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The Revolution Begins

The Revolution Begins. Context. France was nearly bankrupt. There was widespread unemployment and starvation. Crowds in Paris rioted over the high price of bread. Louis XVI called the Estates General , for the first time since 1614. Estates General. Composed of of three estates:

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The Revolution Begins

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  1. The Revolution Begins

  2. Context • France was nearly bankrupt. • There was widespread unemployment and starvation. • Crowds in Paris rioted over the high price of bread. • Louis XVI called the Estates General, for the first time since 1614.

  3. Estates General • Composed of of three estates: • First Estate: Clergy • Second Estate: Nobility • Third Estate: Middle Class • Met only as a result of royal order • Last meeting had been in 1614! • The first two estates could outvote the Third Estate 2:1 • Ordered to meet in Versailles in 1789

  4. The Third Estate Breaks Away • After six weeks of no progress, the 3rd Estate broke away. • Led by Colonel Mirabeau, they declared that they would form a new government, the National Assembly • They wanted a new constitution for France. • They retreated to the royal tennis courts after the king tried to lock them out of their meeting rooms.

  5. The Tennis Court Oath • They took the Tennis Court Oath, vowing to continue meeting until France had a new form of government. • Louis backed down and ordered the other two estates to join the National Assembly.

  6. The Revolution Takes a Life of Its Own • Riots continue in the cities over the high price of bread. • Louis XVI sends in foreign troops to put down the riots. • July 14, 1789: a mob attacks and captures the Bastille, the royal fortress and prison • Parisians form a new army, the National Guard • It is commanded by Marquis de Lafayette, who fought in the American Revolution

  7. The Revolution Triumphs • August 4, 1789: The National Assembly abolishes all feudal rights and priveleges. • All people are now equal before the law. • Crowds of women march to Versailles, to bring the king to Paris.

  8. The Declaration of Rights of Man and the Citizen • Passed by the National Assembly. • Like the American Declaration of Independence. • Sets out basic rights that governments must respect. • Influenced by Locke, Voltaire, Rousseau and Monstesquieu. • Guaranteed freedom of thought, speech, religion, security and property. • Limits the power of government.

  9. The New Constitution • All noble titles abolished. • Everyone is given the title “citizen”. • Louis XVI becomes “Citizen Louis Capet”. • The government seizes control of the Church and its property

  10. Louis Tries to Flee • Many aristocrats had left for other countries • Louis decides to join them. • He tries to obtain foreign aid to restore the monarchy. • This proves that he does not support the revolution, and cannot be trusted. • June 21, 1791: The royal family is discovered trying to flee, at Varennes • They are placed under house arrest

  11. The Legislative Assembly • Convenes for the first time on October 1, 1791. • They are divided between the right and left wings. • Right wing (moderates): wanted a constitutional monarchy. • Left wing (radicals): wanted a republic. • These terms are still used today to describe political differences.

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