The French Revolution

Causes of the Revolution 1789

Economic Crisis Three Estates

(societal break down) Social Inequality Influence of the

Enlightenment & American Revolution

Louis XVI

Economic Crisis

Heavy Taxes Crop Failures – food riots Support of Americans in their Revolution DEBT! Half of budget went to interest!

The Three Estates

1st Estate = Clergy (1%) of population

2nd Estate = Noble

(2%) of population 3rd Estate =

Bourgeoisie, (middle class) workers, peasants. (97%)

Social Inequality

1st and 2nd Estates were extremely Privileged only ones to hold important positions Exempt from taxes 97% of population paying half of income

to taxes (3rd)

Influence from America and the Enlightenment

It is right to take up arms against Tyranny

No taxation without Representation

All men should have liberal freedoms

A Republic is superior to a monarchy

Louis XVI

Preferred personal interests to court interest-delegated authority.

Weak leader Incapable of strong

decisive actions Ignored economic

woes until too late.

Marie Antoinette

Married Louis when she was 14 (he was 15

Austrian Royalty Very unpopular Known as “Madame

Deficit”

Estates- General Meeting May 1789

France was almost bankrupt Louis called for Estates General Meeting

(first time in 175 years) It is an assembly of Reps from all three

estates 2nd Estate (nobles) forced Louis to call for

the meeting

Revolution Dawns

Two privileged estates always out voted the third.

Third Estate tired and want change no matter what

Third Estate had more representatives than the first or second combined but had less power.

The National Assembly is formed: June 1789

Third Estate Reps vote to establish and call themselves “The National Assembly” to form a Republic.

They proclaimed the end to absolute monarchy!

Tennis Court Oath 1st Deliberate act of Rebellion and

Revolution.

Louis’ reaction to the National Assembly:

Tries to make peace before full-scale rebellion

Yields to demands of National Assembly

Louis felt scared and ordered his Swiss Body Guards to Paris.

Reaction?

The Storming of the Bastille July 1789

The storming of the Bastille July 1789

Paris peasants here of Louis decision to send his mercenary soldiers.

They fear that they will be killed. The peasants and bourgeoisie storm the

Bastille, a local Prison, to arm themselves. The mob grows as open rebellion takes

over the entire city and then spills into the country side.