The French revolution, Events that led to the revolution. Flashcards
What caused the people to start a revolution?
There were many things about the political system and social structure that people in France didn’t like. And they were influenced by new ideas about freedom and equality.
What is a revolution?
A revolution is a time when great or dramatic change happens.
What is an absolute monarchy?
This means that the king has the rights to appoint all government ministers, and make all the decisions and laws.
What was France’s economic situation?
France was in debt because of all the wars it had been involved in and the gov had borrowed money to finance the war. France even had to borrow more money just to pay the interest on the debts.
Who paid the taxes?
The nobles and the church didn’t have to pay taxes. all the taxes were paid by the middle class and the peasants.
Social structure
The first estate:
Was royalty and the clergy: people who worked for the roman catholic church, the main religion in France. The church owned lots of land and was very wealthy.
The second estate:
Were the nobles who had inherited their wealth and privileges. Nobles held all the main positions in the Church, the army and the government.
The third estate:
Was 98% of the population and consisted of the middle class, city workers and peasants. They were very critical of the other 2 estates.
Why was the third estate upset?
-They were frustrated by the lack of opportunity and lack of political power.
-Free speech and Criticism of the king and church wasn’t allowed.
-Third estate would be sentenced to more cruel forms of punishment.
What were the lives of pesants like?
-Most peasant farmers worked on land owned by the church and the nobles.
-They paid 80% of their earnings in taxes and paid taxes to the church and their landlords.
-The peasants become desperate.
The spread of new ideas
What was believed about king?
People accepted the “divine right of kings”, which meant that they believed the king was chosen by God.
What ideas did philosophers have?
One the philosophers, Voltaire, criticized the church of being corrupt and worldly. He also spoke out against injustice.
Other philosophers stressed the need for a parliament elected by the people.
Why was the philosopher Rousseau popular?
The call for liberty, equality and fraternity which became the slogan of the revolution was inspired by his writings.
How did the American war influence France and it’s economy?
-New ideas about the government also came from America.
-The cost of sending the army to fight in the US caused the country to go bankrupt.
-The situation was made worse by poor harvest, food shortages and rising bread prices.
What was the king’s response?
The king decided to call the estates general to a meeting to raise taxes.
-They had not met for 175 years.
-The people thought that change was going to happen and became excited and hopeful.
