The French Revolution

The French Revolution

1. The Causes for it

   • Political Crisis
     • Estates of general
       • Clergy had 300 representatives. Nobility had 300 representatives. The third state had 600 representatives. Each group had 1 vote. The king didn´t let them meet because he didnt want them to limit his power.
   • Economic crisis
     • The increase of taxes
       • France was in bankrupt: It had participation in many wars The royal family spent a lot of money in goods. The solution that the ministers proposed to the king: To increase taxes even for the privileged classes
   • Social Crisis
     • The estates of realm were discontented
       • The Nobility and the Clergy didn´t want o pay taxes The Burgoisie wanted to abolish monarchy Lower middle class and peasantry suffered economic problems They were also angered by the luxurious lifestyle of the king

2. Major events of the french revolution

   • National assembly
     • The third state proposed a new voting system :one vote per person. The king refused. The third state demanded a constitution. The king finally agreed. And formed the Constituent assembly
     • The Constituent assembly
       • At the same time this constitution began, the people started a riot . They attacked bastile New reforms: Abolished feudal rights. Approved The Declaration of the Rights of the Men and the Citizen.   The king tried to escape and was caught. In 1791 they adopted a new constitution
       • The legislative assembly
         • 3 political groups: Girondins: Belived in revolution, political ideas more moderate.Jacovins: Belived in revolution, political ideas more radical.Monarchs: Wanted a monarchy. The king opposed and was imprisoned
         • The convention
           • The king was executed Jacobins took control of the government. They imposed a dictatorship known as the terror.
           • The directory
             • The Girondins got to the power They stopped the executions They had 5 members that ruled
             • The consulate
               • The revolutionaries wanted to regain control. Napoleon made a military coup  It formed the consulate and he named himself first consul This time only 3 members ruled