Chapter 18 The French Revolution And Napoleon 1789-1815

1. Chapter 18 The French Revolution And Napoleon 1789-1815

2. Section 1 The French Revolution Begins

3. A. Background to the Revolution • French society had changed little since the Middle Ages. 1. France’s Three Estates Population had been divided by law into one of three status groups or estates. • a. First Estate was the clergy and they controlled most of the land. • b. Second estate-was the nobles, played a crucial role in society. Neither of these classes had to pay the TALLE(Frances chief tax).

4. c. Third Estate- anyone from lowliest peasant to the wealthiest merchant. Divided by vast differences in occupation, level of education, and wealth. • All peasants owed certain duties to the nobles. • Urban workers made up part of this estate. The price of consumer goods increased much faster than wages, which left this group with decreased buying power. • The BURGEOISE, middle class, was another part of the Third estate. They were unhappy with the privileges of the nobles. Yet nobles and bourgeoisie both were drawn by enlightenment ideas. The middle class will lead in the problems against Louis XVI.

5. Society: Social order strain • 3rd Estate : 98% of the population • 9 out of 10 were peasants • Forced to pay taille – no voice in government 3rd Estate : Commoners (Bourgeoisie to Peasants) 1st Estate : Clergy 2nd Estate : Nobility

6. 2. Financial Crisis • Social conditions formed a long standing background to revolution. Immediate cause of the revolutions was the near collapse of the French budget. • Kings continued to spend money on wars and court luxuries. Marie Antoinette was well known for her spending. • On the verge of bankruptcy the king was forced to call an Estates General meeting.

7. B. From Estate-General to National Assembly • Third Estate wanted first and second to pay taxes. • Were arguments about voting, traditionally each estate had one vote. • The Third Estate demanded that all people present get a vote. The King favored the present system. The Third Estate declared it was the National Assembly and would draft a constitution-Known as TENNIS COURTOATH. The king was prepared to use force against them. • On July 14, 1789, people of Paris stormed the BASTILLE to set free prisoners and get ammo. Price of bread had reached record highs. Meanwhile, all over France, revolts broke out. Popular hatred of the entire landholding system had finally spilled over into action. GREAT FEAR started.

8. C. End of the Old Regime • National Assembly decided to abolish all legal privileges of nobles and clergy. 1. Declaration of the Rights of Man • Inspired by Declaration of Independence-had basic rights listed. All men were free and equal before the law. Should this include women?

9. 2. The King Concedes • Louis XVI remained at Versailles. He refused to accept the National Assembly. In October, Parisian women marched to Versailles. Made the king and queen come to Paris to show support for the National Assembly. They brought wagons of flour from the public storehouse. There is no fury as harsh as that of a women- History has proven it !!!! 1789

10. 3. Church Reform • Felt had to reform church as well. • There was a need for money and by seizing and selling off Church lands the National Assembly was able to increase the states revenues. • The Church was formally brought under the control of state. Passed law called the CIVIL CONSTITUTION OF THE CLERGY. Bishops and priests were to be elected by people. Many Catholics became enemies of the revolution.

11. 4. New Constitution and New Fears • Constitution of 1791 set up a limited monarchy. Was still a king but a Legislature Assembly would make the laws. New government did not have full support. The royal family attempted to flee France in Disguise. He was caught and put on trial.

12. 5. War with Austria • Rulers of Austria and Prussia threatened to use force to restore Louis XVI to throne. • Legislative Assembly declared war on Austria. 6. Rise of the Paris Commune • Angry citizens demonstrated to protest food shortages and defeats in the war. • Created a COMMUNE- a popularly run city council- and organized a mob attack on the royal palace. Revolution was entering a more radical state. Paris Commune took control of king and began a call for National Convention. All members elected by universal male suffrage. Many members of the Paris Commune proudly called themselves SANS-CULOTTES (without breeches).

13. Section 1 Review • Status group • Estate • Popularly run city council • Commune • Merchants, bankers, industrialists, professionals • Bourgeoise • The Second Estate owned 25-30 % of the land, held high positions in the gov’t and military, and did not do what?

14. Section 1 Review • Pay taxes • The Paris Commune demonstrated, then seized power because : defeats in war with Prussia, anger with the monarchy, and economic what? • Shortages • The National assembly’s Constitution of 1791 set up what kind of monarchy? • limited

15. Section 1 Review • The Paris Bastille was what? • An armory and prison • The Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen proclaimed: freedom of speech, freedom of press, and an end to what? • Tax exemptions • France’s chief tax • taille

16. Section 1 Review • “without breeches,” members of the Paris Commune • Sans-culottes