Notes:Chapter 12 Section 1

“The Roots of the French Revolution”

I.) The Old Regime

1st Estate Clergy (less than 1%)

2nd Estate Nobility (less than 2%)

3rd Estate Bourgeoisie & City workers, Artisans, Peasants (about 97%)

II.) Problems & Discontent Begin

Cause: French population RisesEffect: Food Demand Rises & Prices Rise

Cause: Economic conditions changeEffect: Pay Decreases, Rent Rises, 3rd Estate pays

ALL taxes

Cause: Bourgeoisie prosper in 1700’sEffect: Want political power

Cause: 3rd Estate share ideas of reformEffect: Enlightenment ideas of liberty & equality

(natural rights)

III.) The King and Finances

IV.) Meeting of the Estates General

1789 New Idea:Estates General represent “the people” NOT the three

social classes!Cause: Louis XVI wants to raise taxes on ALL Estates!

Outcome: 3rd Estate declares itself the National AssemblyGoal: the adoption of a written constitution for France

Past Practice:Three estates meet separately & each

cast one voteOutcome: 1st & 2nd Estate outvote 3rd

Estate

MARKS THE START OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION!