1. The French Revolution
Why did the people of France revolt against the Monarchy?

2. Life in France
The “Old Regime” in France divided the French people into three social classes which were called estates.
First Estate
Second Estate
Third Estate
Clergy of the Catholic Church
Rich Nobles
Middle class, business people, professionals, workers & peasants
Owned 10% of land 2% of their income went to pay taxes
Owned 20% of land, paid little to no taxes
Owned little land, 50% of income went to pay taxes
1% of population
2% of population
97% of population (80% were peasants)
Members of the first and second estate did not agree with Enlightenment ideas. Saw no need for change
Members of the third estate agreed with Enlightenment ideas. They wanted CHANGE!

3. A Brewing Revolution
The King of France was Louis XVI
His wife was Marie Antoinette
Reason #1 for Revolution – The Economy
France was in debt and nearly bankrupt
Heavy taxes made businesses less profitable
Food shortages
Bankers refused to loan anymore money to the government
Reason #2 – Politics
France was an Absolute Monarchy
Enlightenment/American Revolution inspires third estate
French people lost faith in the King & Government
Rousseau tells French people: “Society is corrupt, time for change”
Reason #3 – Social Issues
People’s rights were based on which estate they belonged to
Third estate was the largest and saw the least benefits
Middle class want more power, poor want food!

4. Sorry Nobles, France needs more money!
A Weak Leader
King Louis was very indecisive and put things off
He had little patience & seemed disinterested
His wife, Marie Antoinette added to his problems
She was a Hapsburg, a one-time enemy of France
What do I do?
Interfered w/ Govt advisors & gave poor advice
Spent lots of money – Madame Deficit
Instead of cutting their family expenses, Louis taxes the nobility
Cut your spending!
Sorry Nobles, France needs more money!
Spend, baby spend!

5. Video Clips
As the third estate is struggling describe what Marie Antoinette was doing?
What was life like if you were a noble? Describe the queen’s birthday party.
Does Louis seem like a strong leader when he meets with advisors?

6. A Demand For Change
The nobles force Louis to call a meeting of the Estates-General
Each estate got one vote in the meeting – Third estate wants change
Third Estate votes for national assembly & constitutional monarchy
Next day, Third estate members are locked out – they storm a nearby indoor tennis court
Sign oath not to leave until new constitution & assembly are approved – strategy works!
People think Louis may use the army to disband the Assembly
People get weapons to defend themselves and storm the Bastille (Symbolic Gesture) – Revolution Begins!