The French Revolution

1. The French Revolution CAUSES OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION

2. What is the French Revolution? • Common People overthrew a king and form a new government in the one of the most powerful and wealthy countries in the world (The only time in history) • First time a Monarchy and Nobility were replaced by democracy and popular rule • Freedom and Individual Rights become government priorities • The ideas of the enlightenment become a reality

3. The Legacy of the French Revolution • Things almost immediately go wrong • Violence then Chaos • War and Public executions by the Thousands • Dictatorship then even more war • In the end, after 20 years of insanity, a new kings is appointed in France and the revolution ends • However, the revolution does not die, the ideas live on and act as the foundation for many of the political and social changes of the 19th century

4. The Enlightenment • The ideas of the Enlightenment were the foundation of the complaints against the king • They were also the foundation for the concept that a government could be ruled by the people for the people • The enlightenment suggested that people have natural rights that should be protected and that a government that disregards these rights rules illegally • The enlightenment was not the greatest source of anger in the people, however, it was a very important cause

5. The American Revolution • The success of the American revolution proved that democracy could work and that common people could rise to power • It acted as a model • Most importantly, French troops fought beside Americans in the Revolution • These troops fought, suffered and died for the cause of Freedom. Then they came home to absolutism and oppression • If they could fight for the freedom of others, then they could fight for their own freedom

6. Bankruptcy • France had been involved in many costly wars during the reigns of Louis the 14th, 15th and 16th • They had recently fought, and lost, the seven years war • They had sent soldiers, naval vessels and money to support he American revolution • In addition, the King and the nobility were spending enormous amounts on luxury • France was completely bankrupt!

8. Louis the 16th • Louis was a weak ruler • Although he was well liked and popular, he lacked the ability to be ruthless • Not highly intellegent • Was easily influenced, especially by his wife, Marie Antionette

9. Interesting Facts about Louis • Louis had phimosis, a problem which prevented him from having intercourse –easily fixed by circumcision – he was married for 7 years before he had intercourse with his wife – this causes permanent problems between husband and wife • Louis was called a “fat, ill-breed boy” by his Father’s mistresses, most agreed he did not have the qualities to be a leader • Louis was very good at manual labour - interested in locks – he fiddled with the palace locks in his spare time – he admitted privately that he wished he could live a simple life as a locksmith • Many thought Louis was a drunk – however, he did not drink excessively – he would often eat to the point of collapse

10. Marie Antoinette • Marie was married when she was only 13 • Although she was an attractive, intelligent and cultured girl, she received no attention from her husband • She fell into loneliness and depression • She was also hated by the French people, she was blamed for the Royal couples lack of Children • To combat her situation, Marie turned to a extravagant and pleasure seeking lifestyle • She often influenced Louis to create policy that would favour her and her rich friends • For example: Marie Antoinette was influential in preventing the King from reforming the tax system • She never said “Let them eat Cake!” - a myth based on writing of Rousseau – Marie was only 9 when the book was published • However, Marie was not a villain – she was in fact dedicated to helping the poor through charity – however, she became a symbol of the extravagance of royal life and was a target of the revolutionaries

11. The Estate System • The People of France were divided into 3 Estates • The First Estate was the clergy • Approximately 100,000 people • The Second Estate was the Nobility • Approximately 400,000 people • Both did not have to pay taxes • Most lived in great luxury in chateaux and palaces • The Nobles had almost complete authority over the peasants • They collected tolls for usage of the roads, markets, mills, ovens and winepresses • Were not required to do Military Service • Despite all their privileges, they were politically unimportant since the time of Louis the 14th • Several attempts were made to tax the nobility, but Louis was to weak to implement it

12. The Third Estate • 90% of the Population • Forced to do military service • Forced to pay taxes and tolls to the King, Nobility and Clergy – economically crushing • Denied important positions in the government and Army • Were not allowed to hunt to supplement the diet • Not all the third estate were peasants – many in France were educated – doctors, lawyers, merchants, middle class workers - shared the same fate as the country folk

15. The Harvest Crisis • This was the spark that set off the firestorm • Very few fruits and vegetables were being produced by France’s farms • The price of produce, especially wheat and bread were very high • Despite the crisis, taxes continued to rise to combat the national debt • The people of France were starving • They began to protest and soon became violent