The French Revolution
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Transcript of The French Revolution
USA
American Revolution
Severe Weather
Spending by Government
Well….
Most of France
• People starting raising questions based on the Enlightenment ideas of Rousseau and Voltaire
• Owned 10% of land
• Exempt from taxes
• Only contributed 2% of income to the government
• One for you, five for me: Privilege (private law)
• Though less than 2% of population, controlled over 20% of land
• Oh yeah, exempt from taxes
• Scorned enlightenment ideas
• Kind of place that would annoy you if you are a peasant who is starving
• 98% of people– 80% peasants– 18% Bourgeoisie and Urban
Lower Class• Without birthright, you
weren’t allowed to reach the top, however good you were
• Taxes!– Poll tax– Salt tax– Tenth tax– Tax in kind (go work on roads for a
few days)
• 98% of people– 80% peasants– 18% Bourgeoisie and Urban
Lower Class• Without birthright, you
weren’t allowed to reach the top, however good you were
• Taxes!– Poll tax– Salt tax– Tenth tax– Tax in kind (go work on roads for a
few days)
• Facing national bankruptcy, Louis XIV decides to call a meeting
• The Estates General– Representatives from all 3 Estates
– May 5, 1789 at Versailles• 1st meeting in 175 years
• Meeting hits a snag: According to old rules, each estate gets 1 vote• 3rd estate will never win!
• “We’re not the 3rd anything! We’re the French Nation!”
• Name change: • 3rd estate to National
Assembly• So when everyone took a
15 minute break, the king locked them out.
• New Meeting Location– Indoor tennis court
• Tennis Court Oath– Pledge a new
constitution
• Laid down basic rights to which every Frenchman is entitled
• Marquis de Lafayette played major role in promoting this
• After Louis tried to escape, the Committee of Public Safety was formed.– Note: Did not make
the public safe
• Law of Suspects– No proof, lawyers, or
fair trials needed!
• Law of Maximum• Bakers and grocers executed
for charging too much
• Enter Dr. Guillotine– The speedy and humane
way to kill!