1.4 Causes of the French

Revolution

Driving Question

If the government governs society, then who governs the government?

The Fr

ench R

evolut

ion1789

-1799

What is a Revolution?1. The overthrow of a ruler or political

system2. A major change in ideas or practice

What makes a bad leader bad?

What makes a good leader good?

What kind of leader was King

Louis XVI?• King Louis XVI became the

king of France at the of 20.

• He was very uninterested with government affairs an paid little attention to them.

• His hobbies included wrestling, locksmithing, and hunting.

• He was very indecisive and put off important decisions until it was almost too late.

• He wanted to be a good king, but lacked self-confidence.

What kind of leader was Marie

Antoinette?• She was Louis XVI’s

wife and was a big spender and loved luxurious clothing, entertainment, and gambling.

• She earned the nickname “Madame Deficit.”

• She was hated by the French people.

• She was only 14 when she married.

What were the 4 causes?

1. Weak Leadership

King Louis XVI’s inability to deal with

important decisions right away allowed

problems to intensify.

2. Economic Crisis

Heavy taxing made it difficult for businesses

to thrive and starvation among the majority

of the population increased.

3. Enlightenment Inspiration

Enlightenment ideas of Locke and

Rousseau inspired many to reform French

society.

The American Revolution also inspired many

people! Life,

Liberty,

and

Property!

Consent

comes

from the

governed!

4. Social Inequalities

Many members of the 3rd Estate were very

unhappy with the inequalities of French

society.

What are the Three Estates?

1st Estate

1. Made up of clergy members of the Catholic church.

2. Consisted of less than 1% of the population.

3. Did not pay any taxes.

4. Owned 10% of the land.

2nd Estate

1. Made up of rich nobles who held very high offices in the government.

2. Paid no taxes.

3. Made up 2% of the population.

4. Disagreed with Enlightenment ideas.

5. Owned 20% of the land.

3rd Estate1. Paid taxes to 1st and 2nd

estates, and the king.

2. Included the bourgeoisie (middle class), lower class, and peasants.

3. The bourgeoisie included bankers, factory owners, and rich professionals.

4. Had no power to influence government and made up about 97% of the population.

5. Embraced Enlightenment ideas!

6. Hated the 1st and 2nd

Estates.