1. Aim: Summarize the factors that led to the French Revolution

2. The Old Order
1770’s: Social and political system of France (Old Regime) were divided into three large social classes (Estates)
First Estate
Made up of clergy of Roman Catholic Church
Second Estate
Made up of rich nobles
Held highest offices in government
Disagreed about Enlightenment ideas
Third Estate
Included bourgeoisie (middle class), urban lower class, & peasant farmers
Had no power to influence government
Resented the wealthy First and Second Estates and were eager for change 2

3. The Forces of Change
Other factors contributed to the revolutionary mood in France
Enlightenment Ideas
New views about power and authority were spreading in the Third Estate
Inspired by the success of the American Revolution
Demand for equality, liberty, and democracy
Economic Troubles
1780’s: France’s once prosperous economy was in decline
Caused alarm among merchants, factory owners, & bankers
Heavy burden of taxes made it impossible to conduct profitable business
Cost of living was rising sharply 3

4. Weak Leaders 1770’s-1780’s: France’s government sank into debt
Part of problem was extravagant spending of Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette
Stronger leadership may have solved problems
Louis XVI was indecisive and allowed matters to drift
Paid little attention to government advisors
Didn’t cut expenses
Put off dealing with emergency until he had no money
Solution was to impose taxes on the nobility
May 5, 1789
Second Estate forced Louis to call meeting of Estates-General to approve new taxes 4