French Revolution 
CAUSES OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
1.
Describe the leadership of Louis XVI (16th) of France.
indecisive leader/ easily persuaded
put off financial problems.
French support for the colonists in the American War of Independence had brought the country to the verge of bankruptcy
agreed to summon the 'estatesgeneral' (a form of parliament, but without real power) in order to try and raise taxes.
people were angered by Louis' refusal to allow the three estates the first (clergy), second (nobles) and third (commons) to meet simultaneously, the Third Estate proclaimed itself a national assembly, declaring that only it had the right to represent the nation.
king intended to suppress the assembly provoked the popular storming of the Bastille prison
attempted to escape,considered proof of treason
forced to accept a new constitution, thereby establishing a constitutional monarchy.
executed at the guillotine on 21 January 1793
1. Describe the lifestyle and habits of Marie Antoinette.
accusations of frivolity, extravagance and scandalous behaviour
discredited the monarchy
Spent most of her time with her stylists and getting her hair done
Spent so much money in gambling and things
3.
Which war drove France into debt?
The French and Indian war (seven years war)
4.
What other factors made life difficult for the French people in 1789?
5.
The vast majority of the population were peasants who worked and lived on the land. had to pay feudal dues in money and in kind to the lord of the manor tithes, payable in kind, to the church. obliged to use the lord’s mill, bread oven and wine press rather than have their own and to allow him to hunt freely on their land. tried and judged in a court presided over by their lord
How did the Enlightenment affect the thinking of the middle class (aka bourgeoisie) of
France?
nobility were an exclusive group who enjoyed various tax
1.
Describe the leadership of Louis XVI (16th) of France.
indecisive leader/ easily persuaded
put off financial problems.
French support for the colonists in the American War of Independence had brought the country to the verge of bankruptcy
agreed to summon the 'estatesgeneral' (a form of parliament, but without real power) in order to try and raise taxes.
people were angered by Louis' refusal to allow the three estates the first (clergy), second (nobles) and third (commons) to meet simultaneously, the Third Estate proclaimed itself a national assembly, declaring that only it had the right to represent the nation.
king intended to suppress the assembly provoked the popular storming of the Bastille prison
attempted to escape,considered proof of treason
forced to accept a new constitution, thereby establishing a constitutional monarchy.
executed at the guillotine on 21 January 1793
1. Describe the lifestyle and habits of Marie Antoinette.
accusations of frivolity, extravagance and scandalous behaviour
discredited the monarchy
Spent most of her time with her stylists and getting her hair done
Spent so much money in gambling and things
3.
Which war drove France into debt?
The French and Indian war (seven years war)
4.
What other factors made life difficult for the French people in 1789?
5.
The vast majority of the population were peasants who worked and lived on the land. had to pay feudal dues in money and in kind to the lord of the manor tithes, payable in kind, to the church. obliged to use the lord’s mill, bread oven and wine press rather than have their own and to allow him to hunt freely on their land. tried and judged in a court presided over by their lord
How did the Enlightenment affect the thinking of the middle class (aka bourgeoisie) of
France?
nobility were an exclusive group who enjoyed various tax