Causes of the French Revolution

1
Causes of the French Revolution
2
What factors led to the French Revolution?

• I.
• Absolute Monarchy
• Louis XVI (1774 - 1792)
• was harsh in response to public criticism

Political Cause-
3

II. Luxury spending War Debt
Economic Causes -
Marie Antoinette (Louis wife) was a symbol of
overspending
4
French spent too much on wars - American
Revolution - Seven Years War vs. British
(for North American land)
5
Social causes-

• III.
• Estates Social Structure

6
c. What is the 3rd Estate? The Nation!
- members included 1. Bourgeoisie
(professionals that made up the middle class)
7
2. peasants and skilled laborers - largest
group - had the least amount of rights
privileges
8
(No Transcript)
9

• IV.
• Spread popularity of Enlightenment
• Philosophes ideas
• challenged the
• order of things
• (status quo) and
• created a
• revolutionary state
• of mind in France

Intellectual Causes-
10
1. What were the three social classes that French
population was divided into?
2. What social class complained about inequality
high taxes?
3. What kind of government is it when the people
have no rights are ruled by one person?