1. France before the Revolution

2. Louis XV Successor to Louis XIV Ruled carelessly Madame de Pompadour
Chief mistress
Often seen as one of the most powerful women of the 18th century

3. Louis XV Creates Problems
Involved in several wars during his reign
War of Polish Succession
War of Austrian Succession
Seven Years War
Lost land and almost drained the finances of France

4. Louis XVI 1774-1792 Little faith in him as King
Married to Marie Antoinette
Political marriage to solidify relationship between the Hapsburgs and the French
“Madame Deficit”
Failed to produce a child for 7 years
Louis XVI pledged expensive military support to the American Revolution
Money could have been used to feed lower class in France

5. Louis XVI Deregulation of grain
Cost of bread rose to 10x the amount
Court at Versailles continued oblivious to the outrage in towns
Advisors called for Louis XVI to appoint a financial minister
Jacques Necker
Called the Estates General for the first time in 175 years (1789)

6. Estates General 3 Estates
1- Clergy
2- Nobles
3- Everyone else
The top two estates always overrode the 3rd Estate