2. The Revolution Begins Preview Starting Points Map
Main Idea / Reading Focus
Causes of the Revolution
Quick Facts: Causes of the Revolution
First Events of the Revolution
Creating a New Nation

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4. The Revolution Begins Main Idea Reading Focus
Problems in French society led to a revolution, the formation of a new government, and the end of the monarchy.
Reading Focus
What caused the French Revolution?
What happened during the first events of the Revolution?
How did the French create a new nation?

6. The French Revolution and Napoleon
Section 1: On the Eve of Revolution
Witness History Audio: Inciting Revolution
French Society Divided
Before the French Revolution, France operated under a social system in which there were three classes of people. The highest was made up of the clergy, the next was composed of the nobility and the lowest was for everyone else. Members of this lowest class, called the Third Estate, paid most of the taxes.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What is the difference between a ‘revolt’ and a ‘revolution’?” (revolt: uprising, rebellion; revolution: overthrow of government or social system)
When showing Color Transparency 110, use the lesson suggested in the transparency book to guide discussion.
Note Taking Transparency 75
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7. Causes of the Revolution
Long-standing resentments against the monarchy
Inequalities in society
Existing social and political structure
Called the Old Order, or ancient régime
King at the top and estates under him
King Louis XVI, shy and indecisive
Unpopular, self-indulgent queen, Marie-Antoinette
Rest of French society divided into three classes, called estates

8. The French Revolution and Napoleon
Section 1: On the Eve of Revolution
Financial Troubles
France suffered from soaring debt during the lavish reigns of Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI. Finally, Louis XVI was forced to summon the Estates-General in hopes of ending the crisis.
Louis XIV Calls the Estates-General
Delegates to the Estates-General could not agree on a fair way to vote. Members of the Third Estate finally declared that they constituted a National Assembly and were joined by some reform-minded clergy and nobles.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What is the difference between a ‘revolt’ and a ‘revolution’?” (revolt: uprising, rebellion; revolution: overthrow of government or social system)
When showing Color Transparency 110, use the lesson suggested in the transparency book to guide discussion.
Color Transparency 110: Bastille Prison
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9. Varied widely in what they contributed in terms of work and taxes
The Three Estates
Varied widely in what they contributed in terms of work and taxes
Roman Catholic clergy
One percent of the population
Exempt from taxes
Owned 10 percent of the land
Collected rents and fees
Bishops and other clergy grew wealthy
First Estate
Nobility
Less than 2 percent of the population
Paid few taxes
Controlled much wealth
Held key positions
Government
Military
Lived on country estates
Second Estate
Largest group—97% of the population
Bourgeoisie—city-dwelling merchants, factory owners, and professionals
Sans culottes—artisans and workers
Peasants—poor with little hope, paid rents and fees
Third Estate

12. Further Causes Enlightenment Ideas A Financial Crisis
Inspiring new ideas from Enlightenment philosophers
Great Britain’s government limiting the king’s power
American colonists rebelled successfully against British king
New ideas changed government and society in other countries
Enlightenment Ideas
Severe economic problems affected much of the country
France in debt, spending lavishly, borrowing money, and facing bankruptcy
Hailstorm and drought ruined harvest; harsh winter limited flour production
People hungry and angry; clergy and nobility no help
A Financial Crisis

14. What were the causes of the French Revolution?
Summarize
What were the causes of the French Revolution?
Answer(s): inequalities in society, Enlightenment ideas, poor leadership, financial crisis, hunger and cold

15. The French Revolution and Napoleon
Section 1: On the Eve of Revolution
Parisians Storm the Bastille
When rumors spread that royal troops were going to occupy the capital, a crowd of Parisians broke into the Bastille looking for weapons.
QuickTake Section Quiz
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What is the difference between a ‘revolt’ and a ‘revolution’?” (revolt: uprising, rebellion; revolution: overthrow of government or social system)
When showing Color Transparency 110, use the lesson suggested in the transparency book to guide discussion.
Progress Monitoring Transparency
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16. First Events of the Revolution
By 1789, no group happy
Clergy and nobility lost power to monarchy
Bourgeoisie resented regulations
Poor worse off
Estates General meets
Desire for reforms
Voting process a problem
Third Estate proclaimed themselves National Assembly
Tennis Court Oath
Storming of the Bastille
King brought in troops
People of Paris armed themselves
Searching for weapons, a mob stormed the Bastille
Great Fear spread
King to punish the Third Estate with foreign soldiers
Rumors of massacres
Peasants destroyed records and burned nobles’ houses

19. The French Revolution and Napoleon: Section 1
Color Transparency 110: Bastille Prison
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20. Parisians Storm the Bastille
Storming the Bastille was a symbol to the people of France
Represented years of abuse by their monarchs
The Bastille being stormed was a “wake up call” for Louis XVI & the event posed a challenge to the existence of the regime
The Symbol of the Bastille
After storming the Bastille France was faced with many questions:
-Where does the government go from this point forward?
-How do you fix the problems of the French government?
France Moving Forward

21. Identify Cause and Effect
What was the connection between the fall of the Bastille and the Great Fear?
Answer(s): possible answer—After the fall of the Bastille, people were terrified that the king would punish them.

22. Sequence
What steps did National and Legislative Assemblies take to create a new nation?
Answer(s): National Assembly completed constitution and created Legislative Assembly; Legislative Assembly—created a new legislature, the National Convention, which abolished the monarchy and declared France a republic

23. The French Revolution and Napoleon: Section 1
Note Taking Transparency 75
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24. The French Revolution and Napoleon: Section 1
Progress Monitoring Transparency
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