The French Revolution 1789-1815
1. Moderate Phase-National Assembly
2. Radical Phase-Reign of Terror
3. Reaction-Directory
4. Age of Napoleon
The Three Estates
First Estate- CLERGY
-considered highest on the social ladder -possessed an enormous amount of power -made up .5% of the population -owned 10% of all the land in France *Not required to pay taxes*
Second Estate- NOBLES -made up 1.5% of the population -the richest of the nobility held top jobs in government, army, courts *Not required to pay taxes* Although the Second Estate was considered to be the nobility there were some that were poor, many had some wealth, and a few were filthy rich. Both the First Estate and Second Estate did not want anything to change in France unless there was chance they could gain more political power.
Third Estate - EVERYONE ELSE It consisted of 98% of the population and many different groups of people.
It Included the BOURGEOISIE: (Top of the middle class) such as -bankers-merchants-lawyers-doctors-journalists-professors.
Middle of the Bourgeoisie: PEASANTS=9 out of 10 people in class.
Bottom of the 3rd estate= CITY WORKERS overworked and underpaid people. They had the worst living conditions and no say in politics. They became known as the sans culottes because of the way they dressed and their support for the French Revolution. The third Estate were REQUIRED TO PAY TAXES.
ENLIGHTENMENT-people start to question the inequalities of French society. Why should the 1st & 2nd Estates enjoy privileges at the expense of the 3rd Estate? Doesn’t meet the test of reason according to the teachings of the Enlightenment.
French Revolution Begins-
ECONOMIC CRISIS Happens
French government begins Deficit spending. The government was spending more than it takes in. As a result they are heavily in debt. Debt was caused by:
WEAK LEADERSHIP -Louis XIV-responsible for most of France’s debt -Louis XV-only made debt worse -Louis XVI- weak & indecisive wouldn’t stand up to the 1st & 2nd Estates.
1. Moderate Phase-National Assembly
2. Radical Phase-Reign of Terror
3. Reaction-Directory
4. Age of Napoleon
The Three Estates
First Estate- CLERGY
-considered highest on the social ladder -possessed an enormous amount of power -made up .5% of the population -owned 10% of all the land in France *Not required to pay taxes*
Second Estate- NOBLES -made up 1.5% of the population -the richest of the nobility held top jobs in government, army, courts *Not required to pay taxes* Although the Second Estate was considered to be the nobility there were some that were poor, many had some wealth, and a few were filthy rich. Both the First Estate and Second Estate did not want anything to change in France unless there was chance they could gain more political power.
Third Estate - EVERYONE ELSE It consisted of 98% of the population and many different groups of people.
It Included the BOURGEOISIE: (Top of the middle class) such as -bankers-merchants-lawyers-doctors-journalists-professors.
Middle of the Bourgeoisie: PEASANTS=9 out of 10 people in class.
Bottom of the 3rd estate= CITY WORKERS overworked and underpaid people. They had the worst living conditions and no say in politics. They became known as the sans culottes because of the way they dressed and their support for the French Revolution. The third Estate were REQUIRED TO PAY TAXES.
ENLIGHTENMENT-people start to question the inequalities of French society. Why should the 1st & 2nd Estates enjoy privileges at the expense of the 3rd Estate? Doesn’t meet the test of reason according to the teachings of the Enlightenment.
French Revolution Begins-
ECONOMIC CRISIS Happens
French government begins Deficit spending. The government was spending more than it takes in. As a result they are heavily in debt. Debt was caused by:
- war-American Revolution
- Loans-need to be paid back with interest
- -poor harvestsnot enough foodprices soarhunger
- extravagant spending
- Louis XIV built the Palace at Versailles
WEAK LEADERSHIP -Louis XIV-responsible for most of France’s debt -Louis XV-only made debt worse -Louis XVI- weak & indecisive wouldn’t stand up to the 1st & 2nd Estates.