French Revolution - Day 1

Aim: What were the causes of the French Revolution?

Do Now: The Three (3) Estates

Lesson Overview:

Item	Approx Time
Do Now	3-5 Min
Mini Lesson	15-20 Min
Activity	15 Min
Discussion	5-7 Min

The French Revolution - Causes & Overview

Causes:

The French Revolution has political, social, and economic causes.

• Politically, France suffered under an Absolute Monarchy, and most people were denied basic rights, or a say in their government.
• Socially, France was divided among 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 a severe financial crisis due to overspending. Also, bad harvests 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 situation by taking control of government.

1st Stage: National Assembly

Third Estate declares itself the National Assembly, vows to write new Constitution. (1789)

Classwork & Homework

Lesson PowerPoint: The French Revolution - Stage 1

Lesson Video: The French Revolution - Overview

Lesson Activity:

• The French Revolution - Causes
• The French Revolution - Causes (Political/Social/Economic)

Homework: Assignments