1. I. Causes of the French Revolution
Why did the people of France demand a new system of government?

2. The Estates System First Estate-Clergy Second Estate-Nobles
Third Estate-Everybody Else
First and second estate controlled more land than their percentage of population
In the Estates General, each estate had one vote
-First and second always voted together against 3rd
Members of third estate were treated differently

3. Enlightenment
New ideas about government and protection of rights (Lock, Rousseau, Montesquieu)
New ideas about the role of the Church (Voltaire)
New ideas about the power of monarchs (Enlightened Absolutism)
New ideas about people’s rights. (Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights)

4. American Revolution
Ideas on government (Declaration of Independence, Constitution)
Reinforced Locke’s idea that government could be changed
Many French soldiers fight in the war
-Marquis de Lafayette
Jefferson and Franklin travel to France

5. Economic Conditions France was in a major depression
Price of bread (main food of poor) doubled
France could not pay National Debt
France deficit spent
Could not pay many government officials
French monarchy holds elaborate balls and functions
Queen Antoinette buys millions a year in clothes

6. A view of French Economics
By 1789, 80% of average poor person’s budget went to food
To survive, a French peasant needed to make 170% of their actual income
The king overspent his budget by 60%
75% of the French national budget went to pay off loans and debts
Corruption in the government cost billions

7. Tennis Court Oath
Members of the third estate met at a tennis court and vowed to form a new constitution
Many became leaders of the revolution
The National Assembly was formed

8. Storming of the Bastille
French peasants and middle class attack the Bastille
18 people died
Why?
-King may be trying to overthrow the National Assembly
-Food shortages within Paris
-Free their brothers and sisters imprisoned “unjustly”