The start of the French Revolution was in 1789. French Governement tried to create a new poitical order and a new social order. Thhis was a mojor turning point in social history. Before the revolution, French society was based most;y on inequality. France's population of 27 million was divied into 3 orders or estates.
1st Estate- 130,000 people. owned 10 percent of the land. Exempt from the Taillie. Memebers of Aristocratic families; shared the intrest of the nobolity.
2nd Estate- 350,000 people. owned 25 to 30 percent of the land. The second estate played an important role: Held many of the leading positions in the government, the military, the law courts and higher church offices. Possessed many privileges, including tax exemptions. Like the 1st Estate they were also exempt from the Taille.
3rd Estate- Commoners of society, made up majority of the French population. Unlike the 1st and 2nd Estate, the 3rd estate was divided by vast differences in occopation, level of education and wealth. Peasants, who made up 75 to 80 percent of total population, by far was the largest segment of the 3rd estate. As a group they owned about 35 to 40 percent of the land.
2nd Estate- 350,000 people. owned 25 to 30 percent of the land. The second estate played an important role: Held many of the leading positions in the government, the military, the law courts and higher church offices. Possessed many privileges, including tax exemptions. Like the 1st Estate they were also exempt from the Taille.
3rd Estate- Commoners of society, made up majority of the French population. Unlike the 1st and 2nd Estate, the 3rd estate was divided by vast differences in occopation, level of education and wealth. Peasants, who made up 75 to 80 percent of total population, by far was the largest segment of the 3rd estate. As a group they owned about 35 to 40 percent of the land.
Financial Crisis
The main cause of the Revolution was the near collapse of the Government. Even though the economy in France was expanding for 50 years, it suffered periodic crises. Including bad harvest in 1787 and 1778 and a major slowdown in manufacturing, led to food shortages, rising prices for food and unemployment. Even though having all these problems, the French government still spent enormus sums on costly wars and court luxuries. The queen Marie Antoinette, was known for her lavishness, The government also spent alot to help the American colonist against Britain.
On the verge of total financial collapse, the government of Louis XVI was finally forced to call a meeting of the Estate-General to raise new taxes. This was the French Parliment. It had not met since 1614.
On the verge of total financial collapse, the government of Louis XVI was finally forced to call a meeting of the Estate-General to raise new taxes. This was the French Parliment. It had not met since 1614.