1. Louis XIV,The Three Estates, and Inequalities
Can you smell a revolution?

2. Absolute Monarchy – King Louis XIV (1643-1715)
The French monarchy was strongest during the reign of King Louis XIV. He alone made all decisions. He had absolute control over his subjects (all inhabitants).
His deal with the Church – People believed the King was chosen by God. The clergy confirmed King Louis’ divine right to rule in return for his protection of the Catholic Church’s interests.

3. France – Louis XIV Ruled 1643 - 1715
Called himself the Sun King
Believed in divine right. “L’etat, c’est moi.” I am the state. Made French army the strongest in Europe
France was the wealthiest country in Europe under Louis XIV
Louis XIV spent huge amounts of money
Built Versailles.
(You do not need to copy the next slide)

4. France – Louis XIV Versailles
Expanded from a hunting lodge in 1669.
Became the symbol to European monarchs of the wealth and power of the king of France.
Seat of French government for nearly over 100 years.
Its upkeep consumed as much as 25% of the income of France.

6. The Ancien Regime French society consisting of 3 estates and an absolute monarchy
Nobility
1  Nobility was hereditary
2 Upper nobility were members of the King’s court
3 Upper nobility were administrators and commanders
4 Lower nobility - Landowners i.e. Seigneurs (this allowed them to not have to work)

7. Clergy 1 Higher clergy were members of the king’s court
2   They lived in luxury
3 Lower clergy were parish priests who lived simple lives

8. The Third Estate (Common People)
1-Most were peasants living in poverty 2- Bourgeois professionals (merchants, bankers, lawyers) were part of this group 3- Could buy titles and become noblemen if they had $$$ 4- Could become priests to move up (lower clergy)

9. Inequality Members of the third estate were: 1) required to pay taxes.
2) not trusted as much. Their word in a trial was counted for less
3) sentenced to harsher punishments for an identical crime.

10. Conflict
Nobility took pride in not working, looked down on those who worked, liked their privileges, and did not want the social organizations to change.
Bourgeoisie (third estate) took pride in working, did not agree with wealth and privilege being inherited and believed in EARNING your social status.

11. This cartoon was produced in the 1780s and is a comment on the social situation in France at that time. It can be used to help explain the causes of the French Revolution of 1789.

12. A Change of Mindset
The Enlightenment

13. What Led to the French Revolution?
French philosophers looked to the English political system for inspiration and change!
England had a Parliament – Power was shared between the classes.
Parliament limited the control of the Monarchy.
Britain had a BILL OF RIGHTS.
HABEAS CORPUS – You can’t be imprisoned without just cause

14. The Enlightened! - Reason
Philosophers all over Europe questioned the system of absolute monarchy and admired the English political system. They believed in:
- Progress Tolerance
- Reason
- Education - Freedom

15. Changes Caused by the Enlightenment
The right to choose one’s leaders
The separation of powers
Freedom of religion
Freedom of thought & expression
Other basic human rights