Modern World Beginnings (Part A) The French Revolution Begins
Unpopular Rulers
()King Louis XVI and his wife, Marie-Antoinette -were viewed as weak rulers -failed to support government reform -spent lavishly as common people suffered
Storming the Bastille
-on july 14, 1789, french citizens unhappy with the government seized the bastille -bastille day became the symbol of the peoples liberation from tyranny -peasants in the countryside began to attack the homes of the aristocracy
The End of the Old Regime
-the national assembly abolished the estates general and created a republic -its members passed the declaration of the rights of man (1789) which states that -all citizens are equal before the law -all men are born with natural rights -government should represent the will of the people when passing laws or taxes
The Old Regime
-the old regime was the traditional political and social system of France -people belonged to one of three estates or social classes -representatives of the estates met in a national assembly called the Estates General (had not met in over 150 years) -so wealth and power lay in the hands of a few
National Assembly
-wanted government reform -were joined by some members of the clergy and aristocracy -swore the "tennis court oath" -vowed that they would not quit until france had a new constitution
Debt, Taxes, and Unrest
1) Bad Harvests -1789 econ crisis -bread prices skyrocket, causing widespread famine -riots break out 2) High National Debt [bc of the war and high spending] -taxes are raised, causing more discontent 3) The Estates General -the king is forced to call a meeting [hasnt happened in forever :/] 4) National Assembly -third estate breaks away -they knew the others would block reforms that benefit the common people
Estates-General
1) First Estate: members of the clergy (high ranking church officials) 2) Second Estate: members of the aristocracy (wealthy) 3) Third Estate: everyone else (peasants)
The American Revolution
-france supported the US during its war for independence -this support increased frances national debt -americas victory showed that a powerful king could be defeated by the people -the declaration of independence inspired ideas about the rights of the people
The Second Estate: The Aristocracy (nobles)
-had more power and privileges than any other estate -made up about 2% of the population -controlled most of the wealth [landowners] -did not have to pay taxes -was not expected to take part in business or trade
The First Estate: The Clergy (catholic)
-made up about 0.5% of the population -collected tithe, or money from churchgoers -paid little in taxes -had access tot he king and to positions of power and second estate
The Third Estate: Peasants
-made up about 98% of the french population -lived mostly in rural areas -was generally poor peasant farmers [little/no education] -paid the highest taxes -had the lowest social status and the least amount of political power
The Third Estate: The Bourgeoisie (middle class)
-a growing number of members of the third estate were part of the bourgeoisie -included wealthy businessmen and members of the middle class [20% of all land in france] -resented their lack of influence in government -wanted a parliament, fair trials, religious tolerance, and a constitution
Enlightenment Ideas
Rousseau -everyone should be equal Montesquieu -the government should divide power between different branches to promote liberty and justice (separation of powers) [constitutional monarchy] Voltaire -the church should have no political power (separation of church and state)
Based on what you have learned, what was the most significant cause of the French Revolution? Write a short paragraph in which you support your answer with reasons and evidence.
The Old Regime set up an unfair system. The peasants were forced to pay almost half their income in taxes, and when prices began to rise, they demanded reforms. When the king and the other estates refused to help, they created their own independent body, the National Assembly.