The French Revolution
France Under the Ancient Regime
Social Divisions
French society was divided into three estates under the ancient regime:
● First Estate: The clergy and the church, owning about 10% of the land and paying no
taxes. This included bishops, priests, monks, and nuns.
● Second Estate: The nobles, owning most of the land and also exempt from taxes. This
was a trade-off for them being livid for size.
● Third Estate: Everyone else, comprising about 96-98% of the population. This included:
○ The middle class, known as the bourgeoisie (merchants, factory owners, and
professionals).
○ The poor.
Economic Troubles
France was facing an economic crisis and widespread demands for change.
● Deficit Spending: Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI engaged in extravagant spending,
particularly at Versailles.
● Seven Years' War: France lost the Seven Years' War, incurring significant debts and
losing revenue-generating land.
● Harvest Failures: In the 1780s, poor harvests led to decreased yields and increased
food prices, disproportionately affecting the poor.
● Rising Prices: The price of firewood almost doubled over a 50-year period, and wheat
prices (affecting bread prices) also rose dramatically.
Jacques Necker's Attempted Reforms
King Louis XVI appointed Jacques Necker to address the budget issues.
● Necker proposed belt-tightening measures and suggested that the nobles and clergy
pay some taxes.
● The nobles and clergy rejected this idea, leading to Necker's dismissal.
Causes of the French Revolution
France Under the Ancient Regime
Social Divisions
French society was divided into three estates under the ancient regime:
● First Estate: The clergy and the church, owning about 10% of the land and paying no
taxes. This included bishops, priests, monks, and nuns.
● Second Estate: The nobles, owning most of the land and also exempt from taxes. This
was a trade-off for them being livid for size.
● Third Estate: Everyone else, comprising about 96-98% of the population. This included:
○ The middle class, known as the bourgeoisie (merchants, factory owners, and
professionals).
○ The poor.
Economic Troubles
France was facing an economic crisis and widespread demands for change.
● Deficit Spending: Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI engaged in extravagant spending,
particularly at Versailles.
● Seven Years' War: France lost the Seven Years' War, incurring significant debts and
losing revenue-generating land.
● Harvest Failures: In the 1780s, poor harvests led to decreased yields and increased
food prices, disproportionately affecting the poor.
● Rising Prices: The price of firewood almost doubled over a 50-year period, and wheat
prices (affecting bread prices) also rose dramatically.
Jacques Necker's Attempted Reforms
King Louis XVI appointed Jacques Necker to address the budget issues.
● Necker proposed belt-tightening measures and suggested that the nobles and clergy
pay some taxes.
● The nobles and clergy rejected this idea, leading to Necker's dismissal.
Causes of the French Revolution
