World History: The French Revolution Begins

Influence of the American Revolution

• The American Revolution proved that a monarchy could be overthrown, inspiring revolutionary sentiment in France.

Formation of the National Assembly

• The Third Estate established the National Assembly to advocate for the rights and interests of ordinary citizens.

Economic Crisis and the American Revolution

• French support for the American Revolution worsened King Louis XVI's financial issues, accelerating the economic crisis.

Privileges of the Second Estate

• Members of the Second Estate enjoyed extensive privileges, granting them a higher social and political status.

Montesquieu's Separation of Powers

• Montesquieu advocated for dividing government responsibilities into different branches to promote liberty and justice.
• Separation of powers prevents any single branch from becoming too powerful, maintaining a system of checks and balances.

Tax Burden Under the Old Regime

• The aristocracy, or the Second Estate, paid the least in taxes, contributing to the financial disparities in France.

Similarities in Declarations

• Both the Declaration of Independence and the Declaration of Rights of Man emphasized the right to liberty for individuals.

Equality in the Declaration of Rights of Man

• The Declaration of Rights of Man established legal equality for all French citizens, in stark contrast to the hierarchical structure of the Old Regime, which consisted of three estates.

Basis of Social Divisions

• French society was divided into three estates based on social class, which dictated political rights and responsibilities.

Government Actions During Crisis

• Amidst poor harvests, famine, and civil unrest, the French government responded to the financial crisis by increasing taxes on its citizens.