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Old Regime- The Three Estates
The Old Regime still remained in place which divided the people of France into three social estates. The First Estate was made of of clergy of Roman Catholic Church. The Second Estate was made up of rich nobles. The Third Estate included bourgeoisie, urban lower class, and peasant farmers. This was important because it leads up to what caused the revolution in regards to how the people were classified. (https://courses.vhslearning.org/d2l/le/content/116737/viewContent/1328182/View) -
Economic Troubles
France's economy was declining by the 1780s. This was alarming to the members of the Third Estate, the bankers, factory owners and merchants. France's government went into debt and a part of the problem was the spending Louis XVI and his queen Marie Antoinette did. This is important because it started showing what a weak leader Louis XVI was. (https://courses.vhslearning.org/d2l/le/content/116737/viewContent/1328183/View) -
The National Assembly
The Third Estate delegates wanted to make changes in the government. They insisted all three estates meet together and that each delegate have a vote. After a long night of debating, they voted to establish the National Assembly.
This is important because it in effect proclaimed the end of absolute monarchy and the beginning of representative government. This was the first deliberate act of revolution. (https://courses.vhslearning.org/d2l/le/content/116737/viewContent/1328184/View) -
The Rights of Man
National Assembly adopted a statement of revolutionary ideals, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. Document stated "men are born and remain free and equal in rights." "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" was adopted by revolutionary leaders. This was important because it showed the breaking away from the monarchy was happening.
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Louis Tries to Escape
Due to the reconstructing of the relation between church and state from the National Assembly, Louis XVI pondered his fate as a monarch. He was warned himself and his family were in danger. Many supporters of the monarchy thought France was unsafe and left the country. This is important because it shows hows the monarchy felt the pressure from the revolution. -
Limited Monarchy
The National Assembly completed the new constitution. Louis reluctantly approved this and it created a limited constitutional monarchy. It stripped the king of much of his authority and created a new legislative body- the Legislative Assembly. This is important because it created more of a people and monarchy relationship in decision making.
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Declaring War
Monarchs and nobles in many European countries watched the changes taking place in France and were alarmed. They feared similar revolts could break out in their own countries Some countries urged the French to restore Louis to his position as an absolute monarch. The Legislative Assembly responded by declaring war in April 1792. This is important because by declaring war, there was a huge battle for power. (https://courses.vhslearning.org/d2l/le/content/116737/viewContent/1328191/View) -
France at War
Under the pressure from radicals in the streets and among its members, the Legislative Assembly set aside the Constitution of 1791. It declared the king deposed, dissolved the assembly, and called for the election of a new legislature. This new governing body, the National Convention, took office on September 21. This was important because it abolished the monarchy and declared France a republic. (https://courses.vhslearning.org/d2l/le/content/116737/viewContent/1328191/View) -
The Terror
Maximillien Robespierre, slowly gained power. Him and his supporters set out to build a "republic of virtue" by wiping out every trace of France's past. The period of his rule was known as the Reign of Terror. He justified his use of terror by suggesting that it enabled French citizens to remain true to the ideas of the Revolution. It was important because he was challenged in his leadership and ways by fellow radicalshttps://courses.vhslearning.org/d2l/le/content/116737/viewContent/1328192/View -
The End of the Terror
Fearing for their own safety, some members of the National Convention turned on Robespierre. They demanded his arrest and execution. The Reign of Terror ended on July 28, 1794, when Robespirerre went to the guillotine. This is important because it ended the radical phase of the French Revolution. (https://courses.vhslearning.org/d2l/le/content/116737/viewContent/1328193/View)
