Causes revision - Storming of the Bastille

When was the Storming of the Bastille?

14 July 1789.

What was the Ancien Régime?

France's old social and political system, based on unequal privileges.

What were the Three Estates?

First: clergy. Second: nobility. Third: common people.

What percentage of France's population belonged to the Third Estate?

Approximately 98% of the population.

Why was the Third Estate unhappy?

They had few privileges, little political power and heavy taxes.

What was the taille?

A direct tax paid to the government.

What was the gabelle?

A tax on salt.

What were tithes?

A tax of approximately 10% paid to the Church.

What was the Enlightenment?

A movement encouraging people to question government, power and society.

What did John Locke believe?

People had natural rights, including life, liberty and property.

How did wars contribute to France's financial crisis?

They increased government debt, including the American Revolution (1778–1783).

Why did Louis XVI struggle to fix France's finances?

Nobles resisted new taxes because they wanted to keep their privileges.

What was the Revolt of the Nobles?

Nobles resisted royal attempts to introduce new taxes.

When did Louis XVI call the Estates-General?

5 May 1789.

Why was the Third Estate unhappy with Estates-General voting?

Each Estate had one vote, allowing the First and Second Estates to outvote them.

When did the Third Estate form the National Assembly?

17 June 1789.

What was the purpose of the National Assembly?

To represent the French people and create a new constitution.

When was the Tennis Court Oath?

20 June 1789.

What did the Tennis Court Oath promise?

Not to separate until France had a new constitution.

What happened on 11 July 1789?

Louis XVI dismissed Jacques Necker, angering ordinary Parisians.