THE FRENCH REVOLUTION

THE ESTATES-GENERAL

• Prior to the revolution, France divided into:
• The Clergy: bishops, priests, monks, nuns, etc.
• The Nobiltiy: King's family, nobility of robes & swords, etc.
• The Commoners: peasants, farmers, craftsman, etc. (majority)
• The Clergy & Nobility were privileged minorities/higher placement

ABSOLUTE MONARCHY...WEAK MONARCH

• King Louis XVI ruled while France was having a financial crisis.
• His wife, Marie Antoinette, was accused of improper behaviors
• She gave the monarchy a bad reputation and influenced the King.
• King Louis XVI made poor decisions for the country.
• He had personal interests and set high taxes for the country.

AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT!

• The enlightenment inspired rebellion & criticism against the monarchy.
• The free people could thrive with free commerce.
• Bourgeoisie finally did something about their unfairness.
• Inspired thoughts of equality and liberty for the French people.
• The people started questioning the pope and the Catholic religion.

REVOLUTIONS WERE SPREADING

• The American revolution encouraged a revolution in France
• The king was busy helping the Americans instead of his people
• Revolutionary ideas included taking arms against cruel ruling
• and equality and freedom for all men. Republic over Monarchy
• Protesting for no taxing without a say from the people.

FINANCIAL PROBLEMS

• Frances government owed a lot of money and caused money crisis
• France was involved in many wars and paid for much of them
• Also spent much on their courts and got all their money from people's tax
• Marie Antoinette did nothing to help France and spent all money on herself
• Nobles wanted the people to keep paying high taxes but people started rioting

IN CONCLUSION...THE REVOLUTION STARTED

• Because the monarchy did not care for France, divided people unfairly,
• took all their money through taxes and used it for personal needs,
• participated in expensive wars instead of fixing debt in their country,
• the people were treated terribly and were forced as Catholics,
• and the people finally decided to take charge & study the world for themselves