Immediate Cause Of The French Revolution example essay topic

1- Could you describe the Old Regime? - consisted of the king and his followers What were the orders of society? What percent of the population belonged to each order? What conditions / privileges did each experience- why? In general, people were divided into three large social classes, or estates. 1. First Estate - Roman Catholic Church (Clergy) a.

1% of population b. Exempt from taxes c. Collected the 10% tithe from the 3rd Estate d. Owned 10% of the land in France. e.

Provided education and relief services to the poor. 2. Second Estate - Rich Nobles a. 2% of the population b. Exempt from taxes. c. Could hold high positions in the military and government d.

They collected the feudal dues from the peasants e. Owned 20% of the land in France In general, the first and second estate scorned Enlightenment ideas as radical notions that threatened their status and power. 3. Third Estate - 97% of the people. Bore the entire tax burden, including road and salt tax. Because they were poor, they could not hold a high position in government or in the military.

Consisted of three different groups. 1. Group 1 - Bourgeoisie (Merchants and Artisans) a. Well educated and strongly believed in the ideals of the enlightenment (Liberty and equality) b. Most powerful group in continental Europe c. Resented the arrogance of the nobility d.

Provided many revolutionary leaders because they wanted freedom from the restrictions of mercantilism e. Wanted government to take only limited role in business: laissez-faire 2. Group 2 - Workers in France's cities (Cooks, Servants, etc... ) a. Poorer than the bourgeoisie. b. Paid low wages and frequently out of work. c.

They often went hungry. 3. Group 3 - Peasants (Poor rural farmers) a. Formed largest group with in the third estate. b. They were more than 80% of France's 26 million people. c. Paid 1/2 their income in dues to nobles, tithes to the Church and other taxes d.

Peasants joined the urban poor in resenting the clergy and nobility. The Third Estate was eager for change. 2 a- Could you explain the difference between fundamental (underlying) and immediate causes? Could you identify the fundamental and immediate causes of the French Revolution? An underlying cause is something that has been building up.

They are the fundamental reasons to why the Revolution is happening. The immediate causes were some more recent things that really triggered it. Underlying Causes Immediate Causes 1. The king was an absolute monarch with unlimited power. (P) 2.

The king selected his ministers on the basis of noble birth or favoritism, not ability. (P) 3. Free speech and press were stifled by the king. (P) 4. Imprisoned his enemies indefinitely without charge, bail, or trial. (P) 5.

The king denied people a voice in government and a way to make known their grievances. (P) 6. The people were divided into three rigid, distinct classes: 1st Estate (clergy), 2nd Estate (nobles), and 3rd estate (Bourgeoisie, city workers, and peasants). (S) 7. The 1st and 2nd Estates were privileged in that they owned most of the land, collected feudal dues from peasants, and did not have to pay taxes. (E) 8.

Almost the entire burden of taxes had fallen on the Third Estate. (E) 9. The bourgeoisie wanted a political voice. (P) 10. The ideas of the Enlightenment thinkers (E, P, S) 11. The English and American Revolutions (E, P, S) 1.

Louis XIV brings France to financial bankruptcy. (E) 2. Louis summons the Estates-General to meet. (P) 3. Poor harvests (E) 4. Inflation (E) 5.

Unemployment (E) 6. The fall of the Bastille (P) 7. The Tennis Court Oath (P) 8. The Declaration of the Rights of Man (S) 9. The rise of the Jacobins (P) The Causes of the French Revolution can be characterized as underlying and immediate. They can also be defined as economic, political, and social. a- Economic issues deal with how things are produced and distributed in society. b- Political issues refer to how the government functions, and how it deals with the people. c- Social issues revolve around class differences in a society.

The king denied the people a voice in government (P) Free speech and press were stifled by the king. (P) The 1st and 2nd estates were considered privileged classes (S) The 3rd estate bore the entire tax burden. (E) The bourgeoisie was hindered by the government's regulating trade and commerce. (E) Factors Contributing to the French Revolution 1. Enlightenment Ideas a. People began questioning long-standing notions about the structure of society. b.

Greater emphasis on equality, liberty and democracy. c. Success of American Revolution. d. Ideas of Rousseau and Voltaire. 2. Economic Problems a. Prosperous economy was failing. b.

Population was growing rapidly. c. Cost of living was rising. d. High taxes made many businesses unprofitable. e. Bad weather in 1780's caused crops failures and grain shortages. The price of bread doubled in 1789. f.

Government Debt. - Extravagant spending by the King and Queen. - Debt of former kings inherited. - Debt of American Revolution. (France's chief rival was Britain.) This doubled the government's debt.

