World History

FRENCH REVOLUTION

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Louis XIV

Louis XVI

Global ImpactThe French Revolution

The American Revolution inspired the growing number of French people who sought reform in their own country. They saw the new government of the United States as the fulfillment of Enlightenment Ideals, and longed for such a government in France.

The Declaration of Independence was widely circulated and admired in France. French officers like the Marquis de Lafayette, who fought for American independence, captivated his fellow citizens with accounts of the war. One Frenchman remarked about this time period, “We talked of nothing but America.” Less than a decade after the American Revolution ended, an armed struggle to topple the government would begin in France.

Financial Crisis

By the end of the 18th Century, France was spending more than it brought in through taxes. (Sound familiar?)

By 1788, 50% of the budget went to pay for the interest on the national debt (US is 100%); 25% for military; 6% for king and court life styles

Taxes were raised; tax burden on peasants (US is the middle class) not clergy or nobility

King’s Budget: Interest 50%Army 25%Versailles 25%Coronation 10%Loans 25%Admin. 25%

Total 160%

Meeting of the Estate General1789 – to solve financial crisis and raise taxes, King Louis XVI called for the Estates of General to meet

Three Estates (class of society)First Estate – ClergySecond Estate – NobilityThird Estate – Commoners

http://www.biography.com/people/louis-xvi-9386943/videos/louis-xvi-origins-of-the-french-revolution-17754179739

The First EstateThe 1st ESTATE – consisted of officials of Catholic Church.They owned 10% of land, but were less than 1% of population.

They were very rich (except for the priests).

They did not have to pay taxes, but gave a gift of 2% to the government.

The Second EstateThe 2nd ESTATE – consisted of nobility, who made up 2% of the total population.

Owned 20% of the land.They held all of the important political, military, and religious positions in society

The Third EstateThe 3rd ESTATE – consisted of the middle class, urban lower class, and peasant farmers.The three groups made up 98% of the population. Forced to pay ½ of income to taxes.

Bourgeoisie (middle class) were educated and wealthy. And they wanted more status and political power.

The Third (3rd) Estate was ready for change…..

even REVOLUTION!!!!!

Meeting of the Estates General

Estates General voted as separate orders instead of individual votes

The Third Estate refused to conduct business until they could meet as a single representative body.

This never happened.

Meeting of the Estates GeneralThe 3rd Estate broke away and adopted the title National Assembly and said they were the “true” representative body of France

July 20, 1789 National Assembly swore Tennis Court Oath – will not disband until new constitution is written.

The Tennis Court Oath

On June 20, 1789, the National Assembly was excluded from Versailles because of “repairs” so they met in an indoor tennis court.

There they swore the famous “Tennis Court Oath,” pledging never to disband until they had written a new constitution for France.

National AssemblyEstablished constitutional monarchy which king accepted in July 1791

National Assembly had power to make laws, but king remained head of the state and could veto any law

King vetoed many laws; National Assembly had very little “real” power

Storming of the BastilleBy July 1789, 25% of the people were unemployed, bread prices high, many people without food.

Rumor spread that the kings troops were coming to sack Paris, so angry crowds seized arms to defend the city

July 14, 1789, hundreds marched to the Bastille, a medieval fort

and political prison, to find

gun powder

Storming of the BastilleThe commanding officer refused to give up the gunpowder and fired on the crowd. Killed 98 people.

Revolutionary crowds took Bastille – symbolized beginning of French Revolution

March on VersaillesUnemployment and hunger increased

October 5, 1789, 7000 women marched to palace of Versailles to demand bread

Women invaded palace and killed guards

Bread was given and Louis never returned to Versailles

Execution of Louis XVIThe king and his family were caught trying to flee the country

He agreed to sign the Constitution of 1791, then proceeded to veto revolutionary decrees. (king no longer has absolute power)

A new, more radical government was elected in 1792

The National Convention

Execution of Louis XVI

In November 1792, incriminating documents were found that proved the king was negotiating secretly to restore his authority and dismiss the Constitution.

Execution of Louis XVINational convention overwhelmingly convicted Louis of treason but sentenced him to death by one vote in 1793

Queen Marie Antoinette executed too

Reign of TerrorNational Convention led by Maximilien Robespierre; called for “drastic measures” to save France from other “enemies of the state”

In France, Robespierre tried citizens for treason against the Revolution

Reign of TerrorIn two years, 40,000 people were killed

July 1794, Robespierre was executed by the guillotine; his execution ended Reign of Terror

Napoleon BonaparteAfter Robespierre, France run by a 5 man board call the Directory – this was disastrous

Napoleon seized power from Directory; ruled France as emperor and dictator

(1799-1814)

http://www.history.com/topics/napoleon/videos#the-french-revolution