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Causes of the French Revolution
Historical Context: The French Revolution of 1789 had many long-term causes. Political,
social, and economic conditions in France contributed to the discontent (unhappiness)
felt by many French people-especially those of the Third Estate. The ideas of the
philosophers of the Enlightenment brought new ideas about the role of government and
powers guaranteed to citizens. Finally, the American Revolution showed the French that
a country could be successful without a king.
Directions: Please read the following short documents and discuss the accompanying
questions below them. Complete the accompanying graphic organizer. The goal of this
exercise is for you to identify and explain what were the causes of the French
Revolution.
Document 1
“The King, Louis XVI, was absolute. He ruled by the divine right theory which said that he had
received his power to rule from God and was responsible to God alone. He appointed all
government officials and military officers. He made and enforced all laws. He could declare war
and make peace on his own. He created taxes and spent the people’s money as he saw fit. He
controlled the expression of thought by a strict censorship (restrictions) of speech and press. He
could randomly imprison anyone without trial for an unlimited period. He lived in his
magnificent palace, completely oblivious to the rising tide of popular discontent (unhappiness).”
Source: Friedman & Foner, A Genetic Approach to Modern European History, College
Entrance Book Co., 1938
DISCUSS this question with your partner, then complete the graphic organizer: What kind
of ruler is Louis XVI? Why might the people of France be angry with King Louis? Explain
Document 2
DISCUSS this question with your partner, then complete the graphic organizer: Who are
the Three Estates? Based on the chart above, what unfair conditions existed in pre-revolutionary
France? (ie. land ownership, taxation, etc). Explain
Document 3
“The poor people seem very poor indeed. The children are terribly ragged (dirty). The lack of
bread is terrible. Stories arrive every moment from the provinces of riots and disturbances, and
calling in the military, to preserve the peace of the market. The price of bread has risen above
people’s ability to pay. This causes great misery. I once talked to a poor woman, who
complained of what was happening. She said the taxes and laws are crushing the people.
Source: Englishman Arthur Young’s Travels in France During the Years 1787, 1788, and 1789
DISCUSS this question with your partner, then complete the graphic organizer: What are 3
observations Arthur Young made while traveling France? How might these things contribute to
the start of a revolution
Document 4
“The Third Estate is the People, and the People are the foundation of the State (Nation). Nobles
and clergy are simply political categories. According to the laws of nature the People, are
everything. Everything should be under the power of the People. It is in the People that all
national power resides (exists), and for the People that all governments exist.”
Source: Comte D’Antraigues, a French revolutionary.
DISCUSS this question with your partner, then complete the graphic organizer: What new
ideas is Comte D’Antraigues expressing in this quote? What kind of government do you think he
wants? How might this contribute to a revolution?
Document 5
“The condition of France alone did not bring about the overthrow of the monarchy, because the
suffering of the people was not greater than they had been before. The ideas of the
Enlightenment philosophers were not directly responsible for the outbreak either. The spark that
changed thought into action was supplied by the American Revolution. The American example,
the role the French army played in it, caused the Revolution to start in France.
Source: From Lectures on the French Revolution by Sir John Dalberg-Acton,an English
historian, politician, and writer.
DISCUSS this question with your partner, then complete the graphic organizer: What does
the author believe caused the French Revolution? How might this have contributed to the start of
the revolution? Explain
Document 6
“We demand that the king be forced to reform (change) the abuses and tyranny of his rule. We
demand that every tax be re-evaluated, and that the tax on land be accepted equally by all
classes. We demand that, in order to assure the third estate the influences it deserves because of
its numbers, the votes in the assembly should be based on the total number of people voting, and
not one vote given to each Estate.”
Source: The following are excerpts from a list of complaints that were presented to the
assembled Estates General in 1789. The Estates General was like a Congress. Representatives
from each of the three Estates could attend. Each Estate was given 1 vote for a total of 3 votes
on any issue the Estates General looked at. All of these reforms were rejected.
DISCUSS this question with your partner, then complete the graphic organizer: What are
three changes the Third Estate demanded be made in the French government?
DISCUSS this question with your partner, then complete the graphic organizer: What is
significant about the fact that the king rejected all these demands? Explain