Main Idea- economic & Social in the Old Regime helped cause the French Revolution

Main Idea- Economic & Social in the Old Regime helped cause the French Revolution

• Main Idea- Economic & Social in the Old Regime helped cause the French Revolution

• Why it Matters Now- Throughout history Economic & Social Inequalities have led people to revolt against their governments

1700’s –France is the most advanced country in Europe

• 1700’s –France is the most advanced country in Europe

• Great unrest caused by high prices, taxes, & questions raised by the Enlightenment ideas of Rousseau & Voltaire

-system of feudalism left over from the Middle Ages

• -system of feudalism left over from the Middle Ages

• Social classes are called Estates

• Privileged estates

• 1st- Roman Catholic Church

• 2nd Nobles

• Third Estate- 98% pop.

• 1st Bourgeoisie – merchants & artisans

• 2nd- Workers, cooks, servants ect.

• 3rd 80% -Peasants- half their money went to taxes

Enlightenment Ideas

• Enlightenment Ideas

• Equality, Liberty, and Democracy

• Success of the American Revolution

• “ Power lies with the People”

• Economic problems

• Crop failures(Harsh Winter), Bad leadership (LouisXVI), & his Wife Marie Antoinette spent money on luxury

• As a result France was going Bankrupt, he needed money

• The 2nd estate made him call a meeting of the Estates General May 5, 1789 the first in 175 years for Tax reform

The National Assembly (NA)

• The National Assembly (NA)

• Under old rules each estate had 1 vote

• 1&2 would always out vote the poorer 3rd

• Abbe Sieyes argued “What is the 3rd estate ? EVERYTHING”

• They formed the (N A), Abolishing the king

• The next day they were locked out

• They broke down the door & pledged to stay(Tennis court oath)

The King sensed trouble, ordered the 1&2 to join the N A, at the same time he sent his SWISS Guard to Paris because he did not trust his own army,

• The King sensed trouble, ordered the 1&2 to join the N A, at the same time he sent his SWISS Guard to Paris because he did not trust his own army,

• The people said foreign troops were coming to kill French, they stormed the Bastille to get gun powder,

• This is National Holiday