1. French Revolution Part #1 Causes of Revolution

3. Background Background: In the 1700s, France was considered the most advanced country in Europe. It had been the center of the enlightenment. Its culture was very successful and imitated by many. It had a large population and appeared very wealthy. However, how do you believe the Enlightenment played a role in changing France?

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5. Political System prior to Revolution What is an Absolute Monarchy? Known as the Old Regime People were divided into 3 estates, or social classes Similar to a caste system, where each class differs in privileges Examples: 1st and 2nd estates had privileges to high offices and exemptions from taxes, 3rd estate was not

6. 3 Estates in France: Social Classes 1st Estate- Clergy- RCC- owned 10% of land gave education to poor and contributed 2% of income to government

7. 3 Estates in France: Social Classes 2nd Estate – Rich Nobles- owned 20% of Land, only 2 % of population Paid little, almost nothing, in taxes

8. 3 Estates in France: Social Classes 3rd Estate- Common person – 97% of people, differed in economics – paid most taxes, no privileges

9. 3 levels of the 3 rd estate 1) Bourgeoisie- bankers, factory owners, professionals, merchants, skilled artisans  paid high taxes 2) Common worker- factory workers, tradespeople, apprentices, laborers, servants  paid high taxes 3) Peasants- LARGEST amount of people. (more than 80%) Half of income (50%) went to taxes Resentment builds between estates

10. Problems arise in France Economic Problems Economic decline- high taxes and increased cost of living led to a lack of profit Business continued to grow but failed to make more $$

11. Economic Problems Crop failure in 1780s  led to an increase in bread prices, DOUBLED Debts- France had been in debt but Louis XVI spent a ton of money on luxuries. Banks refused to loan him money. Also spent a ton of money on the American Revolution.

12. Problem # 2 Weak Leadership - Louis XVI was indecisive Did not listen to advisors nor did he pay much attention to governmental matters. - Marie Antoinette, (Madame Deficit) the queen, was not much help with spending or advice - Louis XVI figured only way to solve problems was to get more money. How could he do this?

13. So what does Louis XVI do? Decided to call Estates General, (an assembly of representatives from all 3 estates) to approve his new tax system, first time called upon in 175 years. Met in Versailles Decided it was time to tax the nobility- 2nd Estate Each Estate had one vote

14. The National Assembly 3rd Estate sees this as a chance to change society. They were influenced by Enlightenment. They believe each delegate should have a vote and since 3rd Estate has most delegates, it would give them more power. Louis XVI refuses saying they should follow Medieval Rules. Each Estate = 1 vote 3rd Estate is upset and renames their delegates THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, whom they believe should pass laws and reform in the name of the French people

15. Louis XVI opposes this idea: this would mean an end to an absolute monarchy  representative government King saw this a act of revolution because they wanted to take away his Absolute power

16. The Tennis Court Oath 3rd Estate found themselves locked out of their meeting room Instead they broke down door to indoor Tennis Court and met there They pledged to stay until the draw up a new constitution Soon members of other estates began to join

18. What is Louis XVI left to do? Louis XVI sent troops to Versailles Rumors flew a people were deciding what to do. Some gathered weapons for a fight to defend city - Mob of citizens storms Bastille, a French prison for gun powered and arms -Captured Bastille, meaning a revolution would occur Bastille Day – similar to our 4th of July The Great Fear of War and Terror looms among citizens What is going to happen?

20. The Assembly’s Reforms: The Rights of man: What rights did it guarantee? Did not apply to women “Life, Liberty, Fraternity”- became slogan of Revolutionary leaders

21. Other Reforms Reforming the Church: Took over church’s lands Declared that priests and church officials must be elected and paid through state What did this do? –Took political power away from Church –Separate church and state from each other –Land was sold to pay debts Reforms and chaos: Louis XVI fears for his life and attempts to run away Captured by guards on borders, sent back to Paris Proves this fate is sealed –He was going to lose power

22. Part # 2: The New France

23. The New France: After two years, in 1791, National Assembly creates a Limited Monarchy What is a limited Monarchy? Legislative Assembly is created Body of people that will create laws and approve or reject declarations of war King still had to enforce laws

24. Did this solve the French problems? NO!!!! there were still food shortages still debt Legislative Assembly had not come up with answers NO!!!

25. Division The Assembly Divided: Radicals- Complete changes in government (left) Moderates- some changes in government (Center) Conservatives – little change in government (Right)

26. The battle outside: Outside forces also attempting to influence Government Other countries feared this would spread into their lands (Austria, Prussia) Wanted Monarchy restored So what did Legislative Assembly do? DECLARE WAR ON PRUSSIA!

27. What to do?

28. The September Massacres Revolution - Prussia was a major military power and were defeating France - Claimed they would destroy Paris if Royal Family was harmed - Mob of Revolutionaries storm palace and capture royal family - Rumors fly about supporters of the king breaking out of prisons and taking over Paris - Chaos breaks out and citizens begin killing all those that may be supporters of the King

29. How can France regain control? Radicals in gov’t urged France to rethink government Legislative Assembly agreed and acted quickly Government no longer would have a King No Assembly Declared France a Republic New Elections Men could vote and Run for office Created National Convention

30. Jacobins 1792- Majority of National Convention is part of Radical party called Jacobins - Leader was Jean-Paul Marat - Decided it would be best to kill all supporters of King - King Louis XVI was reduced to common man status - sentenced to death by the Guillotine War with Prussia and Austria continues, England, Spain, and Holland join against France France is being defeated, needs men-  draft “enemies on the outside and enemies within”

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33. Maximilien Robespierre 1793- Slowly gains control of Jacobins became dictator of France - wanted to eliminate France’s past- “a republic of Virtue” - changed calendar- 12 months, 30 days, no Sunday - eliminate those not with ideals of Revolution, or anyone challenging his power Reign of Terror

34. End of Terror people became fearful of Robespierre Members eventually turn on him and have him arrested and executed Created new government where power was invested in upper middle class and a five men Directory. France was still searching for order and the found it in a military General, Napoleon Bonaparte