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The Old Order
The social and political system of France was divided into three social classes;
1- The Privileged (Roman Catholic church)
2- Privileged (rich nobles)
3- The third Estate (bourgeoise, urban workers) -
Forces of Change
Certain events lead to revolutionary mood, there were new ideas about governmental, economic and leadership problems that made people want change. -
The Enlightenment
The French viewed the American revolution as an inspiration for change and began questioning structures of society and government authority. Demanded equality, liberty, and democracy. -
Great Fear
Fear and panic arrived in France. Decontrol began to spread and great fear provoked outlaws. The anger was now focused on the king and queen, forcing them to leave Versailles. The exit showed the revolution and impact of change in power and reformation. -
Economic Troubles
France's economy began to decline and caused alarm. Heavy burden taxes weighed heavily on profit. Between these years, the government fell into debt due to spendings of the king and queen. -
Weak Leaders
King Louis XVI was very indecisive and paid little attention to the government, which along with his wife, brought a lot of chaos. She wrongly influenced him and spent tons of money for her. His only solution to spend money and get it back. was to ompose taxes on the nobility. -
Dawn of Revolution
The nobility held a meeting in which they met in separate halls to vote and outvote the Third Estate. (Medieval rules) This always excluded the Third Estate citizens -
National Assembly
Delegates whos views were inspired by the Enlightenment wanted changes in the government and insisted on votes (Giving the Third Estate a vote). Sieyes proposed that the Third State Delegates were called the National Assembly; to pass laws in name of the french. The elections and vote was the first act of revolution. -
Tennis court oath
Opposing to the votes, the Third Estate delegates were locked out of their meeting room, they ended up in a tennis court and oathed to stay until forming a new constitution. Though the king wasn't very happy and sent his army of Swiss guards around Versaille. -
Storming the Bastilles
As rumors spread about the king wanting to destroy the National Assembly with violence, other rumors spread that other troops were on their way to attack the french. People gathered weapons and the storm of bastilles began. The violent acts lead to parades with people's heads on poles and are now commemorated as a big symbolic act of revolution.