French+Revolution+JB

Jena Bogan

“The essential cause of the French Revolution was the collision between a powerful rising bourgeoisie and an entrenched aristocracy defending its privileges” ​  Assess the validity of this statement as an explanation of the events leading up to the French Revolution of 1789.

Thesis: This statement is true to an extent, the French Revolution was primarily caused by the collision of the two groups, however famine and France's horrible financial state aided to the increasing tension.

BP 1 (Bourgeoisie vs. Aristocracy): 1. Aristocracy recieved exemption from taille (ridiculous tax on basically everything) 2. Eminent property law- Land owners had to pay fee to the surrounding wealthiest land owner, like rent 3. Bourgeoisie wanted to be counted by head in order to not be out voted by the aristocracy 4. The nobility was power hungry and enjoyed suppressing the 3rd estate 5. Nobles collected benalities which were unfair and angered the bourgeoisie 6. Aristocracy controlled Parliement- those jobs were never even offered to the Bourgeoisie who were more deserving of the roles because they worked harder to become successful in life where as the Aristocracy inherites everything 7. Bourgeosie irritated from being constantly undermined by the other estates

BP 2 (Famine): 8. Violent food riots because people were hungry 9. Poor harvest 10. Bread prices at record high 11. Poor transportation throughout France lead to increase in food prices 12. Let them eat cake-Marie Antoinette's sarcastic comment about the lack of flour in France 13. In response to ^^ Versailles was stormed by 20,000 woman looking for Marie who escaped

BP 3 (France's debt): 14. Aided U.S. in American Revolution which put them in LOTS of debt 15. Calonne proposes tax reform aimed at the aristocracy which got him fired 16. Louis XIV excessively taxed poor 17. Louis called Assembly of Notables but they refused to impose taxes 18. Called on Estates General when a solution couldnt be reached- each estate represented. 19. Little cooperation from the aristocracy who resisted any kind of tax 20. France's debt eventually worsened after Louis was killed because more wars were started

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