French Revolution: The beginnings-
Cause of Revolution-
There are four reasons of the French Revolution
Debt- The debt of the French government was around 8 to 12 billion livre (their currency)
Louis XVI spent a lot of money on very luxurious things, instead of being financially responsible.
Also they still had war debts form the seven year's War (with England) 1756-1763
Much of their debt was complied because they weren't exploring like their rival, England.
England was able to use the colonies as a steady source of income.
France had not completely bought into Mercantilism either at this time like Enland had.
Taxation Issues- France, at this time, was heavily involved in trading. (good)
However, to be a great trading country, you cannot have high tariffs, so you need to tax heavily on your people. (bad)
Masses of people of France, not too thrilled with this idea. Also nobles did not pay these taxes.
Failure of reform- Some French "economists" stated that the nobles shoud be included in taxation.
This plan backfired, as peasants had to pay even more than before.
France continued to stick with their economic plan even though they were continuing to go deeper and deeper in debt.
Famine- Crop failure in the 1780's didn't help much either.
Supply and demand occurs here with bread.
Got to the point where peasants thought the crown had wished for them to die (conspiracy)
Guillotine The condemned person is secured at the bottom of the frame, with his or her neck held directly below the blade.
However, it continued to be used long after the Revolution and remained France's standard method until a little more than 30 years ago.
Marie Antoinette- Born in Vienna Austria
Married louis the XVI
Became the Queen of France
Had two sons and two daughters.
Very popular with the people at the beginning of her reign.
At the end of her reign sh was executed by the Guillotine.
Napoleon- Military leader during the later stages of the Revolution.
Became the Emperor of the French in 1804.
Know for Napoleonic code, Height, Battle tactics, waterloo
Comments