3. Weak Leadership a. Louis XVI was a weak leader who wouldn't recognize the harsh realities facing France. b. Louis married Marie Antoinette, who was part of the Austrian royal family. Austria was a long time enemy of France, thus the people of France disliked her right from the start. c.

Marie Antoinette spent money foolishly on gowns, jewels and gifts. She became known as Madame Deficit. The abuses of the Old Regime were to the fundamental causes of the French Revolution as Le Deficit (bankruptcy) was to the immediate cause of the French Revolution. 2 b- What was the relationship between each of the following to the French Revolution? Estates General: Because of the bankruptcy of the treasury, Louis XVI tried to tax the Second Estate.

The Second Estate forced him to call a meeting of the Estates General, the governing body of France, to get approval from all three estates for the tax reform. The meeting occurred on May 5, 1789 in Versailles. It was the first meeting of the Estates General in 175 years. (The last one was in 1614). This meeting is a major factor in the beginning of the French Revolution. Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen: was the document adopted by the National Assembly, the new governing body in France.

It ends social distinction by birth, guarantees natural rights, and creates a limited constitutional monarchy. Also, it declares that government is based on the consent of the governed. Royalists: those who supported the king 'Emigr " es: the nobles fleeing France for their life. The 'emigr " es were to the monarchy as the Jacobins were to the Republic. Jacobins: the radical city workers who paid no taxes.

They opposed the king and bourgeoisie and wanted a lower calls republic. They got close to the people through their skillful use of media, their many clubs, and their capable leaders: Robespierre and Danton. They rise to power with the death of Louis XVI and form the 1st French republic. The Convention: When Austria and Prussia invaded France to support the king and restore the Old Regime, the revolutionary leaders responded by establishing the Convention, a new legislative body elected by universal male suffrage, which abolished the monarchy and proclaimed France a republic.

The Convention rallied the French population by instituting the lev " ee en masse, a universal conscription that drafted people and resources for use in the war against invading forces. Also, it made frequent use of the guillotine and had had King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette executed in 1793 after they were accused of treason. Jacobins dominated the Convention in 1793-94, employing terror to promote their revolutionary agenda. The Committee of Public Safety: was a small dictatorial group led by Danton and later Robespierre.

It seized control of the national Convention and centralized power into this committee. 2- What were the ideals of the Revolution? What happened to these ideals, why? What was meant by Liberty, Fraternity, Ega lite? The ideals of the French Revolution were "Equality, Liberty, and Fraternity", yet the methods that were used to accomplish these goals were extreme.

For example, about 40,000 people were guillotined during the Reign of Terror. These ideals are subverted by radicals. Equality: all men are equal Liberty: liberty for all men Fraternity: brotherhood for all men 4- What happened to cause Danton and Robespierre, friends and leaders of the revolution, to become enemies? Their views of the reign of terror and their views of the future of the government differed. Robespierre, who wanted the Reign of Terror to continue, was corrupted by power, placing no limits of power of the revolution.

He wished to get rid of all the enemies of the revolution. Danton, who wanted the Reign of Terror to end, published pamphlets declaring that the terror needed to be moderated. Robespierre and Danton beheaded. 5- In the video, Danton said that the revolution was devouring its children, why? Was he correct? Yes, the revolution was killing the very people who had begun and lead it.

6- Do you think the French Revolution was a success? What criteria would you use to measure success? Could the revolution have been both a success and a failure? Explain your answer. Yes, it was a success because it set a pattern for revolutions that came after it, especially in Latin America. It was a struggle against totalitarianism (government controls all) and showed that the nation had the ability to remake itself on the basis of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

The 20th century would have been different without the French Revolution. Yes, most revolutions do not ensure justice for all. 7- Why was the French Revolution a significant event? It has worldwide influence, intensified feelings of nationalism in that the nation was what was important, not just a specific town or village. It made France a more democratic country.

Also, it was the first revolution of the middle class, which wanted political power, and once they had it, they would have been happy to live with a constitutional monarchy. 8- Redefine what is meant revolution What criteria would you use to determine whether an event or series of events were or are, indeed revolutionary a revolution is a complete change in the way people lice, think, and act. The following are the criteria to determine if events are revolutionary: 1. New ideas put into practice 2. Change in people's way of life 3. Change in the people's thinking The nature of revolutions 1.

Ideals and ideas of a revolution are often not put into practice. 2. The overthrow of an established system can lead to chaos. 3. Revolutionary leadership can become divided and lead to a struggle for power. 4.

