On the Eve of

Revolution

How did each of the following contribute to

the revolutionary mood in France?• The Three Estates

• Enlightenment Ideas• Economic Crisis• Weak Leadership

1. The Three Estates• 1st Estate – Clergy

1% of the total populationPay no taxes

• 2nd Estate – Noblemen2% of the total populationCollect “Protection” TaxesPay no taxes

1. The Three Estates• 3rd Estate – Everyone Else

97% of the total population

WorkersPeasantsBourgeoisie

2. Enlightenment

Ideas• 3rd Estate begins to challenge the authority of 1st and 2nd estates

• Reinforced the ideas of equality and liberty

3. Economic Crisis• High Taxes

• High Prices• Food Shortage• Huge spending by the King and Queen

4. Weak Leadership

• King often waited too long to address his country’s problems

How did each of the following events lead to the

French Revolution?• Meeting of the Estates-General

• Establishment of the National Assembly

• Tennis Court Oath• Storming of the Bastille

5. Meeting of the Estates-General

• 3rd Estate refuses to be dominated by the 1st and 2nd estates

• Asserted their Independence

6. Establishment of the National

Assembly• Ended the Absolute Monarchy

• Began a French Representative Gov’t

7. Tennis Court Oath• King forced to yield to the

demands of the National Assembly

8. Storming of the Bastille

• July 14, 1789• Prison• Becomes symbol of the revolution