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The French Revolution

Opening Stages. The French Revolution. The Estates General is called. In 1788, Louis 16 th called the Estates General A gathering of Representatives of all three estates Had not been done since 1615 To many, this symbolized the failure of the current government

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The French Revolution

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  1. Opening Stages The French Revolution

  2. The Estates General is called • In 1788, Louis 16th called the Estates General • A gathering of Representatives of all three estates • Had not been done since 1615 • To many, this symbolized the failure of the current government • The meeting took place in May 1789 in the palace if Versailles • During the year long preparation, the representatives of each estate were chosen • As part of tradition, the representatives were asked to draft complaints or grievences (cahiers de doleances) • This was the first time most people got a chance to express themselves and a lot of anger and frustration was openly discussed for the first time

  3. What is the Third Estate? • Written by Abbe Emanuel Joseph Sieyes in January 1789, in response to the calling of the Estates General • In it, Sieyesaskes and answers 3 questions:What is the Third Estate? Everything. What has it been until now in the political order? Nothing.What does it ask? To become something. • He continues to say that the 3rd estate is, in fact, a complete nation, and that the other 2 estates are simply “Dead Weight” • Seiyes also suggests that the Estates General should be reorganized to recognize the importance and numerical superiority of the 3rd estates

  4. The Estates General Meets • When the meeting was called, all three estates were frustrated as Louis had no agenda or proposals for discussion • Louis also brought a large contingent of troops to the meeting – seen by some as an attempt to intimidate • There were 600 representatives of the 3rd estates, 300 representatives of the 2nd estate and 300 representatives of the 1st estate • The 3rd Estate wanted each representative to get a vote but the others insisted on the current system where each estate gets a vote • Knowing that all there proposals would be defeated a frustrated 3rd estates decides to act • The openly declare themselves a NATIONAL ASSEMBLY • They claimed that since they represent 96% of the population, they are a true parliament • They wanted to create a constitutional monarchy (similar to England) • The King responded by kicking them out

  5. The Tennis Court Oath • The representatives of the 3rd estate wander into an indoor tennis court • They promise to continue to meet until France has a constitution

  6. The Storming of the Bastille • While the Estates General was meeting, the people of Paris were rebelling • Fuelled by starvation and the dismissal of France’s Minister of Economics (who was asking for a revision of France’s tax system), a mob formed • Members of the Paris Guards joined the people • They fought off an attempt by Cavalry officers to break them up • The stormed a military outpost and stole thousands of muskets, however, they had no powder or shot • They turned to the Bastille, a political prison and symbol of Royal authority • They fight though the Prison defences (including cannon fire), break in, free the prisoners, murder the guards and place their heads on Pikes • They also take a large stash of powder and shot for their muskets

  7. The King reacts • The King hears of what is happening in Paris • He believes that he is losing control of the people and the Army • He also believes that this was partially caused by the removal of the 3rd estate from the Estates General • In desperation, the King decides to recognized the representatives of the 3rd Estate as a national assembly, and grants them political power • The first stage of the French Revolution is over!

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