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The Rising Discontent. HWH UNIT 4 CHAPTER 6.1. “ The most perilous moment for a bad government is one when it seeks to mend its ways. ” -Alexis de Tocqueville, French Historian, 1850s. French Society: The Old Regime. The Three Estates First Estate: The Clergy
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The Rising Discontent HWH UNIT 4 CHAPTER 6.1
“The most perilous moment for a bad government is one when it seeks to mend its ways.” -Alexis de Tocqueville, French Historian, 1850s
French Society: The Old Regime The Three Estates • First Estate: The Clergy • Second Estate: The Nobility • Nobility of the Robe • Nobility of the Sword • Third Estate: Everyone Else • Bourgeoisie • Peasants • Urban workers
A Quick Note… PEASANTS ≠ URBAN POOR!
The Agenda of the 3rd Estate 3rd Estate • Urban Poor • Peasants • Bourgeoisie Desire Lower Bread Prices Political Voice Fair Taxes End of Feudal Obligations Fair Taxes Political Power Fair Taxes
Louis XVI’s Problems • Inflation • 1730-1780: Price increase 65%, wages increase 22% • The “Feudal Reaction” • War Debt • ½ of Royal budget went to interest on the debt • Taxation system • Inefficient
Jacques Necker (1732-1804) • Finance Minister • Exposed royal spending • Proposed taxing all estates
The Problem of the Estates General “Voting by estate” • The First and Second Estate ALWAYS voted together First Estate 1 Vote Second Estate 1 Vote Third Estate 1 Vote
The “Doubling of the Third” 1st Estate 300 2nd Estate 300 Third Estate 648
Emmanuel Sieyes • What is the Third Estate?
Cahiers de Doléances • Lists of complaints drawn up by each estate • Exposed problems in society and government
June 17, 1789: The Third Estate walks out; National Assembly formed
June 27, 1789: Members of the 1st and 2nd Estate join the National Assembly