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Revolution Threatens the French King

Revolution Threatens the French King. I. Background…. 1700s – France seen as most advanced in Europe Unrest: unequal taxes, high prices Questions raised by Enlightenment thinkers American Revolution. Questions:.

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Revolution Threatens the French King

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  1. Revolution Threatens the French King

  2. I. Background… • 1700s – France seen as most advanced in Europe • Unrest: unequal taxes, high prices • Questions raised by Enlightenment thinkers • American Revolution

  3. Questions: • Why do you think other countries would have considered France to be an advanced country? • What kinds of troubles was France having? • How could Enlightenment ideas be dangerous in an unstable country?

  4. II. The Three Estates • 1st Estate: Roman Catholic Church Paid little taxes, held office, DID make strong ties with peasants • 2nd Estate: Rich nobles, owned 20% of land • What do you think this cartoon symbolizes?

  5. 3rd Estate: 98% of population, 3 groups: • Bourgeoisie – merchants, artists ~ educated, rich, wanted privileges • City workers – cooks, servants, etc. ~ low wages, hungry • Peasants – largest group (80% of pop.) ~ ½ of income paid in taxes

  6. Questions: • How did the peasants feel about the clergy? • What did the bourgeoisie want? • Who was paying the most in taxes in France? (How do you think they felt about this?) • What would you do in a situation where you couldn’t afford to buy food for you or your family?

  7. III. The Forces of Change • Enlightenment Ideas/ American Revolution inspired Third Estate • Economic troubles – business declining, cost of living increasing, heavy taxes, government in debt, Mary Antoinette spending… • Louis XVI a weak leader, borrowed more $ • King called called a meeting of the Estates-General on May 5, 1789 at Versailles to address budget crisis

  8. Questions: • How would you feel about your leaders if they were lavishly spending money while you were broke? • Pretend that you are Louis XVI. What laws would you make to fix the problems in France? • What do you predict will happen at the meeting of the Estates-General?

  9. Three Estates meet, each has 1 vote Third Estate wanted each delegate to have a vote King ordered old rules Third Estate created the National Assembly, new government Tennis Court Oath – new constitution, joined by other members of first two estates One Vote EACH IV. Dawn of the Revolution 3 2 1

  10. Questions: • Who do you think should have the right to vote in America? (Should children?) • Why do you think many members of the First and Second Estates joined the National Assembly?

  11. V. A Great Fear Sweeps France • July 14, 1789 mob stormed the Bastille (Paris prison) to get arms (afraid of rumors); killed guards, celebrated today • Rumors that nobles hired outlaws to attack peasants, created Great Fear, destroyed property – feudal documents • October, Paris women rioted over bread, took royal family back to Paris

  12. Questions: • Why did the mob attack the Bastille? What significance does it have today for France? • What would you have done if you were a noble in France during the Great Fear? What would you have done if you were a peasant?

  13. Timeline of Causes of the French RevolutionDraw a picture and explain the significance underneath each event to help you remember it. 1700s: Enlightenment Philosophes challenge Old Order 1780s: France suffers from crushing debt May 20, 1789: Tennis Court Oath – Creation of National Assembly Late July, 1789: Great Fear 1776: American Revolution May 5, 1789: Meeting of Estates General July 14, 1789: Storming of the Bastille October 5,1789: Bread Riot of the Women

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