Revolutionary leadership does not ensure justice for everyone. 9- If you were given a series of quotes could you determine whether they were: a) said by Danton b) said by Robespierre c) could have been said by both "I am a man of the people, you isolate yourself". - Danton "I would rather be executed than be the executioner". - Danton "People of France, why are we being tried as common criminals?" - Danton "You will follow me soon and you will be forgotten".

-Danton "The terror will destroy the revolution". - Danton "Woe to strong men the people love". - Danton "No one deserves special privileges". - Robespierre "You grow rich from the revolution, and now you attack it". - Robespierre "France must show the world that the people are with the revolution".

- Robespierre "Men should not stay in power too long". - Robespierre "The revolution must be founded on equality and fairness". - Both "The revolution must be persevered". - Both 10- FOOD FOR THOUGHT What events or conditions would make you a revolutionary?

For what ideals would you be willing to fight, die? How would you guard against people perverting these ideals? Timeline 1. Declaration of the Rights of Man and The Citizen 2. Louis XVI is executed 3.

The Reign of Terror 4. Napoleon is crowned emperor Time Line of French Revolution May 5, 1789 - Meeting of Estates General June 17, 1789 - Third Estate declares itself the National Assembly June 20, 1789 - Tennis Court Oath July 14, 1789 - Storming of the Bastille July-August 1789 - Great Fear in the country side August 4, 1789 - Abolition of Feudalism August 27, 1789 - Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen October 5-6, 1789 - Women's march on Versailles; Louis XVI's return to Paris July 1790 - Civil Constitution of the Clergy June 1791 - Louis XVI attempts to flee Paris; is captured and returned September 1791 - New Constitution is implemented; Jacobins (Girondins) dominate newly formed legislature April 1792 - France declares war on Austria August 10, 1792 - Storming of the Tuileries; Louis XVI arrested September 21, 1792 - National Convention declares France a republic January 21, 1793 - Louis XVI is executed February 1793 - France declares war on Britain, Spain, and the Netherlands June 1793 - Radical Jacobins purge Girondins from the National Convention July 1793 - Robespierre assumes leadership of Committee of Public Safety July 1793 - July 1794 - Reign of Terror July 1794 - Robespierre guillotined August 1794 - Thermidorian reaction begins October 1795 - Directory is established November 1799 - Napoleon seizes power Enlightenment thinkers 1. They did not feel that ordinary people were intelligent enough to have a share in government 2. They believed that doubt leads to truth, that government should stop people fro m being bullied by the nobles and the church, and that reason leads to progress. The Execution of Louis XVI When Louis stood on trial, even though he was declared guilty, it was by a close vote and many French people said that they could die in his place.

This shows that not everyone was not in favor of his execution. Which One doesn't belong? Deism, Devine right, reason, natural law, liberty Rousseau (believed in divine right), Jefferson, Locke, ? ous set Divine right is to monarchy as natural rights are to the philosophers Absolutism is to France as a constitutional monarchy is to England. The English Bill of rights was made to end absolutism 11- Could You Identify The Following Ideas, Terms, People? Reign of Terror: the bloodiest stage of the revolution. It was led by Robespierre, who wanted to protect the revolution from its enemies.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen: National Assembly promulgated the "Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen" Napoleon Bonaparte: Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) Brilliant military leader, became a general at age 24 in the royal army. Supported the revolution, defended the Directory. His invasion of Egypt was defeated by British army. Overthrew the Directory, imposed a constitution, and ruled France by himself. Napoleonic France made peace with the Roman Catholic church, extended freedom of religion. Promulgated the Civil Code, 1804.

Set restrictions on speech and press, established a dynasty. Napoleon's empire controlled Iberian and Italian peninsulas, the Netherlands, defeated Austria and Prussia. Campaign against Russia was a disaster, 1812. The fall of Napoleon: Abdicated his throne in 1814, forced by coalition of Britain, Austria, Prussia, Russia. Victors restored French monarchy, exiled Napoleon twice, 1814-15 Montesquieu: (1689-1755), aka Charles de Secondat, was a French philosopher. His major work, The Spirit of the Laws (1748), influenced the writing of many constitutions, including the Constitution of the United States.

Montesquieu believed that laws underlie all things-human, natural, and divine. One of philosophy's major tasks was to discover these laws. It was difficult to study humanity because the laws governing human nature were complex. Yet Montesquieu believed these laws could be found by empirical (experimental) methods of investigation. Knowledge of the laws would ease the ills of society and improve life. Montesquieu supported human freedom and opposed tyranny.

He theorized that the best guarantee of individual rights lay in the creation of separate and independent legislative, executive, and judiciary branches of government, each of which would help to balance the power in government Social Contract: published in 1762 by Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778). He argued that members of a society were collectively the sovereign. All individuals would participate directly in the formulation of policy and the creation of laws. In the absence of royalty, aristocrats, or other privileged elite, the general will of the people remained the most important element. Rousseau: (1712-1778) Swiss philosopher, who wrote The Social Contract in 1762.

