Aim: Why was France unhappy with absolute leadership?

Do Now – Describe conditions in France under Louis XIV.

Watch the video; What are the causes of the French Revolution?

France Moves Towards a Revolution

In 1789 the hungry, unemployed, and poorly paid people of France

began to rebel against the old regime.

1. How was the social order of France set up in 1789?

1. a. The First Estate

98% of the people of France

- Everyone Else

- Nobles

- Clergy

c. The Third Estate

b. The Second Estate

The Bourgeoisie The Sans Culottes

2. What were some complaints of the Third Estate in 1789?

2. a. best jobs reserved for nobles

e. rising prices of bread – caused starvation and riots

d. only the nobles were permitted to hunt

c. peasants taxed on everythingb. miserable wages for urban workers

3. How did King Louis XVI try to help the situation?

3. called a meeting of the Estates General in May 1789 – first time in 175 years

4. How did the Third Estate begin to change things?

4. Claimed that they represented the people of France and formed the National Assembly

5. What was the Tennis Court Oath?5. a. National Assembly vowed to “establish a sound and just constitution”

b. many nobles and clergy joined

6. What was the Storming of the Bastille?

6. a. 800+ citizens of Paris took over the Bastille- a medieval fort and prison

b. still celebrate Bastille Day – July 14

The Storming of the Bastille became the ultimate symbol of the battle against tyranny

and the first step toward freedom in France.

The End