1. THE ROOTS OF THE
REVOLUTION

2. THE OLD REGIME
First Estate - Clergy Second Estate Third Estate
1%
2%
97%

3. DISCONTENT IN THE MID 1700S
- changing economic conditions
First Estate
- political power in hands of king
- changing economic conditions
Second Estate
- desire to protect their privileges
- taxes
Bourgeoisie
- lack of political power
Third Estate - high prices
except bourgeoisie - taxes

4. TYPICAL TAXES FOR PEASANTS
TITHE
RENT FEES FOR THE UPKEEP OF THE
LORD’S PIGEONS
FEES FOR THE USE OF THE MANORIAL
MILL AND BAKERY
TOLLS
DUTIES WHEN CROSSING PROVINCIAL
AND TERRITORIAL BOUNDARIES
POLL TAX
INCOME TAX
TAXES ON GOOD SUCH AS SALT,
WINE, PLAYING CARDS, AND SOAP

5. FINANCIAL PROBLEMS
Louis XIV Louis XV Louis XVI
- engaged in wars - increased debt by - increased debt by
borrowing from giving aid to the
- building Versailles bankers colonists in the
American Revolution
- increased taxes - did not economize
- expensive habits
- It will survive for
my time. After me,
the deluge

6. MORE PROBLEMS OF LOUIS XVI
- HIS MARRIAGE TO
MARIE-ANTOINETTE WAS
UNPOPULAR
- BANKS REFUSED THE
LEND ANY MORE MONEY
- HE NEEDED TO CALL
THE ESTATES GENERAL
TO APPROVE NEW TAXES

7. MEETING OF THE ESTATES
GENERAL
MAY 5 1789 - LOUIS XVI
CALLED THE THREE
ESTATES TOGETHER
THIRD ESTATE
REFUSED TO VOTE
AS ONE VOTE
THIRD ESTATE GETS
LOCKED OUT
CALLS ITSELF THE
NATIONAL
ASSEMBLY