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!