The French Revolution

Major causes of the French Revolution:

#1 The Enlightenment

• Philosophers challenge the ideas of Absolute and Divine Right monarchies
• Question the influences of the Church in government
• Beliefs that the government derives its powers from the consent of the governed

#2 The American Revolution

• Inspired by ideas in the Enlightenment
• Demonstrated new successful forms of government (post-Contitution)
• Provides a blueprint for overthrowing a government

The American Revolution was heavily supported by the French (with money as well as troops), which ultimately leads to serious financial instability

#3 Starvation/Financial Crises

• Bad harvests led to rises in bread prices and mass starvation
• The 3rd estate was starving, while the 1st and 2nd lived lavishly, and did not pay taxes
• Inefficient tax system escalated later crises

Lead up to French Revolution

The gap between the rich and poor in France significantly increased after Louis XIV

Remember the 3 estates:

France also spends a significant amount of time and money fighting wars (thanks, again!) which lead to enormous national debt

Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette

• Absolute Monarchy, but very unpopular
• Continues to raise taxes on the poor, while Marie Antoinette spends and gambles a fortune
• Takes crown just as the effects of financial crises, take effect

"Let them eat cake"

"The Women's March" On October 5th 1789: an angry (and armed) mob led by women marched to Versailles, demanding that the King and Queen move back to Paris

Louis XVI calls together the Estates' General (France's Parliament), to help solve the crises.

Louis XVI calls together the Estates' General (France's Parliament), to help solve the crises.

However, this was their first meeting in 175 years; which only escalate tensions between the people and the crown

The 3rd estate was unfairly represented, so they rebel

The 3rd estate moves to an indoor tennis court, and swear to draft a constitution ("The Tennis Court Oath")

The Declaration of the rights of man (copy)

Louis XVI demands 3rd estate rejoin; issues martial law in Paris

On July 14th, 1789, and angry mob storm and capture the Bastille fortress: The Revolution officially begins

In 1792 Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette are captures, and charged with treason

In 1793 they are both executed by guillotine

Their execution begins the Reign of Terror

THE REIGN OF TERROR

The Revolution is slowly taken over by the Jacobins: Radical revolutionaries who take over during the French Revolution, led by Maximilian Robespierre

Jacobin Reforms

• Get rid of all religion in the state
• Create new systems of measuring time, months, years, etc.
• Executed "enemies of the state" by guillotine (over 10,000 executions in all)
• Led by Maximile Robespierre

Untitled Slide

After a year, the French realize the Jacobins are insane; put an end to the reign of terror by executing Robespierre

...also by guillotine

The Directory