1. The French Revolution in a Nutshell

2. STAGES: 1.The Ancien Régime in Crisis (up to 1789) 2.The Moderate Phase (1789-1791) 3.The Reign of Terror (Radical Phase) (1791-1794) 4.The Thermidorian Reaction (End Phase) (1794-1799)

3. The Ancien Régime in Crisis 18 th century France was made up of three estates: – First Estate-Clergy Owned 10% of land, paid no taxes (by made annual gifts) – Second Estate-Nobility Owned ¼ to 1/3 of land in France, exempt from taxation – Third Estate- “Everyone Else” Bourgeoisie, Peasants, Urban Laborers Carried the burden of taxation 96% of the population of France

4. The Moderate Phase (1789-1791) By 1787, French government was in financial crisis. France was a “rich country with a poor government.” Louis XVI calls the Estates General for the first time since 1614. June 1789—3 rd Estate creates the National Assembly and makes the “Tennis Court Oath” July 14, 1789—Parisians storm the Bastille, followed by Bread Riots and the Great Fear in rural France. Aug. 1789- “Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen”

5. The Radical Phase (1791-1794) 1789-1791—France is governed by the Assembly. New constitution is signed in 1791, creating a constitutional monarchy. 1792-political power of Paris’s Sans-Culottes creates the National Convention, abolishes the monarchy and executes Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. France is now a republic. 1793-1794-Reign of Terror, led my Maximilien Robespierre (Committee of Public Safety) and the Jacobins (radical lower bourgeoisie). During the Reign of Terror, many Girondins (wealthier bourgeoisie) are arrested and executed.

6. The Thermidorian Reaction (1794-1799) July 1794-Robespierre is executed. Thermidorian Reaction-Girondins take control of government and execute many Jacobins. French government is now led by the Directory. Coup against the Directory occurs on Nov. 9, 1799. Leads to the rise of Napoleon.