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The French Revolution

The French Revolution. How and Why the Revolution Happened. Why it happened. Three Estates in France 98% of the population Paid Taxes No say in government 90% were peasants with very little to their name. Why it happened.

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The French Revolution

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  1. The French Revolution How and Why the Revolution Happened

  2. Why it happened • Three Estates in France • 98% of the population • Paid Taxes • No say in government • 90% were peasants with very little to their name

  3. Why it happened King Louis XVI ruled as an absolute monarch. He held ALL the power

  4. Why it happened Bread shortages (“Let them eat cake”) Bad harvests Bankrupt country

  5. Trying to make it better • In 1788, King Louis called for representatives of the three estates to meet with him. • He was bankrupt and wanted to impose more taxes. • The third estate used this meeting as an opportunity to tell the king about all the abuses they suffered. They hoped for change. • The king, instead of listening, locked them out.

  6. The Response The Third Estate, led by Robespierre, met in the Tennis Court, and promised to do what it takes to make life better for them

  7. The Revolution Starts July 14, 1789 Paris Mob stormed the Bastille, a prison The governor of the prison was killed The soldiers there refused to interfere

  8. The Power of the Third Estate • A National Guard was formed to counteract the king’s army • “The Declaration of the Rights of Man” was passed on August 4, 1789. • This Law gave rights to the third estate – no more church taxes, no feudal dues, and rights to hold office • This Law gave no rights to women or slaves • A New Constitution was drafted providing a new form of government.

  9. The Role of the King • King Louis XVI at first claimed he would support the new constitution, but he attempted to flee France to get support to overthrow the revolution. • The King was put on trial in 1792 and charged with 33 counts of treason: • Bankrupting the nation • Plotting against the revolution • Trying to flee • Helping the Austrian invasion of France

  10. The King Dies Louix XVI was found guilty He was guillotined January 21, 1793. Over the next 2 years, another 30,000 people would be guillotined, including Marie Antoinette. It would take another 30 years before France would become free of dictatorship.

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