1. Background Information
The French Revolution
Background Information

2. What does this cartoon represent?

3. The Old Regime
As of the 1770s, this was the social and political system of France:
King
People divided into 3 large social classes called Estates

4. The Old Regime

5. First Estate Clergy of the Roman Catholic Church
Owned 10% of land in France
Paid 2% of its income in taxes
Provided education and relief services to the poor

6. Second Estate Rich Nobles 2% of France’s population
Owned 20% of land in France
Paid almost NO TAXES!

7. Beliefs of the First and Second Estates
The First Estate denied the ideas of the Enlightenment. Why???
The Second Estate disagreed about the Enlightenment ideas.
Some liked them, others did not.
Ultimately, both Estates liked the status quo and power as privileged persons.

8. Third Estate 97% of the French population. Made of 3 groups:
Bourgeoisie or middle-class:
Well educated and believed strongly in the ideas of the Enlightenment. Some as rich as nobles, but paid very high taxes.
France’s City Workers:
Trades-people, apprentices, laborers, and domestic servants.
The poorest group.
Peasants:
About 80% of France’s population of 26 Million. Paid about half of their income in dues to nobles, tithes to the Church, and taxes to the king.

9. Inequality led to problems…