The French Revolution

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Created by
Aiden Mitchell

Subdecks (3)

Cards (32)

  • French Revolution name given to 

    The struggle to overthrow the old regime in France as well as the great changes which resulted from the struggle the government was oppressive, there were great inequalities among classes and unequal and burdensome taxation
  • Old Regime
    The system of government in France before the French Revolution, a parliamentary system with a monarchy consisting of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette
  • Louis XVI inherited the throne at the age of 20 and believed that God had selected him to rule (divine right)
  • Estates in French society before the Revolution
    • First Estate (Clergy)
    • Second Estate (Nobility)
    • Third Estate (Peasants, city workers, middle class)
  • First Estate (Clergy)
    • The Church owned approximately 10 percent of the land, French citizens paid a tax (tithes) to the Church, the Church gave a free gift to the government instead of paying tax on its property, THE CLERGY DETERMINED THE AMOUNT THE GIFT WOULD BE (USUALLY A SMALLER SUM THAN IF THE CHURCH LANDS HAD BEEN TAXED) .divided into upper clergy (archbishops, bishops, abbots) and lower clergy (parish priests)
  • Upper Clergy
    • Lived in luxury, spent large sums on entertainment and fine furniture
  • Lower Clergy
    • Came from middle class families, were concerned about the problems of the poor people of France, due to being in poverty themselves
  • Second Estate (Nobility)
    • Held some of the highest offices in the Church and government, THEY SERVED AS AMBASSADORS AND ADVISED THE KING, received gifts and pensions from the King, owned large estates or lands but paid no taxes to the government, received dues from peasants on their estates, THESE DUES WERE IN THE FORM OF PRODUCE, LABOUR OR MONEY.
  • Third Estate

    • Paid most of the taxes and did not enjoy the privileges of the Second Estate, money collected from taxes was used to finance the lifestyle of the King and Queen, most burdensome and disliked taxes included tax on land, forced labour, 5% income tax, tax to support the Church (tithes), tax on salt, toll for use of bridges and roads. 3 groups include: PEASANTS, CITY WORKERS AND THE MIDDLE CLASS.