6.1

The French Revolution Begins

Estates

Estates = social classes 1st Estate = Clergy/Church officials

Own 10% of land Contributes 2% of income to gvt.

2nd Estate = Rich nobles 2% of population Own 20% of land Pay no taxes

3rd Estate = middle class & poor citizens 97% of population Pay high taxes – 50% of income

Economic Problems

High taxes, bad weather, cost of living increase = problems

France helps U.S. in Revolutionary WarDoubles national debt

Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette spend much $$ for personal reasons

Louis XVI

Louis XVI = weak leader Indecisive, doesn’t follow advisers, pays little

attention to gvt. details Marie Antoinette adds to problems

Austrian Enjoys spending $$ Offers poor advice to Louis VERY UNPOPULAR

Louis ignores $$ problems

Estates-General

Estates-General = congress of France To raise $$, Louis taxes 2nd Estate 2nd Estate forces Louis to call Estates-General

into session 1st & 2nd Estate dominate Estates-General 3rd Estate wants better representation in

government 3rd Estate creates “National Assembly” & end

absolute monarchy

National Assembly

Rumors fly around France Military to be used to stop Natl. Assembly Foreign troops coming to France

Rumors cause people to gather weapons Mobs form Mob storms Bastille (a prison) – symbol of

French freedom; July 14 = natl. holiday in France

“Great Fear” sweeps France Riots across the country