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The French Revolution
Louis XIV and the
Versailles Palace
Setting the
Stage
The Class System of France
1.
First Estate (1%) Roman Catholic
Church Clergy
2.
Second Estate (2%) The Nobility
3.
Third Estate (97%) Bourgeoisie,
peasants, farmers, merchants, and
artisans.
French Government in 1789
• The king of France during the French
Revolution was Louis XVI, who was
married to Marie Antionette from Austria.
Problems Arise in France
The government of France began
experiencing debt problems because of
three reasons.
1.
Wars of previous Bourbon kings.
2.
Large court by the Bourbons.
3.
French support of the American
colonist in the American Rev.
Economic Crisis in France
• Problems developed in the 1780’s.
• Crop shortages appear in France.
• Banks refused to lend money to the ailing
government.
• The 1st and 2nd estates refused to pay taxes
and help the cause.
Reactions in France
1. Louis XVI called a
meeting of the Estates
General, the French law
making body. It was made
up of delegates from each
estate. Each estate had one
single vote.
Reactions in France
2. The third estate formed
the National Assembly after
being locked out of the estates
general, and demanded a
constitution for France.
3. The National Assembly
decided not to disband until a
constitution for France had
been written. This became the
Tennis Court Oath.
Reactions in France
4. Revolt and rebellion had began. The
Bastille fell in July of 1789. Violence spread
throughout France known as the “Great Fear.”
The French Revolution had begun.
Changes in France
The nobility finally agreed to give up
their privileges on August 4, 1789.
They agreed to the following:
A. Feudal dues were taken back, which
peasants had owed.
B.
The nobles agreed to be taxed.
C.
All male citizens could serve in
government, the army, or church
office.
Changes in France
1. The National
Assembly composed the
Declaration of the
Rights of Man in 1789.
This document serves as
the French Constitution
of today.
Changes in France
2. This document was inspired by the English
Bill of Rights. As well as the Declaration of
Independence and the Constitution of the
United States.
Changes in France
3. Louis XVI refused to accept these new
reforms. The people ordered Louis to
return to Paris so he could support the
National Assembly. The march on
Versailles by the people forced Louis to
return to Paris.
Changes in France
4. In August of 1792 radicals took over Paris,
or people who favored great changes in
society and government.
Changes in France
5 The most notable radical
was a man named
Robespierre, who believed
that enemies of the revolution
should be destroyed.
Changes in France
6 France was at war with Austria and
Prussia. Some believed that Louis
had betrayed his country to foreign
armies in order to keep his power.
7 In September of 1792 the monarchy
was done away with and France
became a republic. Louis was taken
prisoner and crowds in Paris
exploded in anger against the Old
Regime, the earlier period of rule.
France As a
Republic
1. In December of 1792,
Louis XVI was tried
before the National
Convention. He was
sentenced to death, and
was beheaded on the
guillotine. Thousands
celebrated the king’s
death because they
knew the republic
would remain.
France As a Republic
2. European monarchs joined
together in war against France because
they were afraid of losing their power.
France As a Republic
3. The Committee of Public Safety was called
upon to lead France in war. This committee was
led by Robespierre.
4. The Jacobins would eventually gain control over
the other radical groups as they turned against
each other.
France As a Republic
5. The Reign of Terror was a time
period from July of 1793 to July of
1794. Heavily supported by
Robespierre. Some 17,000 people
were put to death during the period.
(Eventually he is put to death.)
6. A new constitution was written by
the National Convention. The
wealthy middle class now had
control of the government.
France As a Republic
7. The constitution set up an executive
council of five men called directors.
However, problems would continue
as the directory faced many
problems and threats from it’s
enemies.
Who would the people of France
turn to next to lead them out of the
revolution?