Rich, M / French Revolution

French Revolution

The French Revolution has political, social and economic causes. Politically, France suffered under and absolute monarchy (King Louis XIV, Louis XV, Louis XVI) and most people were denied basic rights, or a say in their government. Socially, France was divided amonth 3 Estates, or classes. The 3rd Estate, which constituted 98% of the population, had the fewest rights, the least amount of land, and the heaviest tax burden. Economically, France faced severe financial crisis due to overspending. Also, bad harvest resulted in food shortages. The Third Estate faced the greatest burden because of these problems. In 1789, King Louis XVI, called the Estates General, France's weak legislative body to deal with the crisis. The meeting begins the French Revolution as the Third Estate attempts to better their sitution by taking control of government.

Stages of the French Revolution
1st Stage: National Assembly	Third Estate declares itself the National Assembly, vows to write new Constitution. (1789)
2nd Stage: Limited Monarchy	New Constitution of 1791 limits the monarchy, sets up a representative assembly.
3rd Stage: Radicals	1792, Radicals take over. Maximillien Robespierre is leader. Reign of Terror, many die as result.
4th Stage: Directory	Moderates return to government. In 1795, 5 man Directory runs country. Government very weak.
5th Stage: Napoleon	1799 Coup d'etat... takes control from Directory. 1802 - names himself Emperor of the French. Absolute government again.

Effects: The French Revolution provides an example to other nations, especially Latin America. The democratic ideas of "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" were spread across Europe. Also, nationalist ideas were spread, which would in turn lead to the unification of Italy and Germany. The growing Middle Class asserted their power, and would come to dominate politics throughout Europe as limitations were placed on existing monarchs, or they were ousted in favor of other forms of government.

Unit Materials:

Date	File Link	Format
October 31, 2012	Unit Notes - French Revolution	Unit Notes - Notebook File
	French Revolution Timeline of Events - Worksheet	Worksheet
	French Revolution Timeline of Events - Content	Information Sheet
	French Revolution Vocabulary	Vocabulary Worksheet
	Weak Kings of France	Homework Worksheet
	Napoleon Comes to Power in France	Classwork Worksheet
	Napoleon Reading	Classwork Reading

Overview Video:

Overview provided by Oswego regentsprep.org