The French Revolution

Enlightenment Inspires Revolution

The Glorious Revolution– England 1689– Why = Protestant religion in

England threatened by Catholic King James II

– Result = Protestant William of Orange becomes King

• Constitutional Monarchy = powers of the King limited by the laws of the country

The American RevolutionThe American Revolution– North America, 1776-1783 – Why = American colonists

wanted independence from English rule

– Result = United States of America formed

• Representative Government = citizens elect leaders to make / enforce laws

The 1st & 2nd Estates• 1st Estate =

– Roman Catholic Clergy (Priests & Bishops)

– 1% of population– Owned %10 of land– Collected taxes from church

members

• 2nd Estate = – French Nobles– 2% of population– Collected taxes from

peasants on their land

• Both did not pay taxes

The 3rd Estate

• 97% of the population

• Doctors, lawyers, businessmen (Bourgeoise)

• Working class (Factory, skilled workers)

• Peasants (Poor farmers)

• Had no “voice” in government

• Paid all the taxes

Enlightenment Sparks Revolution!

• France is in trouble…– Huge Debt $$$– Louis XVI weak leader

• The Estates-General– Meeting of all 3 estates– Each Estate had 1 vote (1st &

2nd had advantage)

• Tennis Court Oath = 3rd estate vowed to form a new constitution for France

Violence Erupts in France

• Storming of the Bastille = Symbol of Monarchy destroyed by 3rd Estate

• The Great Fear = A wave of panic spread through French countryside

• The Reign of Terror = 1793-1794 Mass executions of “traitors” to the Revolution– Robespierre ruled as dictator– Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette

executed