was the French Rev? When the Third Estate revolted against the King Took over running the government Totally changed the whole country

What were the causes? 4 main causes Unfair tax system The Enlightenment Ideals of the American Revolution France in debt

Unfair Tax System The 1st and 2nd Estates paid no tax 3rd Estate paid ALL the tax It went to the King, the nobles and the clergy! Tax to King on all goods E.g. Gabelle Tithes – tax to the Church (10%) Feudal Dues – Tax to the nobles 85% of a peasant’s wages went on tax This caused great anger

Enlightenment Ideas of the Enlightenment started in France Philosophers such as Rousseau and Voltaire Argued that the power should belong to the people Not the King Argued that all people are equal Ideas spread

Ideals of the American Rev The American Revolution inspired ideas of freedom and democracy Ordinary people could rise up and take power Society could be democratic and fair French soldiers brought these ideas back to France

France in debt Huge debt after helping American Revolution Government of Louis almost bankrupt Needed to raise taxes This is the spark that starts the French Revolution

Estates General Louis called a government together in Versailles – The Estates General To decide on taxes Members of the 3 estates formed the government But voting unfair Block voting The 1st and 2nd Estates would always join together They would refuse to pay tax They would make 3rd Estate pay more

Danger 3rd Estate refused to accept this King Louis got worried Disbanded the estates general Locked the 3rd estate out The 3rd estate were very angry Went to a nearby tennis court

TENNIS Court Oath Called themselves National Assembly Took the T.C Oath – June 1789 Promised never to leave until France got a fair constitution

Tennis Court Oath

King’s Response Scared – gave in Ordered the other 2 estates to join them France now had a government And it was run by the 3rd Estate! Began drawing up new rules for France Ordinary people delighted