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Home , Bastille, Estates General (France)

Chapter 28 Notes

The Louis XVI Of The Three Estates of France An “Estate” is another name for Social Class

The First Estate were 1st 1% of population/ paid no

The Second Estate were 2nd 1% of population/ paid Nobles 1% of income in taxes 3rd

The Third Estate were the Middle and Lower Classes

98% of population Paid 50% of income in taxes May 5, 1789 The First Estates General Is Called in 175 Years • General was a national assembly in which each of the three social classes of France (estates) were represented – The Church, the Nobles, and the Middle & Lower Classes • The Estates General was not a democratic assembly – Although each Estate got to vote, 98% of Frenchmen in the Third Estate were always outvoted by the First and Second Estates

June 17, 1789 The Third Estate creates the National Assembly • The Third Estate was angry about always being outvoted in the Estates General by the Nobles and Clergy – They decided to create a legislative body of their own • After several stirring speeches, the Third Estate voted to create the National Assembly Seating Arrangements at the National Assembly in France

Supporters of no Supporters of changes in the radical changes French in the French Supporters of small government changes in the French (keeping the government Status Quo) Liberal Moderate Conservative

Left side Center Right side

June 20, 1789 The National Assembly takes the

• After being locked out of the Estates General meeting, delegates of the Third Estate met in an indoor tennis court – They pledged not to leave until they had drawn up a new

July 14, 1789 French Citizens Storm the • The Bastille was a prison in France that held political opponents of the king – It symbolized the Old Regime • On July 14, Parisians stormed the Bastille to get gunpowder – This symbolized the fall of the Old Regime August 4, 1789 The End of the Old Regime • The Old Regime was the name given to the social order that gave special privileges to the Nobles and Clergy • Nobles and Clergy met with the National Assembly to discuss the Third Estates demands – They agreed to end the privileges of the First and Second Estates • Peasants were made equal with Nobles August 27, 1789 Declaration of the Rights of man is adopted by the National Assembly • Who adopted this declaration? – The National Assembly, composed mostly of the 3rd estate • Why was the declaration adopted? – They wanted to sweep away the Old Regime’s privileges • What did the declaration state? – “All men are born and remain free and equal in rights” – “the aim of all political association is the preservation of the natural … rights of man” June 1791 Louis XVI tries to escape from France • Why did Louis XVI try to escape from France? – Advisors of the king warned that he and his family were in danger • What resulted in the attempted escape – On his way to the Austrian Netherlands he was recognized by a postmaster and returned to under guard – Radicals were further enraged by Louis attempted escape September 1791 The new Constitution creates the Legislative Assembly • Why was the Legislative Assembly created? – To further limit the power of the monarchy • How was the Legislative Assembly created? – The National Assembly created a new constitution and handed power over to the Legislative Assembly • What powers did the Legislative Assembly have? – Created to make laws and approve wars April 1792 France goes to war with Austria and Prussia

• Why did France go to war? – Austria and Prussia wanted France to restore the Old Regime • They feared revolution would spread to their countries • What resulted from the fighting? – Prussia threatened to destroy Paris if king Louis XVI was harmed – Parisians responded by storming the royal palace and taking the king and his family prisoner July 25, 1792 Louis XVI and his family are imprisoned • How were Louis XVI and his family captured? – An angry mob of 20,000 men stormed the palace and took Louis and his family prisoner • Why were they taken prisoner? – Parisians were angry at the Prussians for threatening to destroy Paris if the king was harmed August 1792 The Jacobin Club Spreads Terror • What was the Jacobin Club? – It was a the most radical of all French political clubs • Who were the leaders? – Jean Paul Marat and Georges Danton • What did they do? – Kill enemies of the revolution

September 21, 1792 France is Declared a Republic • How was France declared a republic? – It was declared during the National Convention • Why was it declared? – They wanted to abolish the monarchy • What new rights did the people have? – Adult male citizens were allowed to vote and hold office • Women did not have the right to vote January 21, 1793 King Louis XVI is Executed • Why was Louis XVI executed? – He was tried for treason and, with the help of the Jacobins, found guilty • How was the king executed? – He was beheaded by the guillotine February 1793 France Creates an Army of 800,000 • Why did France create such a large army? – They were at war with Austria, Prussia, Great Britain, Holland, and • How did the French accomplish such a task? – The National Convention started a draft for all male citizens ages 18 to 40

June 1793 Robespierre Heads the Committee of Public Safety • Who was ? – He was the leader of France during the most radical phase of the revolution • What was the Committee of Public Safety? – Headed by Robespierre, the Committee decided who were enemies of the Revolution and executed them July 1793 Robespierre Creates the Reign of Terror • What was the Reign of Terror? – The period of July 1793 to July 1794 when Robespierre governed France as dictator • What resulted from the Reign of Terror? – 40,000 people including the Queen were executed

July 1794 Robespierre is Executed • Why was Robespierre executed? – Members of the National Convention figured out he was crazy • What happened in France after his execution? – France’s public opinion shifted dramatically to the right • They wanted security more than freedom