His idea that political authority lies with the people allows him to be hailed as a champion of democracy. Dictators, however, have used his ideas about the "common good" to justify their programs. He believed that intuition was more important than reason and that people should make a contract with each other to secure their rights. People should give up some freedom in favor of the majority's decision.

People are basically good but become corrupted by society. In an ideal society, people would make the laws and would obey them willingly. Jefferson: A patriot of Virginia and known as the father of the Declaration of Independence. He wrote that people had certain unalienable rights which were life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. He believed that government's job is to protect these rights.

If the government did not protect these rights, and there occurred a consistent and deliberate policy of abuse of these rights, the people could rebel against the government and institute a new one. This should never be done for minor reasons. He was influenced by the ideas enlightenment thinkers, mainly Locke and Montesquieu. Their ideas helped to inspire the American Revolution and can be seen repeated in the Constitution of the United States. Declaration of Independence: written by Jefferson. This declaration states that people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit on happiness.

John Locke's ideas greatly influenced Thomas Jefferson and led to Jefferson's ideas that were expressed in the Declaration of Independence. Locke: (1632-1704) wrote the Second Treatise of Civil Government and held that government was based on a contractual agreement between individuals of a civil society. Rulers are appointed to protect and promote the common interest of the people. Any ruler who violated these rights was subject to deposition. "Father of Enlightenment thought". Formulated theories about the contractual government which vested sovereignty in the people.

National Convention: see question 2 National Assembly (legislative): the governing body of France after the Estates General that wrote the constitution, making France a constitutional monarchy 1st French Republic: declared by the National Convention Committee of Public Safety: see question 2 Jacobins: composed of city workers who paid no taxes and had no voice in government. They opposed the king and bourgeoisie, desiring a republic dominated by the poorer people. They got close to the people because of their clubs, skillful use of newspapers, and capable leaders such as Marat, Danton, and Robespierre Robespierre: was a radical Jacobin who had Danton killed because they differed in their beliefs about the Reign of Terror Danton: a radical who wanted France out of debt and for France to adopt new ideals in human rights Bourgeoisie: (Merchants and Artisans) were well educated and strongly believed in the ideals of the enlightenment (Liberty and equality). They were the most powerful group in continental Europe, resented the arrogance of the nobility, provided many revolutionary leaders because they wanted freedom from the restrictions of mercantilism, and wanted government to take only limited role in business: laissez-faire right, left, center: Extreme Left Center 61664; Extreme Right This division of political movements and ideologies into "Left", "Center", and "Right" originates in France, when in the days of the French Revolution of 1789, more radical factions would sit on the left-hand side of the Assembly, more moderate factions would sit in the center, and the more conservative groups would sit on the right-hand side. feudal dues: money paid by the peasants for land (rent) conservative, liberal, moderate: points on the political spectrum Old Regime: the king and his supporters Radical: Believe that change has not gone far enough, you favor extreme change. Jacobins (Robespierre) wanted revolution at any cost. Nationalism: The revolution intensifies feelings of nationalism and loyalty to the nation, and spreads these feelings throughout all social classes in France, Europe, and later the world. fundamental, immediate cause: see 2 a Chart Newton: scientist who formed laws to govern the world Marseilles: La Marseillaise, the French national anthem, was composed in one night during the French Revolution (April 24, 1792) by Claude-Joseph Rou get de Lisle, a captain of the engineers and amateur musician stationed in Strasbourg in 1792.

It was played at a patriotic banquet at Marseilles, and printed copies were given to the revolutionary forces then marching on Paris. They entered Paris singing this song, and to it they marched to the Tuileries on August 10th. Voltaire: French philosopher who wrote Candide. Philosophically, Candide is recognized as a complex inquiry into the nature of good and evil. In 1717, Voltaire was imprisoned in the Bastille for satirical verses that he may or may not have written ridiculing the government. Also, he wrote two works on Sir Isaac Newton.

He encouraged the use of human reason for the development of science. Bastille: was prison in central Paris that stood as a symbol of royal tyranny. The first outward signs of the French Revolution to come appeared when mobs stormed it in order to seize gunpowder that was stored there on July 14, 1789. This act convinced King Louis XVI to withdraw his troops from Paris and to accept the French Revolution.

Cahiers: were notebooks listing the grievances of each estate that were presented to Louis XVI. Many cahiers asked for reform. These reforms includes: freedom of speech, a regular meeting of the Estates General, and fairer taxes. Louis XVI ignored them..