1. French Revolution

2. France in 1700s Ruled by King Louis XVI An absolute monarch
Divine right of Kings
Rest of population split into 3 groups
1st, 2nd and 3rd Estate

4. 1st Estate The Clergy – bishops, archbishops Wealthy and very powerful
Owned loads of land
Paid no taxes

5. 2nd Estate The Nobles 100,000 only Wealthy and powerful
Got all the best jobs in government
Paid no taxes

6. 3rd Estate
Everyone else – From middle class shopkeepers to poor country peasants
80% of the population
Had no rights
Paid huge taxes

7. What was the French Rev?
When the Third Estate revolted against the King
Took over running the government
Totally changed the whole country

8. What were the causes? 4 main causes Unfair tax system
The Enlightenment
Ideals of the American Revolution
France in debt

9. Unfair Tax System The 1st and 2nd Estates paid no tax
3rd Estate paid ALL the tax
It went to the King, the nobles and the clergy!
Tax to King on all goods
E.g. Gabelle
Tithes – tax to the Church (10%)
Feudal Dues – Tax to the nobles
85% of a peasant’s wages went on tax
This caused great anger

11. Enlightenment Ideas of the Enlightenment started in France
Philosophers such as Rousseau and Voltaire
Argued that the power should belong to the people
Not the King
Argued that all people are equal
Ideas spread

12. Ideals of the American Rev
The American Revolution inspired ideas of freedom and democracy
Ordinary people could rise up and take power
Society could be democratic and fair
French soldiers brought these ideas back to France

13. France in debt Huge debt after helping American Revolution
Government of Louis almost bankrupt
Needed to raise taxes
This is the spark that starts the French Revolution

14. Estates General
Louis called a government together in Versailles – The Estates General
To decide on taxes
Members of the 3 estates formed the government
But voting unfair
Block voting
The 1st and 2nd Estates would always join together
They would refuse to pay tax
They would make 3rd Estate pay more

15. Danger 3rd Estate refused to accept this King Louis got worried
Disbanded the estates general
Locked the 3rd estate out
The 3rd estate were very angry
Went to a nearby tennis court

16. TENNIS Court Oath Called themselves National Assembly
Took the T.C Oath – June 1789
Promised never to leave until France got a fair constitution

17. Tennis Court Oath

18. King’s Response Scared – gave in
Ordered the other 2 estates to join them
France now had a government
And it was run by the 3rd Estate!
Began drawing up new rules for France
Ordinary people delighted