1. Causes of the French Revolution

2. What factors led to the French Revolution?
Absolute Monarchy
Louis XVI ( )
was harsh in response to public criticism
Political Cause-

3. Luxury spending & War Debt Economic Causes -
II.
Luxury spending & War Debt
Economic Causes -
Marie Antoinette (Louis’ wife) was a symbol of overspending

4. French spent too much on wars:
- American Revolution
- Seven Years War vs. British
(for North American land)

5. Social causes- III. “Estates” Social Structure
1st Estate = clergy (made up 1%)
2nd Estate = nobles (made up 2%)
3rd Estate = ordinary people (made up 97%) had to pay taxes & military service

6. c. “What is the 3rd Estate? The Nation!”
- members included: 1. Bourgeoisie (professionals that made up the middle class)

7. 2. peasants and skilled laborers - largest group
- had the least amount of rights &
privileges

9. Intellectual Causes- IV. Spread & popularity of Enlightenment
Philosophes’ ideas
challenged the
order of things
(status quo) and
created a
revolutionary state
of mind in France
Intellectual Causes-

10. 2. What social class complained about inequality & high taxes?
1. What were the three social classes that French population was divided into?
2. What social class complained about inequality & high taxes?
3. What kind of government is it when the people have no rights & are ruled by one person?