- started in 1789 and lasted until 1799
- in the 1700s France and England were considered the most advanced countries in Europe and the world
- Had a large population and a great foreign trade
- much of the world didn't know that France was in extreme debt
Old Regime
- In 1700s the social and political system of France was called the old regime
- Under this there were 3 large social classes called estates
1st estate
- Made up of clergy of the Roman Catholic Church
- had to pay 2 % of their earnings
- Owned 10 percent of the lands in France
- Less than 1% of France
2nd estate
- made up of rich nobles
- held the highest offices in the government in France
- paid 0% of income to taxes
- owned 20 percent of the land
- only 2% of France
3rd estate
- Everyone else
- Had no power
- Had to pay 50% of income/food to taxes
- Resented the first two classes
- Owned 70 percent of the land and 97% of the population
Enlightenment ideals
- The 3rd estate was becoming tired of the Old Regime
- 3rd estate had 3 ideals: equality, liberty, and a democracy
Weak Leader
- Louis XVI (married to Marie Antionette) was a weak leader
- He was very indecisive and paid very little attention to his advisers
- He finally wanted to tax the nobles but they werent happy there so the Estates-General was called
Estates-General
- An assembly of reps from all 3 estates
- Their goal was to approve the new tax system
- Held on May 5th, 1789
- 1st time in about 175 years
- In the past the 3 estates would meet separately and there only be 1 vote per estate
- This allowed 1 and 2 to always beat 3
- The king sided with the nobles again and they were out voted
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