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The Privileged Estates
Two of the Estates had privileges, including access high offices and exemptions from paying taxes, that were not granted to the members of the third Estate. -
The Third Estate
About 97% of the people belonged to the third estate. The three groups that made up this estate differed greatly in their economic conditions. -
The Forces Of Change
In addition to the growing resentment among the lower classes, other factors contributed to the revolutionary mood in France. New ideas about government, serious economic problems, and weak and indecisive leadership all helped to generate a desire for change -
Enlightenment Ideas
New views about power and authority in government were spreading among the Third Estate. Members of the Third Estate were inspired by the success of the American Revolution. They began questioning long standing notions about the structure of society -
Economic Troubles
By the 1780's, France's once prosperous economy was in decline. This caused alarm, particularly among the merchants, factory owners, and bankers of the Third Estate. On the surface, the economy appeared to be sound, because both production and trade were expanding rapidly. However, the heavy taxes made it almost impossible to conduct business profitably within France. -
Storming the Bastille
In Paris, rumors flew. Some people suggested that Louis was intent on using military force to dismiss the National Assembly. -
When the French Revolution Started
In the 1700's France was considered the most advanced country of Europe -
National Assembly
The Third Estate delegates, mostly members of the bourgeoisie whose views had been shaped by the Enlightenment, were eager to make changes in the government. -
Estates General
It was the first meeting since 1614 of the French Estates General, A general assembly representing the French Estates -
King Louis XVI Death
The execution of Louis XVI took place on January 23, 1793 at the Revolution square in Paris
