1. FRENCH REVOLUTION
Complete the graphic organizer using this Powerpoint. 1

2. Prior to the revolution
France ruled by monarchs
Royalty & nobles had great lives
Most people lived in true poverty

3. 3 Estates
French Society was divided into 3 classes called “estates” 3

4. Primary Causes France in debt Food shortages
Social inequality among estates
even more than in the USA
High taxes on the 3rd estate
but not on the wealthy…
3rd estate felt the social contract was broken
American Revolution = inspiration
King Louis XVI = terrible leader
3rd estate wanted better lives! 4

5. Estates General National Assembly
Group of leaders met to deal with the bankruptcy facing France
caused by government overspending
no to very little tax on the wealthy
1st estate refused to work with 3rd estate!
National Assembly
New government of 3rd estate
Goal: new constitution & laws
King Louis XVI terrified he would now lose power 5

6. Storming of the Bastille
3rd estate of Paris attacked the Bastille prison
Let prisoners free
Stole the weapons stored there
Set up a new government 6

7. Violence across France
3rd estate fought the 1st estate across France
Attacked the 1st & 2nd estates homes, stole their goods, etc.
FINALLY, the chance to pay back the wealthy after being treated so poorly for all those years
Many rich Frenchmen fled for safety abroad 7

8. Constitution A new constitution gave everyone equal rights
Egalite & fraternite
King Louis XVI killed by guillotine 8

9. Wars The French Revolution sparked wars within Europe
Other European kings were afraid of losing power like King Louis XVI had
The kings formed an alliance and invaded France
Determined to prove that a country could be ruled fairly, France fought a long war with them & won 9

10. Reign of Terror The leaders of France were afraid of losing power
Led by Maximilian Robespierre, the government stopped using the Constitution
Became a lawless society
French leaders murdered many innocents
No one was safe
Guillotine

11. Guillotine Viewed as modern technology
A machine to quickly execute & without pain
…sort of
Link 11

12. Napoleon
After the Revolution occurred and things fell apart in France, Napoleon took power.
We’ll learn about that soon! 12