2. France: 1700’s Absolute monarchy Feudal Social Structure
Unpopular Queen
Economic problems
New bourgeoisie class
Enlightenment movement

3. Louis XVI Became King in 1774
Helped American Revolution, which put him in debt.
To relieve this debt, he tried to tax the nobles
Had to call the Estates General

4. Marie-Antoinette Austrian Princess
Austria and France were long time enemies
“Madame Deficit”- Spent money even though France was in debt.

5. L’ancien Régime The Old Regime
The First Estate
The Second Estate
The Third Estate

6. The First Estate Catholic Clergy 10% of land
No direct tax- “free gift” 2% of income

7. The Second Estate The Nobilty 2% of population 20% of land
No taxes paid
Held highest offices in the Church, army, government and courts.

8. The Third Estate 98% of population 70% of land
Comprised of three groups
1. Bourgeoisie
2. Sans-culottes
3. Peasants

9. Bourgeoisie Urban Middle Class- doctors, lawyers, bankers, etc…
Some as rich as nobles, but legally treated like peasants
Many believed in Enlightenment ideas

10. San-Culottes
Urban Working Class (Proletariat)- butchers, cooks, servants, etc…
Poorer than bourgeoisie
Survival dependent on bread/grain prices

11. Peasants 4/5 of population Half of income to taxes
Corvée- tax paid with work
Paid taxes to King, nobles and Church

12. Four Phases of the Revolution
Moderate
Reign of Terror
Thermidorian Reaction
Napoleon