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3. The Revolution Begins Main Idea Problems in French society led to a revolution, the formation of a new government, and the end of the monarchy. • Reading Focus • What caused the French Revolution? • What happened during the first events of the Revolution? • How did the French create a new nation?

4. Long-standing resentments against the monarchy Inequalitiesin society Existing socialand political structure Called the Estates-General or ancient régime King at the top and estates under him King Louis XVI, shy and indecisive Unpopular, self-indulgent queen, Marie-Antoinette Rest of French society divided into three classes, called estates Causes of the Revolution

5. First Estate Second Estate Third Estate • Roman Catholic clergy • One percent of the population • Exempt from taxes • Owned 10 percent of the property • Collected rents and fees • Bishops and other clergy grew wealthy • Nobility • Less than 2 percent of the population • Paid few taxes • Controlled much wealth • Held key positions • Government • Military • Lived on country estates • Largest group—97% of the population • Bourgeoisie—city-dwelling merchants, factory owners, and professionals • Sans-culottes—artisans and workers • Peasants—poor with little hope, paid rents and fees The Three Estates Varied widely in what they contributed in terms of work and taxes

6. Before the French RevolutionThe Political and Social Organization • The King and Family • The Three Estates • The First Estate: Clergy • The Second Estate: Nobility • The Third Estate: bourgeoisie, professionals, workers

7. A Financial Crisis Enlightenment Ideas • Severe economic problems affected much of the country • France in debt, spending lavishly, borrowing money, and facing bankruptcy • Hailstorm and drought ruined harvest; harsh winter limited flour production • People hungry and angry; clergy and nobility no help • Inspiring new ideas from Enlightenment philosophers • Great Britain’s government limiting the king’s power • American colonists rebelled successfully against British king • New ideas changed government and society in other countries Further Causes

9. First Events of the Revolution • Estates General meets • Desire for reforms • Voting process a problem • Third Estate proclaimed themselves National Assembly • Tennis Court Oath • By 1789, no group happy • Clergy and nobility lost power to king • Bourgeoisie resented regulations • Poor worse off • Storming of the Bastille • King brought in military • People of Paris armed themselves • Searching for weapons, a mob stormed the Bastille

10. Restrictions on Power Legislating New Rights • Louis tried to protect his throne • Angered the common people • Prices still high; mob broke into the palace demanding bread • Royal family seized; National Assembly took bolder steps • Passed laws against the church, clergy, and public employees • Some outraged by actions • Feudal dues eliminated • Declaration laid out “liberty, equality, brotherhood” • Inspired by the English Bill of Rights, American Declaration of Independence, and the writings of Enlightenment philosophers • Men are born equal and remain equal under the law • The rights did not extend to women Creating a New Nation

11. Foreign Powers End of Monarchy • Austria and Prussia warned against harming monarchs • Austrian army defeats French • Financial strain of war, food shortages, and high prices • King blamed; action demanded • August 10, 1792 royal family seized by mob • Radical faction took charge with National Convention • Monarchy abolished; France declared a republic Formation of a New Government In 1791, the Legislative Assembly is formed. Citizens gained broad voting rights, but rights were not universal. Constitution restricted power of king and ended distinctions of birth. King and queen feared they would be harmed. French revolutionary troops won the Battle of Valmy. New French republic held ground against Europe’s Old Order.