1. France before the French Revolution

2. On the SURFACE: France in the 1700’s
Considered most advanced country in Europe
Palace of Versailles was world renowned
Large population [26 million]
Prosperous foreign trade
French culture was widely “praised”

3. France Behind the Scenes
Economic Problems in France
very high debt, Interest consumed 50% of budget
High taxes & high prices (inflation) were causing protests
Absolute Monarchy ruled France
French kings claimed “divine” right to rule
Feudalism still remained from Middle Ages
Little or no upward social mobility
Enlightened ideas of the philosophes threatened France
Ideas argued against absolute monarchy and favored equality

4. Economic woes of France
widespread crop failures = price of bread doubled
bad weather so bread shortage which = increase in bread prices.
Bankers refuse to lend France more money because it cannot pay back original loans
France bankrupt because of wars (losing 7 years war, supporting American Revolution)
Loses colonies = losing tax money and natural resources.

5. How did it get to the point of a Revolution?
Enlightenment Ideas
Unfair Estate System
Economic Woes of France
Weak Leadership of Louis XVI

6. The Old Regime
What: Social structure which remained from the system of feudalism (Middle Ages)

7. The Privileged Estates
The 1st & 2nd estate were privileged estates
They paid NO TAXES
Had access to high office (in King’s Bureaucracy)

8. The Old Regime 2nd ESTATE 3rd Estate 1st ESTATE Clergy Nobles
Peasants
Workers
Bourgeoisie
<1% of Population % of Population % Population
Owned some land,
but paid high taxes
Did most of work
Owned 10% of land
Disapproved of
enlightened ideas
Owned 20% Land
Did little/no work

9. Causes of French Revolution

10. Assembly of Notables

11. The Estates-General 3 House Legislative Body
Comprised of 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Estates
They met May 5th, 1789 at Versailles
Estates-General had not been called in 175 Years! (since 1614)