5. Key Events That Led to the French Revolution
The French Revolution was an important time in history when many people in France wanted change. Let’s look at some key events that helped start this revolution.
1. Social Inequality and the Estates System:
French society was divided into three groups, called estates:
First Estate: This group was made up of the clergy, or religious leaders. They were about 1% of the population and had many special privileges.
Second Estate: This group included nobility, or wealthy families. They made up around 2% of the population and had power and land.
Third Estate: This group was made up of common people, like farmers and workers. They were about 97% of the population, paid high taxes, and had little political power. Because of this unfairness, many were unhappy.
2. Economic Crisis:
By the late 1780s, France was facing big money problems. The government was deep in debt because King Louis XVI spent a lot and got involved in wars like the American Revolution. A bad harvest in 1788 made bread prices go up, causing many people to go hungry.
3. Estates-General of 1789:
In May 1789, King Louis XVI called a meeting called the Estates-General. This was a gathering that included representatives from the three estates to discuss the financial crisis. It was the first meeting of its kind since 1614. During this meeting, the Third Estate felt ignored and started asking for changes.
4. Formation of the National Assembly:
On June 17, 1789, the Third Estate decided to call themselves the National Assembly. They claimed to represent the people of France. This was an important step towards self-rule and set the stage for the revolution.
5. Storming of the Bastille:
On July 14, 1789, the people stormed the Bastille prison. This event became a symbol of fighting against unfairness. The fall of the Bastille showed the anger of the people and marked the start of more violence against the monarchy.
These events together sparked the French Revolution. This revolution changed France and inspired other revolutions around the world. It led to the downfall of the monarchy and introduced new ideas like liberty, equality, and fraternity.
5. Key Events That Led to the French Revolution
The French Revolution was an important time in history when many people in France wanted change. Let’s look at some key events that helped start this revolution.
1. Social Inequality and the Estates System:
French society was divided into three groups, called estates:
First Estate: This group was made up of the clergy, or religious leaders. They were about 1% of the population and had many special privileges.
Second Estate: This group included nobility, or wealthy families. They made up around 2% of the population and had power and land.
Third Estate: This group was made up of common people, like farmers and workers. They were about 97% of the population, paid high taxes, and had little political power. Because of this unfairness, many were unhappy.
2. Economic Crisis:
By the late 1780s, France was facing big money problems. The government was deep in debt because King Louis XVI spent a lot and got involved in wars like the American Revolution. A bad harvest in 1788 made bread prices go up, causing many people to go hungry.
3. Estates-General of 1789:
In May 1789, King Louis XVI called a meeting called the Estates-General. This was a gathering that included representatives from the three estates to discuss the financial crisis. It was the first meeting of its kind since 1614. During this meeting, the Third Estate felt ignored and started asking for changes.
4. Formation of the National Assembly:
On June 17, 1789, the Third Estate decided to call themselves the National Assembly. They claimed to represent the people of France. This was an important step towards self-rule and set the stage for the revolution.
5. Storming of the Bastille:
On July 14, 1789, the people stormed the Bastille prison. This event became a symbol of fighting against unfairness. The fall of the Bastille showed the anger of the people and marked the start of more violence against the monarchy.
These events together sparked the French Revolution. This revolution changed France and inspired other revolutions around the world. It led to the downfall of the monarchy and introduced new ideas like liberty, equality, and fraternity.