1. DO NOW
List the people in the Second and Third Estates.

2. The French Revolution Begins

3. The Three Estates Society divided into three groups.
First Estate=The Church less than 1% of population
Second Estate=Rich Nobles 2% of population
Third Estate=Everyone Else 97% of population

4. Taxes and the Estates
The Roman Catholic Church paid 2% of its earnings in taxes.
The Second Estate paid no taxes.
The Third Estate paid 50% in taxes!

5. Discussion Question
Do you think it is fair for the people of the Third Estate to pay the highest taxes even though they make the least amount of money? Why or why not?

6. Issues in France Enlightenment ideas about government.
Economic problems.
Weak leadership.

7. Enlightenment Ideas
The Third Estate is inspired by the success of the Americans Revolution.
They begin to question the structure of their own society.
Quoting Rousseau and Voltaire, Third Estate demand equality, liberty, and democracy.

8. Economic Troubles Heavy taxes hurt businesses. High cost of living.
Bad weather and crop failures in 1780’s double price of bread.
Marie Antoinette and King Louie XVI spend lots!

9. King Louie XVI Weak Leader King Louie XVI is indecisive.
He ignores his advisors.
Marie gives him bad advice.
Tries to impose taxes to solve financial problems.

10. Discussion Question
How might a strong ruler have solved France’s problems?

11. Do Now

12. Estates-General
In response to Louie XVI’s call for taxes, the Second Estate makes him call the Estates General to approve.
Members from each estate vote to approve taxes.

13. The National Assembly Third Estate influenced by Enlightenment ideas.
They want the estates to vote together instead of in private.
King Louie says no.

14. National Assembly Continued
Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyes suggests that the Third Estate becomes the law makers of France.
On June 17, 1789 they vote to create the National Assembly.
This is the first step to revolution

15. Tennis Court Oath The National Assembly is locked out.
They meet on a tennis court and swear to stay until they have created a new constitution.
Becomes known as the Tennis Court Oath.

16. Storming the Bastille
Rumors say King Louis wants to use the army to stop the National Assembly.
People gather weapons.
A mob attacks the Bastille on July 14th and take control of it.
Several guards and their commander are killed.

17. The Great Fear Rebellion spreads. Panic called the Great Fear.
Farmers burn down the nobles houses.

18. Bread Riots/Women’s March on Versailles
October 1789 thousands riot over rising bread prices.
They march on Versailles.
Break into the palace killing some guards.

19. Versailles

20. King Louis Returns Peasants demand the king and queen return to Paris.
Louis agrees.
Signals the change in power in France.