The French Revolution

1. The French Revolution

2. Political Causes • Absolutism - French Kings ruled with absolute power. • The Enlightenment - The Philosophers of the Enlightenment promoted democracy and wrote about the abuses of French Kings. • The success of the Puritan andAmerican Revolutions inspired the French to challenge the king.

3. Social Causes • The First and Second Estateshad rights and privileges denied to the Third Estate. • A rigid class system created inequality. • The rise of the Bourgeoisie: 1. The wealthy and educated middle class resented their status. 2. The Bourgeoisie became the leaders of the revolution.

4. Economic Causes • Taxation - The First and Second Estate did not pay taxes. • Bad Harvests - led to severe food shortages. • France was bankrupt.

5. Louis XVI • Reigned from 1774 to 1793. • A financial crisis forced Louis to call a meeting of the Estates General.

6. Marie Antoinette • Marie Antoinette was the daughter of Maria Theresa of Austria. • Her marriage to Louis served to seal an alliance between France and the Hapsburgs.

7. The Hamlet • The Hamlet was built by Marie Antoinette at Versailles. • At the Hamlet Marie Antoinette could play-act the role of a peasant.

8. The Third Estate • At the meeting of the Estates General the Third Estate demands a more democratic National Assembly. • Louis rejects their demands and locls them out.

9. The Tennis Court Oath • The Third Estate reconvenes on a tennis court. • The Third Estate vows to stay together until a constitution is created.

10. The Bastille • On July 14, 1789 a mob storms and captures the Bastille. • The old regime ends and the French Revolution has begun.

11. The National Assembly • The National Assembly is created. • Temporary Gov’t. • Suspends the privileges of the 1st and 2nd estates. • A constitution is written with a limited monarchy.

12. Declaration of the Rights of Man • The National Assembly adopts the Declaration of the Rights of Man. • Guaranteed all men: Were born free and with equal rights, liberty, property, and security.

13. Political Groups • Girondins were the moderates. • Supported a Limited monarchy. • Jacobins were the radicals. • Favored a republic.

14. The Flight to Varennes • On June 20, 1791 Louis and his family attempt to flee France. • Louis was caught and returned to Paris on June 25, 1791.

15. The Execution of Louis XVI • Neighboring countries invade France. • Believing Louis conspired with the invasion and fearing a return to absolutism Louis is executed on January 21, 1793.

16. Life, Liberty, and Fraternity • Life • Liberty • Fraternity became the rallying cry of the French Revolution.

17. Maximilien Robespierre • Robespierre became a powerful force within the Jacobins. • Robespierre’s and the Jacobins controlled France during The Terror. • The Jacobins formed The Committee of Public Safety

18. The Terror • The Committee of Public Safety virtually governed France for a year. • During this time anyone suspected of being disloyal to the revolution were hunted down, tried, and executed.

19. Marie Antoinette • Marie Antoinette was accused of conspiring with Austria to overthrow the revolution. • She was found guilty of treason and guillotined in October 1793.

20. The Terror • In fear for their own lives members of the Committee eventually turn against Robespierre and he is guillotined in July 1794.

21. The Directory1795-1799 • After the death the Jacobins are overthrown. • Moderates again control France. • France recieves a new government called The Directory.

22. Results of the French Revolution • Democratic ideals of: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. • Nationalism • Influenced other people to seek democratic governments.